What do shot engine mounts sound like...

[Chazwozza]

Hi there,

Just introduced myself in the general area, but I've just picked up a 1988 Scirocco Scala 1.8 Carb.

Its in great condition really, with no rust except on the drivers door - which is really quite bad, weird how it takes hold so specifically like that. So I'll be replacing that soon.

Anyway, the problem in hand. When sharply coming off the throttle at med-high revs, there is a very noticeable thud that sounds and feels like it is coming from the lower bulkhead. It's entirely avoidable by easing off more gently. My first thought is that this is an engine/transmission mounting issue, I had a lot of those with my old Minis and it sounds and feels similar.

Can anyone confirm that, or is this a common problem with something else I just haven't heard of as a VW noob?

The weird thing is that I can't move the engine at all by hand and there was always tons of movement in the Mini's unit when the mounts or stabiliser's were going in them, but then, maybe the VW is more solid in that sense.

So yeh, thoughts? Please.

[mark1gls]

Its usually the front engine mount which fails, I've had a couple split in the year. You can get problems with the rear ones as well.
Best to lift the car up and have a look, both can be replaced very easily by undoing a couple of bolts, you just need to support the engine.
Does the car have an aftermarket manifold 4 to 1? or standard? you can have problems with the exhaust down pipe hitting the floor etc.

Lots and lots of places sell these, Euro car parts, GSf etc so check the price as these are the 1st one I found.
I would avoid polly bushes as you can get extra vibration and noise in the car from using these.
Link to pictures...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-MK1-S ... aT9VuAxXRg

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GEARBOX-MOUNT ... fOYe14y0qA

[james butler]

going to be the exhaust.
when the exhaust hanger lets go by the gear shifter under the floor, (which it will due to heat) it will knock of the hanger itself.
which not surprisingly is also caused by worn front and rear mounts as stated by mark1 gls.
replace the rear mount first if you think its that as its the most common to cause this issue

[whiteshark]

If you have a heavy right foot change to poly bush mounts. Bit of a stiffer ride but last forever. I had seven minis in my youth, the one shocking feature were the engine mounts. I even drilled mine to the body in my automatic as they were made so poorly. The Rocco ones last longer but the rear one is always the one to break first.

[Chazwozza]

It has had a 4 to 1 manifold fitted, so I will check the clearance there, cheers. Could well be the exhaust hanger near the gearshift, it definitely sounds like that area.

Otherwise as the mounts are easy enough to change might well do them just in case. I've heard the polys can cause vibration, but I did used to chew through mounts on my Minis, I agree whiteshark, they're the biggest let down with the car, so maybe I am a bit too right footed for the standard mounts.

Thanks for the help

[whiteshark]

If you have a four branch go Poly Bush on the engine mounts. Yes the car vibrates but your engine will not move half as much. Grab your engine and move it with the standard mounts. Replace with Polybush mounts and you question yourself why you did not do it sooner, plus your Four branch will not crack or hit the car floor due to the vibrations or acceleration. Make sure you have a flex section fitted between the four branch and the middle box of your exhaust system. If you have coil overs fitted do not fit Polybush suspension mountings as the car will really vibrate. I know as I have tried all variables. My friend in the States bough me a BBM Bahn Brenner Motorsport polybush kit. Far cheaper than VW heritage. Easy replacement, just make sure the engine is supported well when you change over the engine mounts.

[Chazwozza]

Is it the same mounts as a MK1 Golf?

Also, the exhuast is fouling on the underbody and fell of the last hanger the other day, are there such things as upgraded hangers? Thinking it might be too heavy for the factory ones?

[whiteshark]

Yes, should be the same as a MK 1 golf. If your exhaust is hanging the standard mounts should be fine unless you plan to rally. If you can borrow the use of a ramp and an extra body the exhaust should fit well, but it is not a quick install. If using a four branch make sure you have a flex section and ensure the curl on the back box is clear of the rear axle. This requires a bit of jigging and is the hardest part of the exhaust to fit correctly.

[mark1gls]

Mk1 Golf cabriolet uses the same stuff as a Mk2 Scirocco as they was in production at the same time.

On the back box I've this style of hanger x3 and I bought some Bosal ones and they have cracked and looks like they will split very soon and they are only 10 months old! Going to fit my old VW ones.
I cant remember where I got them from may here but check with GSF the make?
http://www.gsfcarparts.com/284vg0159

[mark1gls]

Yes, should be the same as a MK 1 golf. If your exhaust is hanging the standard mounts should be fine unless you plan to rally. If you can borrow the use of a ramp and an extra body the exhaust should fit well, but it is not a quick install. If using a four branch make sure you have a flex section and ensure the curl on the back box is clear of the rear axle. This requires a bit of jigging and is the hardest part of the exhaust to fit correctly.

Where can you buy a flex section from as I've got a 4 branch with out a flex joint, only they spring style fixing on the exhaust?
Looks like this?