Leopard Motor Mounts

[Bryan W. Joplin]

Leopard engines have a reputation of vibrating. Therefore, motor mounts should be check regularly, where the mount attaches to the motor case and to the frame.

One loose case bolt will stress the remaining, and the last bolt holding will end up broken off in the case. Further, as the bolts work their way out, the vibration opens up the bolt holes ruining the threads.

To avoid loose case bolts, use red loctite and tighten to factory specification. Don’t forget, red loctite must be heated to remove the bolts.

If you have the misfortune to break a bolt, or strip the threads, all is not lost. Bolts can be removed and threads repaired. The most common mistake in making a repair, is trying to drill the bolts out or install heli-coils free hand. Drilling absolutely centered and vertical holes is critical to success of a repair and should be done on a drill press. I have seen off center or slightly angled repairs that would not match up to the vibration plate and motor mount. These bolts are so long, that a slight error makes assembly impossible.

If you have the misfortune to have a bad repair, these too can be redrilled.

Bryan