SV21 Engine Mount Query

[ajh]

When resealing the sump on a 3S-FE in a Camry, the w/s manual says to unbolt the engine torque mount and remove the centre member.

I just want to make sure I've read this correctly. I'm assuming, "torque mount" means an engine mount that stops the engine "twisting" under load and does not actually support weight. The weight is supported by the other mounts. Am I correct?????

Being the first front drive car I've owned, I'm not overly familiar with their design. And the way these Haynes w/s manuals are written, sometimes they're bloody confusing!!!

Thanks,

Andrew

[JetspeedCamry]

The engine torque mount is the one located next to the timing belt. Removing it alone will be fine, as there a 3 other mounts supporting the engine. Curious as to why you'd need to remove it when resealing a sump...

[ajh]

I've removed the mount from the timing cover end of the engine before when I replaced a timing belt. Going by what this book is saying ( I did mention it's confusing), they show a photo of the underside of the engine bay, where you can see the centre member with the exhaust running next to it. The photo shows a plastic plug in the centre member, it says to remove the plug which will expose 2 bolts (apparently for the torque mount). undo the 2 bolts, then undo the mounting bolts on the centre member and remove it, to gain access to the sump bolts. ( It does say to remove the engine pipe as well, however I'm fine with that bit)

As I mentioned, I'm wondering if I need to support the engine when I do this.

Cheers

Andrew

[JetspeedCamry]

Ahh..yeah it's refering to a different mount than i was thinking. You can remove that "centre mount" (torque mount ) without any dramas. Just undo the bolts and drop the member to give access to the sump. The engine is still being supported but its 4 main engine mounts (unless you plan to remove the N-S member aswell, in which case, you'd need to support the engine.

[ajh]

Thanks for the advice,

I just thought it best to make sure before I go unbolting anything.

Cheers,

Andrew

[Dale]

I thought the center crossmember would be the NS one.. or do camry's have an extra crossmember than celicas, corollas etc?

Although if the haynes manual makes no reference to supporting the engine you wouldn't need to, they always make mention of supporting it when needed.. else they'd be up for some hefty lawsuits

[JetspeedCamry]

^ It is, hence why i'm confused as to why you'd only be removing the centre mount only, to remove the entire crossmember. There are 3 mounts bolted to it, which include the front and rear main engine mounts..this is why i suggested that if your going to remove those, then best to support the engine.

[hi-ace]

If you are only going to reseal the sump, you should be able to remove all the cross members from under the motor without any problems. As long as any top ones are still done up. About a month ago we replace the main seal in the daughter inlaws wagon. We got the gearbox out and back in all with out needing to support the motor.

[Dale]

edited 10 char

[Aust162]

If you are only going to reseal the sump, you should be able to remove all the cross members from under the motor without any problems. As long as any top ones are still done up. About a month ago we replace the main seal in the daughter inlaws wagon. We got the gearbox out and back in all with out needing to support the motor.

If you want to get squashed by an engine and transmission, take the advice above

Most of the weight sits on the NS crossmember and it's mounts, not on the lateral engine mounts.

Theres nothing wrong with doing it like that. It will hold itself no problem with two mounts. it just swings back and forward.I put a sissor jack underneath the gearbox to stablize it while i tightened things up.

[hi-ace]

Sorry about putting a photo here, but as you can see, no cross members,no engine supports, no gearbox.

I don't say much, unless I know what I'm saying is right.

[JetspeedCamry]

^ Does that mean that the entire engine was resting on the 1 mount next to the timing belt?

[Dale]

As already questioned above me?

At any rate, you're more game than me if that's what you did

[ajh]

Thanks for all the replies,

I think, going by what's been said I will remove the centre member as described. HOWEVER, to be on the safe side I'll put a jack under the transmission for peace of mind.

Thanks again,

Andrew

[hi-ace]

Andrew, safe is always best.
All I was trying to do is answer this question.

As I mentioned, I'm wondering if I need to support the engine when I do this.

Good luck with your job, as we now have a sump leak to fix.

[ajh]

My apologies,

I wasn't implying the way you did it was "unsafe" as such, I just meant that I'd put a jack there for my own peace of mind. You're probably a lot more familiar with these vehicles than I am.

The last cars I did any "serious" work on were my HZ 5lt Kingswood and my 1982 Trans Am.

Sorry if that didn't come across too well, as you've probably gathered I don't communicate anywhere near as well via email compared to face to face.

Again, Thanks for all the advice.