I went to Azusa Canyon today for some mudding. I did some river-crossing/ driving up and down the river, mudding, and rock climbing. It was a tough day for the old beater and daily commuter, but it runs just fine like we are used to.

Here's the problem: When cranking the engine, there is vibrations coming from what seems to be the engine bay. However, the engine runs just fine when popping the hood, with all fluids topped out as they should. The vibrations are only noted in the car, and increase when revving the engine. On the highway, this low-pitched vibration/howl increases as speed increases. It isn't the tranny as far as I know, because it is there even when standing still and no gear is engaged.

Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions? I'm thinking it could be the rubber things the engine sits on to dampen vibrations, but I am not sure as I don't know where to look for them.

Any help would be appreciated! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

possibly a balancing weight on the propshaft that came off.

Check the condition of your motor mounts. I pulled my cross member twice before noticing the separation on the drivers side mount.

I checked mine by grabbing the engine by the intake (leaning over the fender for leverage) and rocked the engine back and forth.

Thanks for the replies guys!



Where can I find the balancing weights (or the place where they used to sit) on the propshaft? Can these be replaced without replacing the propshaft?



I will definitely try this.

Could there have been damage to the harmonic balancer by any chance? I am not familiar with what it does, but saw that it is related to eliminating vibrations at specific frequencies of the engine and components. I don't see how that would have gotten damaged though, but I guess it is worth to ask. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Mud in the harmonic balancer?

Could also be that a small amount of water made its way into a spark plug wire or under the distributor cap. That will make it run rough. Pop the cap off and dry it out first. Cost = one paper towel.

John B.

My bet's on one or more of the the plug wires or the distributor connections being wet.

How can I clean out mud in the harmonic balancer? Is it possible to wash it out or is that covered behind the crank pulley and a gasket?

I will have a look at all connections and post back my findings.

That's what I'd do.... plug wires on both ends (plug and distributor cap).

I don't think so as he said.