Date:         Mon, 4 Apr 2005 03:27:11 -0700
Reply-To:     BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      why...vibration @ idle only when skidplate is installed --
              turbodiesel engine
Comments: To: Syncro <syncro@yahoogroups.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hi Folks,

I have a 1989 Syncro 16 doka. When I had the 1.6td in there, I noticed
it vibrated like crazy at idle. The vibration is so severe that it
shakes the instrument cluster to the point where it looks like it will
all fall apart. If you raise the RPMS, she smooths out.

I initially blamed this all on an old tired engine. When I had a 1.9td
AAZ motor installed, the vibration miraculously disappeared. So it
seemed at first. Then we put the skidplate back on. Bam! She was
vibrating like a marital aid gone insane again. Same symptoms as
before. Take the skids off and all is well again. Checked for contact.
Nothing out of the ordinary. Everything bolts on where the factory
designed them to be or so it seems.

Is anyone else out there experiencing this with their turbodiesels? It
appears obvious that the skidplate is transferring the vibration
forward. I can't see getting around this unless I . Can anyone help?
Or am I stuck keeping my foot on the throttle? BTW, my skidbars
actually have a big plate welded to it unlike the ones you see in the
gas powered Syncros. The truck is also equipped with the noise
protection capsule which is a series of sheet metal plates that form a
box around the engine. Removing that shrouding does not seem to affect
the vibration -- just increases noise.

tia,
BenT