I have read numerous treads about engine vibration and many talked about the engine mounts. I changed mine on my 1983 300dt today and I cant begin to tell you all what bad shape they were in. It made quite a difference not only in the vibration but now I know why the air cleaner mounts kept breaking. After a period of time (21 years) the mounts collapse. Just thought I would share this. Thanks for everybodys help.

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Who needs spark plugs.

In a diesel the engine mounts get quite a workout. Don't skip the engine shock. Remove it and make sure it still has resitance. If it allows the shaft to move quickly then replace the shock. Also your engine/tranny mount has a transmission mount at the rear of the tranny. Check it also.
20 years is a little to long between engine mount changes. Check them every 3 years, they may not need replacing but this way your on top of them. If you have a lot of fluid leaking, oil, deisel, pwr steering etc. The petrolium products will cause the rubber to brake down. Then anything around the engine that is rubber will have its life shortened. So fix those leaks and clean the engine on a regular basis.

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

I will keep an eye on them from now on. The problem with these cars are you have so few problems you get complacent. I am now going to begin to try to find out why my 1990 350SDL wont fire on the number 1 cylinder. Thanks for your response.

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Who needs spark plugs.

This is a job that can often be done half-way by indy and backyard mechanics.

Found on my 300D that the oil/grease shields had been thrown away. On the harder-to-access driver's side, they skipped replacing the two top bolts that hold the mount down to the frame supports. Yeow!

Well worth the effort to do yourself. If the shields are missing, the dealer has them at a reasonable price.

I can also see the shields missing on my 300SD - future project for me.

Ken300D

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

this bad?

Attached Thumbnails

 

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'82 300SD - 361K mi - "Blue"

"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement."

listen, look, .........and duck.

Almost, but dont recall hole in it like yours.

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Who needs spark plugs.