engine mounts

[fjbauer@dsavm.e-mail.com]

Frank J. Bauer                                                                  
dassault systemes of America     email:fjbauer@dsavm.e-mail.com                 
Subject: engine mounts                                                          
lino sez:                                                                       
> I have an 86 5kCDTQW (not diesel please). It has a 2.2 turbo MC engine.       
> I was checking the condition of my engine mounts, and I noticed that the      
> front engine mount is not being supported.  The rubber mount is there but     
> nothing supports it.  That's the one protruding into and behind the front     
> grill underneath the intercooler.                                             

i believe this is a mechanism designed for protection in frontal impact,        
not an engine mount.  it seems to me that in a severe head-on collision, this   
bracket would force the engine to turn downward and move under the car rather   
than rearward and into the passenger compartment.  the rear engine mounts       
are designed as a pivot for this action.  anyone know fersure?                  
frank