Engine Vibration/Drumming.

[gengis]

The honeymoon period is over...now that I'm using my recently restored 2000ie more, I've noticed that there's a vibration/drumming that's getting transmitted through the floor/bulkhead...like the exhaust is touching the body.

This vibration only occurs whenever I come off throttle, especially at motorway speeds.  But is slightly noticeable at idle.  I was wondering if this is indicative of failing engine /gearbox mounts/dampers.  Any thoughts?

[Neil-yaj396]

My car had a nasty vibration that I thought was exhaust related but it turned out to be just the heater intake flap and would stop if I closed the flap. Worth a try?

[rossocorsa]

of course with an Italian car you should never take your foot off the throttle  but seriously it sounds like that engine is rocking and something is catching, it could be mountings or dampers or maybe just something loose, the exhaust can also suffer due to flexing 

[gengis]

Thanks for that lads...I'm pretty sure it's engine mounts/dampers, but how do you check which is failing?  The dampers are dry, and no visible signs of the front one deteriorating.  Does anyone have a diagram of all engine mounts/dampers?

[MattNoVAT]

The engine dampers are easy to take off, if they are seized solid then that's an obvious problem.  If they are seized then the vibration is transferred through the chassis.

It's worth doing a visual check on the condition the engine mounts, I've seen some dry and fatigued through old age and others soaked with oil so much that the rubber bonding has separated from the metal body of the mount.



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[gengis]

Thanks Mattnovat... That never crossed my mind, a seized damper.  That would give me the conditions I describe...I'll check that.

[MattNoVAT]

It's only two bolts, per damper. Best if you pop each front wheel off to remove and check.


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[gengis]

I have taken the two dampers off...see pics.

They look in good condition, the rams are free of rust and go in/out with the expected resistance.  The bottom mount sleeve has more movement within it's rubber, but I think this is designed this way as the rubber is tapered towards the center. 

Next question...is the stroke correct?  I think it is..as the rams can be pulled out till a definite stop.  Can anyone confirm this?

[MattNoVAT]

Yes, given the info you have provided the dampers are operating correctly.


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[WestonE]

Look at the engine mounts for them going soggy from oil (crank pulley one) or dry and splitting on the others. Also look under the car for touch and rub points from the exhaust as it should not be in contact with the shell except at the mounting points.

Eric

[gengis]

Found the source of the vibration...front engine mount.  Stripped it out the other night, and found that one of the metal mounting cheeks was no longer bonded on to the rubber insert, allowing the top plate to drum on the cross-member.  I have made up a temporary fix, until I find a suitable alternative.   

Photo of healthy mount...

[glovebeast]

Bought one from http://www.oldlanciaspares.com/beta/motore.php (cav534) in March this year. They will sell individual mounts, cost me 100 euro with the postage

[gengis]

Thanks glovebeast, I may end up getting a new one.  I picked up a mount from the scrappies today, it's off a Renault Laguna, had to cut the rubber slightly to fit inside the crossmember.  Seems to be fine, but time will tell.

See photos...

[WestonE]

Get a replacement from Mark W with only 2 bolts fixing you will crack the subframe in time.

Eric

[gengis]

Good point Eric...I will get a new mount.