Hardwood engine mounts

[stepheno]

Hi All,
I have replaced my 4-cyl diesel with a new, similar motor (Nissan 2.3 litre). The old motor had mild steel shims under each engine mount to allow alignment with the prop shaft. The motor is hard mounted to the hull with 4 studs; no rubber.

What's your thoughts on using hardwood to shim up the engine mounts. It will allow me to sand the wood down to get a fine adjustment. I'm thinking I can make a single block, slightly oversized at 1/2," then shave it down to the correct height. Is hardwood suitable for this job or should I go with stainless steel shims?

Another option is a nylon block; again easier to shape than steel.

Thanks

[rbk]

Now would be the time to install proper adjustable engine mounts. They are one of the cheapest things on a boat.

[stepheno]

Thanks Rbk. Unfortunately, adjustables will lift the motor too high. I've inherited steel base plates bolted directly to the hull, with 4 projecting studs that fix to the engine's mounts. I have to shim the two rear mounts about 1/8" and the front two about 2/8".


https://www.dropbox.com/s/7tvzh73zhx...ne%20mount.JPG

[DougR]

Use metal (steel, aluminum), or chockfast.

[genki]

I've used hard white oak before, although under a proper flexible mount.

[rbk]

If possible might be worthwhile to have some new steel brackets done up dropped and inch if possible then install flexible mounts on the new brackets. Some steel brackets shouldn’t cost much to fabricate. It’s kind of the right time to correct it. If not on flexible mounts it will transfer that vibration somewhere else.

[Stu Jackson]

rg is right. But, whatever you do to support the engine, just find a way to be able to adjust whatever the mounts are so you can align the engine, and NOT by the mounts but rather the studs that are on whatever the supports below may be.