Excessive Vibration Under Load

[dan_sando88]

Hi Guys.

I'm slowly working through the problems with my van and tidying it up but have recently come across something very annoying!

I did an engine swap a few months back now and ever since I have had excessive engine vibrations when the engine come under load but also when cold or on idle. ( I have read a couple of situations of others experiencing the same problems on here and other forums but yet to have any luck) I was hoping someone might have some insights.

Symptoms: lots of vibration on cold start, when sitting at lights in drive or in reverse with the brakes on. Not so bad but defiantly evident in Park of Neutral. It also gets vibrating when the power steering pump has to work harder ie turning wheels when not moving.

The strange thing is once I'm going along the vibrations stop and drives perfectly. maybe a lil slow but i think thats normal :), until you start approaching a stop.

Elimination: I have -
run injector cleaner through the system
had the gearbox serviced (said it was perfect)
kickdown adjusted and idle adjusted
checked engine and tranny mounts
the fuel level has been lifted slightly
all oils changed including diffs
new earth cable
previous owner of the engine said the timing belts had been changed fairly recently


so.. after all that I still have the problem!! I'm leaning towards an injector/injector pump problem but i don't really understand the injection system enough to know if this could be causing the problem.

Thanks, Dan.

[Big-Bird]

If you have the 2.4L TD this sounds like an engine bearing issue. Take the inspection cover off the side of the engine block and check the upper balance shaft for excessive vertical play. Take notice if there are any aluminum filings inside the area too.If thats okay......

Have another look at the timing belt and balance belt alignment. If the balance shafts are out of sync, even by one tooth they will also cause the engine vibration you are describing.

I had a Mitsubishi Challenger (the car sold by Dodge in North America) that had the 2.6L petrol engine and my motor did the same thing. I left it too long and ruined the block.

[R.Costa]

Hey Dan, Was the engine you swapped in the 4G64B?? If so, was it rebuilt? It might have had the balance shafts removed. There are numerous kits on ebay for doing this. Lots of "ricers" here in the states do that. It is suppposed to give better oil pressure and eliminate the need for a balance shaft belt. The downfall of this mod is that there is some excess vibration caused by the lack of balance shafts. I cannot say for sure that this is what is causing your issue, but I wouldn't rule it out. Hope this helps.

[Luna-Sea]

Hey,
What's your idle rpm set at?
When did you last change the
Fuel filter? (Air filter too)
You could check your crank pulley
bolt as well as the others.(balance,power
steering ect.)
start simple

Sounds like it could be a fuel issue but need to
Know at bit more.

Anyone?


Good Luck

[dan_sando88]

thanks for the thoughts guys.

I did an engine swap with exactly the same (4d56t) bought an unregistered van and pulled it out and did the swap. pretty stock just better condition than mine.

I have an aftermarket air filter on at the moment but have a new standard one to go in this weekend. I don't think its that. I changed the fuel filter when i did the engine swap, I have noticed the wire coming off the bottom of the fuel pump is a little loose but I think thats just a water sensor.

I will have to recheck all the pullys.

I'm pulling the injectors out of my old engine and swapping them over to see if there is any difference and taking mine into the shop to get checked out, hopefully Ill get some info.

I'm just worried its doing damage the longer I don't address the problem. such a pain seen as everything else on the van is great.

[Deli of the North]

Have you considered your rear universal joints? Mine went this summer- vibration was pretty heavy under load, better when cruizing at speed, but easily noticeable. 'Smooth like butter once I replaced them. Also- the vibes when idling could be your engine mounts (I've heard)- I have the same vibration at idle, which seems smoother in neutral, or when applying gas at the lights (I haven't changed mine yet...) 'Hope you get it figured!

[Big-Bird]

He stated that thee vibration is present at idle and when parked so that eliminates the driveline as a possible source.

I did manage to get my hands on a pdf version of the motor manual for this engine.....I'll check it see if 'trouble shooting' is in there.

[dan_sando88]

He stated that thee vibration is present at idle and when parked so that eliminates the driveline as a possible source.

I did manage to get my hands on a pdf version of the motor manual for this engine.....I'll check it see if 'trouble shooting' is in there.

thanks for all the help! really appreciated

yeah, when i got my gearbox serviced they looked at the uni's and said the front one was pretty shot so I swapped that over but yea its worst when sitting in D or R and not moving but also when sitting in park.

Hard to tell if the engine mounts are stuffed or not as they still look intact. looks like a bit of a nightmare job to change them.

cheers guys.

[dan_sando88]

so I put new injectors in today... no change!! so frustrating.

I think I'll have to get it into the mechanic and get the timing and balance belt checked out.

I am really getting to the end of the list with what this could be

does anyone have a guide or advice on changing engine mounts??