Greetings from sunny Savannah:

My 1985 300SD with 200,000 miles is asking for attention. She's has historically required new air filter mounts every couple of years because of the normal engine vibration. I typically keep some spares around and swap them whenever one breaks. The bracket that holds these rubber mounts to the air filter broke about four years ago and I replaced that as well. A few weeks ago the bracket broke again, so I replaced it and all three rubber mounts. Within 2 weeks one of the mounts was broken and a week later the "new" metal bracket broke again. Not normal. Engine does seem to be idling rougher than usual, but not enough to cause any real concern.

I am assuming either the engine mounts, or more likely the little engine "shock absorbers" on either side of the engine need replacement. They are the original units. One of them appears to be leaking as it is covered in light oil. Looks like a fairly easy replacement, but thought I would ask you folks for comments/advice.

1. Anybody have experience with replacing these small shock absorbers? Do I need the upper and lower "kits" for the shock absorber, or can I use the existing parts? Anything unusual or difficult about replacing them?

2. Should I relace the engine mounts at the same time? Would hate to find later that a bad engine mount ruins the new shock absorbers. Anything tough about replacing the engine mounts?

Thanks for any advice/help. John Downey

IMO, the mounts do more to reduce vibration than the engine shocks. Replace both mounts and the tranny mount at the same time. You will be happy with the results. Do a search, I know there are posts on how to replace the mounts. Good luck.

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2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel - 4x4, auto, 3.54 gears, long bed
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'92 300D 2.5 Turbodiesel - sold
'83 300D Turbodiesel - 4 speed manual/2.88 diff - sold
'87 300D Turbodiesel - sold
'82 300D Turbodiesel - sold

I have replaced the LH engine shock absorber on my 300D without too much headache. The bushing assembly at the bottom portion of the shock was gone, so I had to improvise with parts found at the local Auto Zone. Seems to be holding together well, and the engine shimmies have diminished as a result.

Have you ruled out the possibility that your engine may be a bit nervous due to the rack dampener bolt at the aft end of the injection pump? Sometimes just a few CW turns lessens the shaking, unless of course you have adjusted the bolt all the way in...

I hear that one of the engine mounts is easy to replace, while the other will have you screaming and punching your head.

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Matt
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1995 E300 Diesel (Die Blau Frau)

I have heard that motor mounts are often to blame. Recently I heard about a possible fix. Fit a shock absorber rubber bushing between the air cleaner and the valve cover. Drill a hole in the air cleaner and have a short bolt stick out just enough to hold the bushing in place. The theory is that then the air cleaner vibrates with the engine, rather than off on it's own and that places less stress on the mounts. I heard about it from a reliable sourse, but I haven't tried it. Yet.

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Dan Stadt
'85 300D turbo
'79 300SD
'73 220D

Thanks to all for the comments/advice. I plan to replace the engine shock absorbers first, then proceed to the engine mounts, and lastly, I'll do the transmission mount as well. Hope to get another 200,000 miles...John Downey

John,
You might want to do the mounts first. I'm not totally sure, but I think the shocks are mainly to control vibration at shut off. Mounts will affect general vibration during running. I was in Savannah last weekend. My kids are there driving three 123's. Contact me through my e-mail if you have any experience with local shops. I'm interested in who and how it went.

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Dan Stadt
'85 300D turbo
'79 300SD
'73 220D