Bukh engine mounts

[isandell]

We have a 20 hp Bukh and the engine mounts are original, prolly 20+ years. They look a bit manky, mainly rust on the metal covers although the metal seems solid. I can't get to the rubbers to see what condition they are in.

Do flexible mounts age and if so what's a reasonable life? It seems quite a lot of time and money to replace them if not necessary.

Ian

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[TonyBrooks]

Yes they do age - and go gooey if contaminated by hydrocarbons.

I have just changed my 11 year old ones on a DV36. 1 very Gooey, 1 just going gooey, 1 splitting and 1 OK.

If you have an Aquadrive, its an easy DIY job because you will not have to re-align teh shaft, if not and you ahve never re-aligned to the shaft I woudl advise watching a "professsional" do it.

To check these mounts, undo the shaft coupling (nt with Aquadrive) and place a large bar over the engine bed and under the engine foot. Get someoen to stand on the otehr end of the bar whilst you inspect the mount.

If there is significant "lift" the mount is faulty.

Tony Brooks

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[oldharry]

Having just acquired a Bukh 20 (complete with boat!) I asked the local Bukh agent the same question. At £108 a set + Voluntary Added Tip, they are not cheap. He reckoned that provided the rubber is still solid and firmly attached they are OK. What often happens is that they get oil or fuel on them which causes the rubber to soften and break up after a while. Also the metal parts can corrode away and fail, but normally only in open workboat installations where they are more exposed to salt spray.

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[VicMallows]

At least the BUKH mounts are not too bad to replace since the engine mounting bolt goes in from above, rather than the mount having an upward stud which the engine mounting leg has to fit over. On the other hand, as mentioned, alignment can be a pain since has to be done with shims. Make sure to soak everything in realease fluid for several days rather than risk sheering a bolt.

Vic

(sorry OldHarry ... reply intended for isandell ... havn't got the hang of this 'quick-reply' function yet!!!!!)