motor mount question

[Mark72]

I own a 1995 Chev Lumina V6 w/3.1L. Past year or so it seems like it has rough idle...hard to describe. Engine runs smooth,but at idle, I feel a constand but slight vibration in the steering wheel, and it sound like I can hear the engine more...but it's not an exhaust issue, I know that for sure. Someone told me if your engine has a lot of play in it that it could be a mount. Is it normal when you are sitting still and shifting from park to drive, neutral and reverse for the engine to move as the transmission is engaging? It looks like the engine is tilting slightly with each gear change. Is that normal?

 

[JHZR2]

is that a 90 degree v6? If so it will be unbalanced... But that does sound to me like an engine shock or mount.

 

[Rhymingmechanic]

This is a long shot and just my experience with a completely different car, but it may be worth considering in your diagnostic process.

I had a '94 Saturn that was acting like you describe--one winter, the idle seemed slightly lower and rougher. The really noticeable effect was that the interior vibrated more than usual (Saturn drivers will understand). The car ran fine once the RPMs came up, but the engine seemed to "fall off" between gears with a manual trans.

The problem turned out to be the EGR valve I had replaced the previous summer--it was sticking open just barely. I put on a new EGR and the trouble went away.

 

[jkhawaii]

your mounts are shot over 15 years.... yea change them and there will be a drastic reduction in engine vibration, if I remember right there are two dog bone as some people call them to control the twisting of the engine and two main mounts one on the trans end and one in front of the power steering pump. the mounts compress over time and transmit more vibration to the vehicle..... cant tell you if that is the main problem with your car with out seeing it though

 

[The_Jeff]

Yeah the motor rocks a little, rubber compresses a little. Over 1/2 inch or so is probably too much.

Even if the rubber looks good it's tuned to not resonate and can be tired. Stock mounts are best for softness. Aftermarkets like "anchor" hold the motor in and can even be sporty... hit the gas and the power goes right to the tires without flopping around... but might resonate slightly at some RPMs.