Engine Vibrations

[Fordoman]

Hi

I have a 1999 windstar 3.8 and am getting vibrations at 1100rpm to 1400rpm only and it occurs in first and 4th gear only. Could the cause be the IMRC, is there anyway to check if the IMRC is working on a 1999 windstar?

I am thinking it is the engine mounts too but am not sure does anyone have any ideas? I heard something about AC tubing rubbing against firewall but I check and I didn;t see anything

I wanted to torque the engine mount bolts so I lifted up the engine by the oil pan and dented it, there is no oil leaking but is this going to cause me big troubles? I did use a piece of wood.

Also do I need a 3 bar lift support to change the motor mounts or has anyone just used 2 jacks to lift the engine to change the mounts? Please share your experiences with changing the mounts.

Thank you

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by Fordoman

I lifted up the engine by the oil pan and dented it, there is no oil leaking but is this going to cause me big troubles?..

Hind sight is a wonderful thing! You are lucky you didnt break the aluminum oil pan. If the dent is bad enough I suppose you could choke off the oil pump pickup. As far as the vibs in OD, this might be torque converter shudder. Shudder feels much like driving over a rumble strip. If you do have TC shudder, it could be due to really dirty nasty ATF, or non mercon-V ATF currently being used.

Joel

[Fordoman]

Hi thanx for the reply

Is there any way to check if I cut off the oil pump pickup?

I also thought it was the fluid at first so I bought mercon V from the ford dealer and changed the fluid and filter, and it still has the same problem.

On alldata it says you can diagnose the torque converter by tapping the brakes while driving and the rpm should increase and when I tap the brakes my rpm do increase.

So Is there any other way to check for torque converter shudder?

[rodeo02]

Originally Posted by Fordoman

..So Is there any other way to check for torque converter shudder?

I don't know of a testing method for shudder other that it happens or it doesn't . The RPM increase thing that alldata suggested is to test for normal TC lock and unlock. I find the AX4S/AX4N to be rather annoying with this. The slightest change in throttle position and the TC will unlock and lock back up. Very annoying. As far as the your oil pump situation. If the low oil press light hasent flickered, you are probably good to go.

Joel

[Fordoman]

well if I go ahead and change the motor mounts can I succeed by doing it with only 2 jacks (one under the oil pan and one under the tranny) and lift them up and replace them???

Thanks