TR4/4A TR4 v. TR4A engine mounts?

[CinneaghTR]

Okay, it's time for new engine mounts for the 4A. Which is better, the round 4 or square 4A mounts? Are there any differences?

Thanks!

 

[TR4A_IRS]

One would assume the 4A mounts are better, as they would have been an "improved" design. When I bought my car, the engine mounts were so bad that the fan pulley was rubbing on the steering rack and now has a nice groove in it where it was rubbing. I ordered new engine mounts and somehow got the older style mounts, and they did not locate the engine properly. I replaced them with the proper 4A stlye and have been happy with them for almost 15 years.

 

[KVH]

I bought two types: The rectangular ones from Moss, and the "new" round ones for TR4As from BPN.

After carefully examining both, and measuring the thicknesses, I went ahead and installed the rectangular ones from Moss. They work fine.

But most importantly, I slipped two good sized steel washers over the bolts before letting the engine back down. The extra space of about 1/4 inch on each side between the mount and the front engine plate foot is very nice to have. Prior to then, the clearance was ridiculous and the pulley extension was hitting the cross bar as I went over bumps in the road.

From my experience, and others on this Board have agreed, it's worthwhile to install those spacers (which can also be installed after the fact, by just loosening the mounting bolts, jacking under the oil pan, and sliding the washers down onto the bolt after cutting a "slot" out of each washer so it will slide horizontally onto the bolt under the foot of the front engine plate).

Good luck.

 

[CinneaghTR]

Thanks, guys. A while back, I had ordered the "improved" QH 4 mounts from BPNW, but I might break the piggy bank and order the 4A ones from Moss. The 4A mounts in the car now were supposedly new and since the fan pedestal was rubbing, I assumed that I needed something different. My Dad took one look at the current mounts and said they needed to be replaced.

I'll get some spacers and start preparing them while I'm at it. I am afraid of getting too much height and having the thermostat housing hit the hood, but I'll keep an eye on it.

 

[trfourtune]

why don't you just shim the new mounts you have. The improved mounts are supposedly an improved rubber (probably a stiffer compound). Not possible??
Rob