Motormounts are not a very glamorous product, but they do have an importantfunction:They support the engine and transmission, and dampen noise and vibration.The mounts isolate the engine and transmission from the chassis sovibrationsand noise are not transmitted to the rest of the vehicle.Onsome front-wheel-drive cars, upper mounts (torque struts) also control the foreandaft movements of the engine during acceleration.Mostmotor mounts are relatively simple in design and consist only of Reducer accessories metal attachmentplates and large rubber insulator blocks. But, some vehicles have “hydraulic” or “hydro-mounts” withhollow chambers filled with glycol or hydraulic fluid.Hydro-mountsact like a jelly-filled donut to absorb vibrations that would otherwise betransmitted to the chassis.

Hydro-mounts are often used with four-cylinder andV6 engines that don’t idle as smoothly as a V8, and in luxury vehicles where motorist***pect less noise and vibration. Some hydro-mounts even have internal valvingand/or a solenoid to change the dampening characteristics at different rpm tobetter tune out unwanted vibrations. These are called “switchable” hydraulic mountsor “electronic” mounts.Mountinga Diagnostic AttackWhena motor or transmission mount fails, one of several things can happen. If therubber separates or delaminates from the steel, themount can break. The design of the mount usually prevents the engine fromfalling out of the car, but it can’t keep the engine from twistingor rocking when the vehicle accelerates or is under load.Thiscan produce thumping and rattling noises, as well as overstressing componentssuch as radiator and heater hoses, wiring connectorsand the exhaust system.

In rear-wheel-drive applications that have anengine-driven fan, a broken mount may allow the fanto hit the radiator or shroud. Drive belts or pulleys may also be forced to rubagainst other components if clearances are tight.Abroken or loose motor mount in a front-wheel-drive application can be even moreserious because it may allow engine movements thatinterfere with the throttle or shift linkage. Excessive fore and aft rocking ofa transverse-mounted engine also can lead to exhaust leakswhere the head pipe joins the manifold, or cause the head pipe itself to fail.If the broken mount is an end mount, it may also contributeto a torque steer condition and cause accelerated wear or separation of theinner CV joints on one or both halfshafts.Themotor mounts are seldom checked unless there is an obvious problem, and theymay even be overlooked if the engine or transmissionis being replaced.

If you want to handle your own plumbing needs, there are some basic tools that you need to have in your arsenal. These will help you do a wide variety of worm gearbox things with your pipes, and this small investment in gear just might save you money on calling the plumber.Get A Grip - WrenchesThe most basic and essential tool for your plumbing needs is the wrench. There are two different kinds of wrenches - adjustable and fixed. Fixed wrenches are ones that are made for a certain size. The best possible situation is to have a whole ton of fixed wrenches - one for every size of pipe. This is what the pros have. If that's not an option, and it isn't for most folks, go with a good adjustable wrench and some common fixed wrench sizes.Needed Suction - PlungersWe all know that you need a good plunger for the toilet.

When it gets backed up, you can jam that sucker in there and prevent about 90% of the most common plumbing problems. But you also need plungers for the sink, tub and shower. The one used for these flat surfaces is called a cup plunger. The one for the toilet is called a ball plunger. If you've got real problems, you might look into getting a bellows plunger. This is the strongest type and it can get out really serious clogs.Crank It Out - AugersLots of folks have never used an auger before, but this is a really important plumbing tool for getting out clogs. It's a coiled cable that you insert into a pipe. It has a mechanism that you turn and it gets out clogs in drains. There are several different types and you should have one of each. The sink auger is used for sink clogs, and for the deeper toilet clogs, you need a toilet auger.

 The main advantage is that it's longer so it can reach further, and it has a different kind of cranking mechanism.Cut And Ream - Pipe VisesPipe vises also come in handy when you're doing your own plumbing work. These are vises made specifically to grip pipes. They come in lots of different sizes and can be used to do lots of things. You can use them for threading pipes, cutting them or also reaming them. These are a little more advanced than the other types of equipment listed here, but if you're doing any real work with your pipes you'll need some.Patch Things Up - Teflon TapeFinally, when you need to patch things up, you should use Teflon tape. This is the absolutely best type for dealing with leaking pipes. It's cheap, but it holds connections really secure so you don't have to worry about leaks. No other tape does it quite like Teflon.