2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.
Sponsored by:

Engine vibration, normal rotary?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 05-13-06, 10:34 PM
  #1  
Full Member

Thread Starter
 
evelhalo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Engine vibration, normal rotary?

Hey, is ist normal to hear a pusing vibration? I have a 87 gxl, its in great condition with 85k. however i was driving today, around 40 mph (2500rpm) and when i kept the speed constant and i heard a deep bass sounding reonation, pulsing about 2 times a second. It wasnt very loud, but it sounded central and right around where the engine is. I supose however it could have been coming through the shifter from the tranny?? sorry new to rotaries, is this normal?
any suggestions?
thanks
Old 05-14-06, 02:32 AM
  #2  
Aspiring Neophyte

 
sykminded's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SF BA, CA
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
i've got an 88 convertible, i do notice in fourth and fifth around 2-3k mine seems to make heavy vibration, too, i never thought to worry about it though.... i can't help but say that i think it's just your engine complaining that your not giving it the gas that it want's... these things just want to go faster and faster...
Old 05-14-06, 05:33 AM
  #3  
Senior Member

 
synesthete's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Portland. OR
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Are you sure its not a exhaust leak.
Old 05-14-06, 08:41 AM
  #4  
Full Member

Thread Starter
 
evelhalo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
im not sure its not exhaust leak, except that its a repeting periodic resonance and not a constant sound. Im not really worried, ive just never heard anything like it (has the deep vibration of shifting into a gear to low) wondering if it might have to do something rotary specific
Old 05-14-06, 11:05 AM
  #5  
Senior Member

 
synesthete's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Portland. OR
Posts: 303
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Well, the only thing i can think of that would cause a deep pulsing sound is the exhaust.

A leak in the area of your catalytic converters would make noise from right underneath the car.

Here's my experience i had that sounds similar to yours as well. Whenever i would cruise with my foot light on the throttle and my revs between 2-3. I would get a very noticable pulsing coming from the exhaust out the mufflers almost like i was lightly pumping the throttle back and forth with perfect rhythm, when i was holding the gas perfectly steady. Ended up being my o2 sensor had failed or was failing and the ecu was switching back and forth from leaner/richer air fuel ratio causing the pulsing exhaust tone. The o2 sensor is only used at idle and light throttle, so when i stepped on the gas a bit more the problem went away.

If that sounds familiar you can check it quite easily by just unplugging the o2 sensor and seeing if the problem goes away. The ecu detects no signal and then defaults to rich settings, which gave me a constant tone at cruise. When it happened to me there was a very uniform fluctuation of tone, that always was about the same speed, and only cruising at light throttle.

Hope that helps.

Last edited by synesthete; 05-14-06 at 11:09 AM.
Old 05-14-06, 11:41 AM
  #6  
Senior Member

 
rotary downshift's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Performance Improvements
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
^werd .. both an exhaust leack and a failing o2 will give you that pulsing noise as if youare passing light poles with your window down ... and it will usualy only happin in the taller gears 4th and 5th ,,, atleast thats what i have also found
Old 05-14-06, 01:36 PM
  #7  
Rotary enthusiast

 
Secondmessiah's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 664
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
your valve timing is off, get a tune up



(just kidding)
Old 05-14-06, 01:45 PM
  #8  
Senior Member

 
bradenscreed's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: lexington south carolina
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
yeah, kinda like your exhaust bearings sound outta sync
Old 05-14-06, 03:10 PM
  #9  
STUCK. I got SNOWNED!!!!!

iTrader: (7)
 
Terrh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Windsor, On
Posts: 8,723
Received 13 Likes on 9 Posts
its the tranny.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gtcd
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
30
08-19-15 02:44 AM
befarrer
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
4
08-14-15 04:18 PM



Quick Reply: Engine vibration, normal rotary?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:37 PM.