[ISTA] Motor Mounts, Brake Torque, and the Helpless Upper Radiator Hose

["Paul Huizenga" <agtsmith@san.rr.com>]

The thread regarding motor mounts has brought another question to mind...

I've replaced my upper radiator hose twice now - both times, a 'maximum
effort' brake torqued launch caused the motor to rotate enough in its mounts
to turn the alternator fan into a makeshift saw blade and bite a chunk out
of the hose. I've "solved" the problem by cutting the pre-molded replacement
hose longer than indicated, giving sufficient clearance so that it's no
longer in harm's way, but I wonder if maybe I've just cured the symptom and
my motor mounts are shot. I can't get the engine to budge when I try to move
it by hand, and it rocks what I would consider a 'normal' amount (compared
to other vehicles I've owned) when the throttle is blipped in park.

Has anybody else had this problem? What's the best (read: least
labor-intensive) way to check the mounts?

Thanks again!

-Paul
Sy #1853