[C320-list] New Engine Mounts

[warren updike]

Martin, I too have the M30, and it vibrates to beat the band below 1k rpm.
The diesel mechanic from whom I took a maintenance course said that's common
with the small diesel engines. His advice was to not run it where it
vibrates. I've even thought of adjusting the cable so it won't go below 1K.

You didn't say if the vibration was only at very low rpms. Of course, if you
have that kind of vibration above 1200 rpm I would think that indicates a
problem to be addressed.

In spite of my low rpm vibration, above 1k the engine runs like a dream.  I
like to cruise at 2700-2800 rpm and do so for hours when necessary with no
problems.

I'm interested in the outcome and would appreciate your letting me know how
it is resolved.


Warren & Pattie Updke
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay




-----Original Message-----
I just replaced my non-stock engine mounts with the stock Perkins mounts per
the thread below.  To my great distress, the engine now vibrates wildly, to
the point that the shaft bounces against the shaft tunnel when in gear.  I
had hoped that the softer stock mounts would solve a long-lasting vibration
and noise issue I have been experiencing.  Now my mechanic says the real
culprit may be in the valves and they will be checking that out tomorrow. 
He says he has encountered 2 other Perkins that have serious valve rocker
wear, and that this can cause the vibration.  Have any of you heard of this
problem or experienced it yourselves?  Right now I'm feeling rather foolish
for having invested a huge amount of money in new mounts when those may not
have been the culprit.  BTW, mine is a 94 Perkins M30.  So let this be a
caution before blindly switching out motor mounts.  I may have to just go
back to the old mounts and live with the annoying but tolerable vibration.
Martin Raphael
Rhapsody #108