The engine mount (or motor mount) stabilises and secures an engine. An elastomer-based mounting will reduce the vibrations generated by the motor vehicle, making it more comfortable and enjoyable for the driver. The mount acts as an engine spring, reducing wear and tear.
Importance of Engine Mount
What signs are there of damaged engine mounts?
Mounts can break, and we often hear or feel an engine making a loud noise while accelerating. This is because the engine is moving in the engine compartment. The mount may collapse, causing engine vibration to become louder. It transmits vibrations to the vehicle’s frame and interior, which can lead to the failure of mechanical components.
1. Excessive Vibration
Engine vibrations that are excessively strong under acceleration are a sign of damaged mounts. Motor mounts are used to support and stabilise a vehicle’s engine. When an engine mount becomes damaged, excessive engine power can be produced, which causes the engine to move. This can cause severe vibrations in the machine, which then transfer to the passenger compartment. The passengers can feel and hear the vibration and noise transfer to their berths, creating an unpleasant travel experience.
2. Excessive engine rattling
A damaged or defective engine mount can cause engine rattling. The condition of the damaged mount can cause the engine to shake or move at an unusual speed. Sometimes, the engine may bump into other mechanical components, leading to excessive rattling.
3. Weird Engine Position
The engine mounts align and position the engine in the vehicle’s hood compartment. It stabilises the engine’s movement. A damaged or broken mount can cause engine alignment problems and could lead to engine malfunctions.
4. Engine Damage
Broken mounts can cause damage to other parts of the engine, such as the valve cover gasket and exhaust manifold. Mounts severely flawed can cause the engine to shift and react violently when the engine is revved up or driven at high speeds. The vehicle can suffer severe physical damage as engine parts may be damaged, cracked or dented.
Advantages of Rubber Engine Mounts
- Fewer road noises
- Dampened vibrations
- Dampened harshness
- There is no squeaking chance
- Lower cost
- Better heat resistance
Disadvantages of Rubber Engine Mounts
- Life expectancy
- Standard Performance
Rubber’s resistance to heat is one of its significant advantages over polyurethane. Rubber is recommended if the application requires substantial heat resistance. Rubber is also resistant to swelling under water. Industrial rubber engine mounts achieve the best vibration and noise-dampening effects; however, rubber-style mounts have some drawbacks. The amount of ozone in the rubber compound can cause this mount to crack or tear prematurely. This can cause excessive engine movement under greater loads.
Advantages of Polyurethane Engine Mounts
- Polyurethane lasts longer than rubber
- You have a better feeling on the road
- Performance enhancement
Disadvantages of Polyurethane Engine Mounts
- More roads noise
- More vibrations
- Higher price
- There’s a slight squeaking chance
- Less heat resistance
Polyurethane engine mounts have a higher durometer than rubber. This will keep the engine in its place better than rubber, which has a lower durometer. Polyurethane is generally more durable and rigid than rubber and, therefore, better suited for vehicles with higher modifications.
Conclusion
Whether rubber or polyurethane engine mount, finding the best for you will depend on your budget and preference. So to learn more about this topic or different coupling like marine gearbox couplings, visit Poly Flex or contact them at +61 7 3284 2799.