MK3 iso front fitting problem

I have a pre mk3 mount that I had machined down .25" on both sides to use with the mk3 iso rubber but I'm having a hell of a time fitting the too wide rubber disk into the mount. what's the trick?

Don't know about any tricks for retro-fitting the MKIII type iso, but I recently replaced them on my MK III.

For my method you need:
Silicone spray lube
Large bench vice or clamping scheme (jaws wide enough to accommodate the iso tube (with rubbers) and the engine mount
Wide bladed screwdriver or similar

Method:

Spray the surface of the rubber on the side that will enter the engine mount. I also sprayed the inside of the mount So that once the rubber was inside it would slide through).
Align the engine mount and iso tube in you vice/clamp arrangement
Put slight pressure on the mount/tube while using the screwdriver (or similar) to compress the rubber. Don;t need (or want ) a lot of force, just enough to keep some pressure. The idea of the screwdriver is to press in on an edge of the rubber so that the vice/clamp pushes it inside the mount. Proceed around the whole edge of the rubber iso, tucking it into the mount opening. Then once the whole leading edge of the iso rubber is in the mount tube, crank the vice/clamp on down until you have to repeat for the other iso rubber to enter the mount.

Note: Don't know on the earlier models, but for the MKIII, there is definitely a "right" way/direction for the iso tube to go into the engine mount. This is because the engine to engine mount is offset relative to the frame tubes. The adjustable end of the MK III style iso needs the space from the extra offset. At least that appears to be the only way mine would work. Like I said, this may or may not apply to the retro-fit kits.

Hey Sprocket
I use Chemplex 710 silicone compound or use an O-ring lubricant.
CNN

Maybe I'm misunderstanding but shouldn't it be 1/4" of tube left on each side of the plates - Not 1/4" machined off each side? Probably a small bevel on the inside edges would help start it. Some can get the rubber in with their hands (and silicone grease).

Russ

yes, 1/4" remaining on either side.