We found a problem with the Energy Suspension (3-1114G) polyurethane engine mounts on the big-block in my 55. The motor only has a few minutes run time, has not been abused, but the driver's side mount has now collapsed. The other side has not collapsed, but the material seems softer than I would have expected. There is a torque strap on the driver's side, but it is not tight. Has anyone else seen this problem? Are there alternatives to the Energy Suspension brand?
1955 2D HT, 1957 2D Sedan, 2004 Z06 Corvette, http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/OL...?sort=3&page=0
What has ES said about it? I'd like to see a picture of the failed part. Do you have a durometer gauge? It would be interesting to test an area that hasn't collapsed or been destroyed.
I'm going to talk to ES today. I don't have a durometer gauge, but I would guess they are about 70D. You can dent them pretty easily with your finger.
1955 2D HT, 1957 2D Sedan, 2004 Z06 Corvette, http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/OL...?sort=3&page=0
Keep us posted. I have four sets in stock that I'm going to check today. BTW, I just noticed you live just South West of my eldest Son. He lives in Katy (Cinco Ranch).
I've been using the 3-1114-G ES mounts on all my SBC and BBC installations. Interested to know what you find out about them. When you say "collapsed", what exactly do you mean by that? Did the mount tear in two? I thought it was designed specifically not to do that.
56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension
Other vehicles:
56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
1962 327/340HP Corvette
1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
2001 Porsche Boxster S
2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax
ES says the hardness should be 70D. So, I would say it's about normal. The urethane has extruded out the side, letting the weight collapse the mount. They say the only thing that would cause this problem is heat. The #1 header tube on the left side is pretty close. I guess that has to be it. Now, I have the dilemma of how to fix it. I moved from Katy a few years ago. It's only a few miles away, but I'm closer to work.
1955 2D HT, 1957 2D Sedan, 2004 Z06 Corvette, http://s1070.photobucket.com/user/OL...?sort=3&page=0
Can you post a picture of the proximity issue - I'd like to know how close too close is?Originally Posted by OLKY55
The urethane should be able to take some pretty good heat. It certainly should be good well past normal water temperature.
I believe these mounts are a thermoset rather than a thermoplastic. I have to wonder if it ever cured and was defective from the start.
IMG_4356.jpgFrom this old pic, taken prior to paint, you can see it is pretty close. You can even see where I had trimmed the top flange. These are the Williams ceramic coated ground-hugger headers. The ES tech said they see this a lot with block-hugger headers. It seems like I must need mounts that won't melt.
That doesn't look all that close to me. I agree with Rick on this. Urethane is a thermoset and should not "flow" like that, IMO.
56 Nomad, Ramjet 502, Viper 6-speed T56, C4 Corvette front and rear suspension
Other vehicles:
56 Chevy 2-door BelAir sedan
56 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
57 Chevy 210 4-door sedan
1962 327/340HP Corvette
1961 Willys CJ3B Jeep
2001 Porsche Boxster S
2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD Duramax
2019 GMC Sierra Denali Duramax
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