Stuck on Engine Alignment

[andrewterri]

After 3 trips for wrenches I have discovered 1 1/8th fits the closest for the top locking nut on a 2014 4.3 MPI motor mount. Problem is on my engine i can not get to the lower (adjusting) bolt. It has been a three day after work project. Does anyone have any idea's? Regular wrenches are too long as they are hitting the engine or side of bilge. Tried finding a "S" shaped open end wrench and i can not find one around here in that size. Trying to get the alignment done so I can put it on the lift this weekend. I thought about using a channel locks but really don't want to round the bolt. A crescent wrench that would fit would be too long.

 

[scoflaw]

I found the correct size open/box wrench at Autozone and cut it in half

 

[andrewterri]

The problem is not so much the length but the angle. I might be able to cut a wrench to fit never thought about that. I am having trouble even finding that right size since i can not get a wrench on it.

 

[scoflaw]

That lock tab might be in your way. Get a mirror and light for a better look

 

[andrewterri]

I was able to get the lock tab moved up and out of the way just fighting with not being able to get a wrench in there.

 

[harringtondav]

I'd gone through this for years. I finally purchased a crows foot wrench. You have to hold your mouth right when using it, but it works. https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-97736-2-Inch-8-Inch-Crowfoot/dp/B002YKD45M

 

[achris]

.... Does anyone have any idea's? .... Tried finding a "S" shaped open end wrench and i can not find one around here in that size. ....

Then make one!

If you haven't got a spanner of the right shape, make it the right shape. Spanners are cheap, buy 'em by the box... Then get a torch and make them whatever shape you need them.... Here's an assortment of spanners that are now the right shape for the jobs they are needed for...



Chris.........

 

[andrewterri]

that crows foot looks like an awesome idea. I don't have a torch but have a heat gun that will get to 1100 degrees. I will try that tonight. You think a heat gun will get hot enough?

 

[Bondo]

You think a heat gun will get hot enough?

Nope,...... Not by another 1000*,.....

 

[andrewterri]

Would a propane torch be hot enough?

 

[andrewterri]

Do you guys know what size that lower adjusting nut is? I know it is smaller that the 1 1/8th top locking nut. Going around town to find the right size crows foot will probably be my best option but dont want to make multiple trips into town as i dont live very close. The parts diagram just shows a 3/4 inch for the stub size.

 

[achris]

Top and bottom nuts are the same size...

 

[blamtro]

I just did mine with one of these: Stanley Proto J3536 Thin Pattern... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0025PS90Q?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[scoflaw]

Top and bottom nuts are the same size...

Not on my 1999

 

[achris]

Not on my 1999

Which is not a 4.3L, so it's a good thing we're not working on your engine then, isn't it.... You can't compare YOUR engine to his.... Why even try? It just confuses matters.

On the OP's engine, those nuts ARE the same size... Here's the drawing, and the part numbers for the top and bottom nuts are the same, meaning the nuts are the same, so they use the same size spanner.

 

[CamaroMan]

if its that hard - id consider lifting up the motor a tad and if possible remove motor mounts and take em to the bench- grease the heck out of them if nothing else works.. theyll be alot easier to use. Ive seen rusted so bad the nut is already corroded and a pipe wrench is about the only thing (and heat)

 

[Scott06]

My engine was 1&1/16”

 

[achris]

My engine was 1&1/16”

Yep, that's the spanner size... AND IT'S THE SAME FOR BOTH TOP AND BOTTOM NUT ON THIS ENGINE....

Chris........

 

[Scott06]

Yep same for top and bottom nuts locking tabs were a major pain in the arse

 

[andrewterri]

Thank you guts for all of your help. I was able to find a 6" square jaw crescent that was able to be worked in there and make the adjustments. A sharpy to mark the nut and a piece of broken mirror to see how far im turning the nut and i was able to get there. And yes both nuts are the same size. I did not think they were at first. They are 1 1/8th.