Ordering up parts for this job and it seems the bolts/gromets are no longer available AJ86865 and AJ86866. Do you know whether these need to be replaced by default, or whether they can be re-used with care? I'm assuming by the description they include a rubber grommet which I'd expect would be spoil...

Sounds like a plan. I'll flush and change the oil, listen to it again and see. One observation I made while changing the spark plugs is that the valve cover gasket appears to be compromised on the left hand bank as the plugs were a little wet - I guess this might be leading to burning of oil and sho...

I've just disconnected each of the coil plugs in turn and each resulted in the same slight drop in revs, so presumably I can rule out coils - and the plugs were replaced only a month or so ago. Disconnecting the wires to the two VVT solenoids has no obvious effect incidentally, but I guess that woul...

It's a 2004 3.5 V8 - VIN ending G31406. Assuming this little fella circled blue is the VVT solenoid, then yes :) Is there a way to test these? Perhaps remove the electrical connector while running on either side and listen? There are no codes according to my iCarsoft LR II. IMG_3452.jpg I do note a ...

She's covered 106,000 miles, certainly not a pensioner.

The engine oil level is good, still just under the top mark after 6,000 miles since she had a fresh dose of Fuchs 5W30 synthetic.

Video here for the audio - would this be considered a good running sound, or not? I feel a significant vibration which seems at its peak at 1400rpm, but curious to see whether the slightly offset rhythm rings any bells for anyone with experience working with this AJ-V8 engine...? https://youtu.be/sg...

Took a short video of mine - really not moving very much so looks as though the mounts are intact.

https://youtu.be/tJlReJnZzlc

Shirish, you never came back with your results - did you find the improvement you were hoping for?

Jeremy

I was planning to sit in the driver's seat with one foot on the brake and the other on the throttle, certainly not trust the parking brake... you can see the engine rise from there with the bonnet open

I've understand that running the engine with the transmission in gear and the brake held stationary will lift the left side of the engine in Drive. Everything I've read suggests "excessive" lift shows a bad mount... but does anyone hand an idea of what "excessive" is, exactly? An inch or so?

Jeremy

Hello Mike, I'm no writer and couldn't come up with a magazine article, sorry. Also I didn't take any photos other than the "done it" picture I posted. The method was exactly per that youtube video, with the exception that I had to cut the lug bolts off and bash the remainder through, as there isn't...

It’s a 2004 model so perhaps some changes...?

I’d appreciate a photo PM, thank you!

Jeremy

May I ask for your guidance as to how to get around the various obstacles on the passenger side please? IMG_3243_LIs.jpg I believe I need to remove the pipes shown red and blue - and also get the yellow-marked wiring bundle out of the way to stand a chance of lifting the plugs... are the pipes safe ...

Hi Mike, Happy to report that the leverage method worked - angle grinder to cut enough off the wheel studs to knock them through, gradual application of force at 3 points around the hub, it came out within a minute. Took me far longer to loosen the bolts in the first place. IMG_3237 - Copy.JPG Anywa...

Mike, wondering whether you have seen this approach?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8Vamjqy7_Q

... guessing you would you advise against it, but curious why... it looks fairly quick compared to dismantling as you describe, but life has taught me to look for the catch

Thanks,
Jeremy