How important are engine shocks?
 

They are bad on my '85 300D. I recently replaced the motor mounts but did not do the engine shocks. Are these something I should go ahead and replace also? What is their function?

Thanks,

Scott

to stop the engine from shaking side to side. i changed mine yesterday and it idles a little bit smoother. (maybe it's my imagination). make sure you buy the kit that has all new mounting stuff. it's kind of a pain in the a$$ to get the shocks off especially since they are turning as you try to unscrew the bolts.

on my W116 it did make a noticible difference by damping the vibrations.

There should be a flat spot on the shaft that fits a 6 or 7 mm open end wrench. Hold it there, turn the nut off, no problem.

While the engine shocks may help with the idle vibration somewhat they are really designed it dampen the sometimes violent shake you can get at shutdown. New engine shocks are nice but not as critical as good engine mounts.

True, I did my motor mounts one day, then ordered both engine shocks because they were totally shot. A week later I put them on and did notice a big difference. Without them my dash buzzed at idle, with them I could hardly feel the motor.

Somtimes, at idle, my car shakes pretty violently. I just replaced the motor mounts so it is OBVIOUSLY better than it used to be, but I still get that shake some time. The shocks seemed fine, and when the engine isn't being weird, it idles smooth as glass. Could this be an IP timing problem? Car has a new injector pump (P.O. Diesel Mechanic), just adjusted the valves. I've been railing on it getting it nice and hot going up long hills and that helps a ton but I still get that shake once and awhile. Should I just pull the injectors and have them sent off to get cleaned? (Dad has a connection where I can get them done for free)
Thanks!

If they can balance themm too that would be awesum. Have heard that will smooth out a rough running engine somewhat too.