Citabria When is it time to replace the engine mount bushings?

[kubark42]

Someone looking at my 7ECA commented about the spinner possibly being low on the cowling. He asked if that were normal or if it were an indication that the mounts were getting long in the tooth (they're original from 1998).

Looking on this forum, I found https://champcitabriadecathlonforums.com/threads/engine-movement.146/#post-743 where @Bartman describes the same 1" gap as on mine.

What does "bad" look like and what does "good" look like? Is this sag a visual effect because the cowling is generic to many engine types, or is this the first clue I should consider replacing my mounts?

 

[Big Ed]

There is about 1 inch of play in the cowl. So could just be the cowl was out of position when you tightened it down. Pull the cowl and have your IA inspect the shock mounts. 24 years does seem like a long time for rubber parts.

 

[Bob Turner]

The lower ones are probably mush by now. You will see metal to metal contact.

Some say the $200 type are required, but I am having great luck with the easily replaced Lycoming type without metal inserts. Ten years seems to be a good number to shoot for.