Manual Shifter rattles in neutral(motor mount?)

[knightryder3]

Help is needed. The wife has been driving the Ex for a few weeks and wouldn't you know, It is sick. Now there is aloud rumbling coming from the exhaust( not a good rumbling) , and a whining sound from the a/c compressor (I think) but the one problem that has me worried is the shifter almost spraining my wrist when I started up the truck in neutral. Rpms jumped to 1400, (1000 is normal) took it for a spin around the block, only up to 2nd gear. NO GOOD. It has a bad u joint feel to it, if you know what I mean, but obviously isn't. It has the same vibrating/rattling problem in gear driving as it does in neutral. She claims she only noticed it today on the way home. hmmm.
It shifts fine, clutch and flywheel are newer. Engine doesn't sound right though and I don't really want to drive it too far with this problem. Any help would be much appreciated. I am thinking motor mount but I only sell parts, I don't do too much diagnosing. Thanks

 

[nexis]

Hows the shake relate to the engine RPM while in neutral? Same basic shake while in gear at the same RPM?

Before you go throwing cash at this, crawl under it after it cools. Locate the flange before and after the cat. these things are the weak link in the system. check those to make sure they are tight. (if they are broke a flange saver is in order, but take it to a muffler shop to have them install it, those bolts are a real pain to get out) Then make sure she did not run over anything that may be stuck up in there somewhere causing the vibrations.

While your under there, take a visual of the trans mount, checking for cracks, separation, missing ect.

If you suspect the engine mounts, put the parking brake on (or use wheel ****s, curb or neighbor's garage) to keep the truck from moving. open the hood so you can watch the top of the engine through the space between the cowl and the hood. Rev upto around 2 grand or so, and slowly let the clutch out in 2nd or 3rd. watch the engine, should not move much, 1/2inch to 1 inch deflection

 

[kanarmAN]

bad harmonic balancer?dry rubber or falling out?

bad throughout bearing

bad flywheel?

bad main bearing?

all worse case

does it get louder or quicker or as the rpm or mph go up?

I hope its a trans mount and the wierd exhaust note is only in your head,like when its clean it drives like new?

good luck

 

[knightryder3]

Thanks for the replies. I haven't had a chance to get under it yet. Working 12hrs and looking after the kids in the am. I have about a 20 minute window tomorrow to crawl under and have a look. It's about 15miles to work which has a hoist and heavy duty mechanics around that are willing to lend a hand , but I guess I'll have to see how it looks first before risking it. I'll try the test for the engine mount as well as checking the other things visually.
Cheers.

 

[knightryder3]

Who knew 1 fouled spark plug could cause so much trouble. The 5th cylinder plug was fouled. Took it out and cleaned it , put it back in and no more violent shaking and vibrating. Think I'll give her a tune up and cross my fingers I don't have to mess with the bottom end of the engine anytime soon. Thanks guys

 

[kanarmAN]

thank goodness you atleast know were to start looking now if changing the plug doesnt fix if long term .