Oil pan touching the front axle - What is wrong?

[GGR]

Hi all,

I was looking at the Pagoda of a local enthusiast and I realized there is no clearance between his oil plan and the front axle and they are touching each other. The engine is sitting too low, and this is confirmed by the fan propeller having much more clearance at the top of the shroud than at the bottom. The engine arms look to be the correct SL ones and the engine mounts as well as the front axle mounts were replaced new recently. They do not look to have collapsed. One solution would be to insert shims between the engine brackets and engine mounts. But I would like to understand what is wrong as all parts seem to be the correct ones and in good condition?

[stickandrudderman]

You're probably witnessing the same problem I have been having with after-market engine mountings; they're rubbish. This gap between the sump and sub-frame is something I always look for and the absence of it is a sure sign of failed engine mountings.
I have a restoration in progress at the moment where I had to replace the engine mountings after just 6 months and the car hadn't even left the ramp!
I only fit genuine engine mounts now.

[StevenF]

I happen to agree with Stick.  After doing work on my engine, my mechanic said that we can ONLY use MB engine mounts--I know they are expensive, but well worth it.
Regards
Steven

[GGR]

Thanks! The engine mounts do indeed look a bit flat but because they were replaced recently and had no cracks/separation I thought they were OK.

[Fintail]

Hi All

And the subframe mounts collapse. Good job the 230sl had the extra plates on the top ( a bear to install). No harm to check the front subframe mounts.

regards

John

[cfm65@me.com]

Hi Guys,
Can anyone give me the height of new engine mountings. I have just removed mine, the engine was touching on the left and mounting on the left is 56 mm. The one on the right is down to 50mm BUT NOT  touching on the right, yet.
Both 'rugby ball' shaped shims under the mounting were missing. Not sure if the 250SL also had the shims???
Regards
Chris

[stickandrudderman]

New original MB ones are 58mm total height.

[cfm65@me.com]

TKS Colin,
Does the 250SL have the shims under the mountings?
Regards
Chris

[GGR]

I think the plate is not a shim. It is there to allow for another bushing and bolt to limit upwards travel, in the same way as the stop plates over the front axle mounts. This is to avoid the cam cover denting the hood.

[cfm65@me.com]

Thanks GGR,
Yes, I suppose 'shim' is not the correct name. My car does not have these stop plates, but I found one amongst my junk. I'll order new mountings and stop plates with their bushings, thanks.
Have a great weekend.
Regards
Chris

[cfm65@me.com]

Colin,
Your answer to an earlier question of mine, you mentioned that new MB mountings are 58mm 'total' height.
By 'total' did you mean mounting + stop plate = total height 58 mm.  OR IS THIS HEIGHT OF THE MOUNTING ALONE? and stop plate will raise the engine by another 5 mm or so.
Much appreciated.
Regards
Chris
Cape Town

[stickandrudderman]

That's the bare engine mounting on its own on my desk.

[cfm65@me.com]

TKS Colin,
Compliments of the season.
Regards
Chris

[450sl]

The mount itself is 58mm , with a fresh lowerrubber and backplate mounted the total comes to 58,5 -59,5 mm .

This because the lower bolt squeezes the assembly a bit down.

Mark

[cfm65@me.com]

TKS for the heads up, Mark.
Regards
Chris