Vibration!!

M

Moon Rover!

Member
Hello everyone, Got a weird one. :roll: I have noticed a vibration in my 1973 P6 2000sc. It starts around 1500rpm whether stationary or being
driven. The rear view mirror vibrates. The engine is smooth without hesitation. I am really puzzled as to
what the cause could be???? I have racked my brain as to what or is causing this. The only pointer I may
have is the strap that holds the back box has always broke regular say after 300 to 500 miles running.
I have had the car on ramps to see if there is anything a miss. The mechanic checked the silencing system
and concluded that all was well, and not touching the bodywork. About 3 years ago a new clutch was
put in. Which of course meant the engine had to come out. I would very much welcome your views.
:?: Thank you. Moon Rover!
 
Could be, see Demetris's thread about using VW Golf ones.

What's the oil pressure like? I just had a though that perhaps the main bearings are worn making the crank rattle about a bit.
 
Hi Rockdemon. Thankyou for your reply. Having had a further listen, feel and look round Rosie the Rover. On looking at old photos,
the engine sits in the car with a slant downwards towards the rear of the car. When compared to how the engine sits now.
The cam cover is level. On getting rosie on some ramps and jacking up the rear on stands. Having had a good look it would
appear the gearbox is touching the bodywork on the nearside (looking from rear of the car) where the bellhousing is. One
more point I have noticed where the cross bar mount that passes through the snub rubber on the end of the gearbox.The
bar is central within the snub rubber. Is this right??? :idea: The snub rubber was renewed when the clutch was changed.
As for the engine mounts these are 40 year old so they could have gone soft with age. There is no juddering when moving
off. Finally the oil pressure spot on. I have an old capillary oil pressure gauge on, which is more indicative than the oil
pressure switch. From cold I get a reading of 50 to 55psi dropping to 40 to 45 psi at normal running. Not bad for a 40 year
engine. However the car has just covered 60158 miles from new. Thanks once again. Sincerely Moon Rover! (Kevin)
 
Hi Testrider. Thanks for your reply. The oil pressure is fine. I have posted a reply to Rockdemon, you may wish to have a read there. Sincerely Moon Rover!
kevin 8)
 
The engine mounts are the likely suspects, they have probably collapsed. If they have, the Jetta mounts that are near bolt ins are the way to go, I've put them in my 69 TC just recently and they are a step up from OEM (which are very hard to find now).

Yours
Vern
 
40 to 45 psi hot sounds jolly low for a 4 cyl! I always understood that anything under 50 psi was an indication to get the mains and big end shells changed - an in situ job. Opinions differ on this, but it appears this engine needs shells as a routine maintenance task around ever 50kmiles. Although people do seem to have got away with it up to as much as 100k - presumably with frequent oil changes and bearing friendly usage regimes.

Chris
 
Yes, 40-45 is low for a 4 pot. It is bearing change time.

You'll find that either or both of your big ends/mains have been worn all the way down to the copper.

It's an easy job - it's both on my blog (see signature) or wait until next issue of Driving Force, magazine of the Rover P6 Club.

Bri
 
I recently did the same job on my 2200SC, together with replacing the timing chains and tensioners. The shells didn't look too bad, with none down to the backing, but the car now runs a lot more smoothly and the oil pressure sits at 50-60 lb/sq. in. at all times. It was also a good opportunity to clean all the sludge out of the sump and oil pick-up strainer and fix a few oil leaks. Follow Brian's excellent instructions and you can't go wrong.
 
Hello there Brian, I have reading your blog as regarding renewing the mains and big end bearings. I actually did
this some years ago on a 1968 4cyl engine. Basically I was sold a dog. Everything was wrong with the car!
That engine was down to 15psi on tick over and no more than 25psi at running speed. So when I have
been seeing 40 to 45psi on the p6 I have now it hasn't worried me!! However again having read your
I will get this done over the winter. As regarding the vibration I have adjusted the engine
within the engine bay by loosening the tie bar at the front of the engine and winding the
harmonic damper down on the spring where the snub rubber is. The engine now has a slight
inclination to the rear of the car. Hey presto! The vibration has gone!! Thank you for your advice.
A most excellent blog. Most impressed!! I will keep you posted. Sincerely Moon Rover! Kevin.
 
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