[wicked_smart]

I have 125,000 on my 08 smart. I love this car and want to keep it. Of late she seems to be very tired, has anyone rebuilt their motor? I am looking for any info or advise. I have looked but can only fined replacement engines.

 

[Bob Denman]

What is your mechanical skill level?
One other point to consider... if the engine is getting tired: how do you feel about tearing into the transmission? :shrug:

 

[jetfuel]

...this details one of the sickest built here in SCOA...
.....https://www.smartcarofamerica.com/forums/f19/what-heck-vicious-moomobile-up-too-now-31107/

Jetfuel....how time flies....

 

[Miss Mercedes]

Before looking at rebuilding, have you given it a tuneup? New plugs, coils, lower motor mount, and a date with Marvel Mystery Oil is like a spa day for these engines.

 

[Bob Denman]

I get what you're saying;l but what's with the lower motor mounts?
Do they wear out early?

 

[Miss Mercedes]

The lower mount has a rubber bit that is supposed to smooth out the transmission of engine vibrations to the cabin. It also allows the engine some movement as well. As this part wears out, the engine moves a bit more, may transmit more vibrations to the cabin, and may also make the car feel more sluggish. An original motor mount on a 2008 with 125k on the odometer is likely to be very worn.

It's amazing how much better the car feels after swapping out a worn one for a new one.

 

[SLIVERS]

Speaking of motor/transmission mounts while exchanging my motor last month I found a broken/worn lower mount.
The donor engine had a good one but went with this addition.

http://powerflexusa.odoo.com/shop?search=PFR68-120

Very happy with it!

 

[Bob Denman]

The lower mount has a rubber bit that is supposed to smooth out the transmission of engine vibrations to the cabin. It also allows the engine some movement as well. As this part wears out, the engine moves a bit more, may transmit more vibrations to the cabin, and may also make the car feel more sluggish. An original motor mount on a 2008 with 125k on the odometer is likely to be very worn.

It's amazing how much better the car feels after swapping out a worn one for a new one.

Thanks for this little tidbit: I'll be sure to remember it! 0

EDIT: I forgot to ask something important...
Do all of the Smarts use the same motor mount?

 

[jimvw57]

all the same models do (451 for the 2008 year)

 

[Bob Denman]

They do?
Thanks! 0

 

[jimvw57]

2008-2014 (?)

 

[Bob Denman]

Uh-oh: mine is a 2016...

 

[Miss Mercedes]

Welp, time to do some research!

After some rough searching through Evilution, SmartMadness, eBay, and some European part sources, it looks like the 453 fortwo and forfour do employ some sort of absorbent mounts too, but I've yet to find any performance variants of them. I also haven't found anything to suggest when you would want to replace them. SmartMadness doesn't even advertise OEM replacements on their site.

Maybe someone else can shine some light on 453 motor mounts, until then I'll keep working the Google machine!

 

[wicked_smart]

I had the trans and clutch rebuilt 2 years ago at a crazy price.

 

[Bob Denman]

What year is your Smart?