Engine mount spacers

[keithmac]

A question for the collective. Are engine mount spacer always required under series one front engine mounts?
I am replacing my mounts and there are none there now but I see them in the parts list. The lump seems a little low right now and is hitting the adjustable reaction plate bolts. Rear mount spring and rubbers seem fine.
Thoughts?

[christopher storey]

It is the risk of the carburetters jamming on 4.2 cars which is the real menace. On a 4.2 it is essential to have the spacers under the right hand ( i.e. carburetter side ) mounts. I don't believe that the same problem arises in the 3.8 with its "overhead" linkage, but if you think your engine is riding low I don't see that putting a spacer in would do any harm

[abowie]

In my experience they're never needed. As above they're there to stop the carbs hitting the tops of the engine frames.

This probably happens if the mounts are a bit saggy, if the engine is rotated slightly or if the frame rails aren't properly aligned. In that situation they'll jack up the right side of the engine just enough. Which is a lot easier than fixing frame malalignment etc in the factory, which is probably why they did it.

If you're dubious about frame rail malalignment look at the shimming for the front suspension. It is common to see six shims on one side and one on the other. This gives you an idea just how agricultural the frame to body fit can be.