icanreachit
Well-known member
Alright, I know it sounds weird but hear me out:
Story:
5k miles ago I paid a shop in Austin to install a new clutch and SMF from idParts. No, they weren't on the list and before I got to dallas I lost two lug nuts and had to turn around. I took it back and said to re-check everything. Made it to DC alright but then within weeks I developed a chattering when taking off from a stop (in first gear) only when the engine was hot. I got under the car and found some of the bolts that hold the tranny to engine loose. Quickly thereafter my Engine Side motor mount failed (like Jello). I swapped out for OEM but fearing those would fail also, I bought some Dark Forest Industries mounts as well (including Dogbone). My teeth rattle but it made it bearable.
Symptoms:
Chattering when taking off from a stop. It's like a combination of lurching (within the engine bay), and the car trying to stall.
2nd gear and up are O.K. not great, just O.K.
What I've done recently (some unrelated):
Fuel filter
Diesel Purge
First gear getter
New trans seal on Pass side output flange
New trans fluid
Oil change
Timing checked. good to go
New control arms/bushings/balljoints
New Right side steering rod and knuckle.
I've taken it to two mechanics nearby and they always say it's motor mounts.
Why I think something in the flywheel/clutch/pressureplate is loose? The lug nuts were not torqued, the bolts holding the transmission to the engine were not torqued. Why not something inside?
Why my concern? I'm driving back from DC to Dallas this weekend and am just praying that I'll make it. I've got all my tools but fear that if it fails, I'll be stranded. I should have just pulled the transmission and swapped the clutch and flywheel but a) I was afraid that if that wasn't it, I was up sh** creek and b) my child has asthma and we need a go car in case. I live in an apartment currently as well so all of the other jobs were minimal.
Thoughts? Thank you!
Story:
5k miles ago I paid a shop in Austin to install a new clutch and SMF from idParts. No, they weren't on the list and before I got to dallas I lost two lug nuts and had to turn around. I took it back and said to re-check everything. Made it to DC alright but then within weeks I developed a chattering when taking off from a stop (in first gear) only when the engine was hot. I got under the car and found some of the bolts that hold the tranny to engine loose. Quickly thereafter my Engine Side motor mount failed (like Jello). I swapped out for OEM but fearing those would fail also, I bought some Dark Forest Industries mounts as well (including Dogbone). My teeth rattle but it made it bearable.
Symptoms:
Chattering when taking off from a stop. It's like a combination of lurching (within the engine bay), and the car trying to stall.
2nd gear and up are O.K. not great, just O.K.
What I've done recently (some unrelated):
Fuel filter
Diesel Purge
First gear getter
New trans seal on Pass side output flange
New trans fluid
Oil change
Timing checked. good to go
New control arms/bushings/balljoints
New Right side steering rod and knuckle.
I've taken it to two mechanics nearby and they always say it's motor mounts.
Why I think something in the flywheel/clutch/pressureplate is loose? The lug nuts were not torqued, the bolts holding the transmission to the engine were not torqued. Why not something inside?
Why my concern? I'm driving back from DC to Dallas this weekend and am just praying that I'll make it. I've got all my tools but fear that if it fails, I'll be stranded. I should have just pulled the transmission and swapped the clutch and flywheel but a) I was afraid that if that wasn't it, I was up sh** creek and b) my child has asthma and we need a go car in case. I live in an apartment currently as well so all of the other jobs were minimal.
Thoughts? Thank you!
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