1990 Toyota Camry has a constant shudder

Asked by Drew Nov 01, 2016 at 10:11 PM about the 1990 Toyota Camry DX

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My 1990 Camry has been having a vibration problem for almost a year now. I
have replaced all engine mounts first since all of them were cracked or broken,
then the spark plugs, wires, cap and rotor and still no change. The timing belt
came next, no change. My exhaust was smelling like rotten eggs so I thought
the cat was dying so I replaced that too and nothing. The gas tank and fuel
filter were next, the tank had developed a leak and the whole system was
rusted out. Nothing. I don't think its the torque converter since it happens in
park and neutral as well as every other gear. This issue is driving me nuts. My
mechanic friends think its either and ignition problem of a fuel system problem,
perhaps a dirty injector? I'm at a loss here and want to keep this old girl going.
Please help!

4 Answers

6,160

Will this "vibration"....."shudder" occur when the Engine is Idling...that is ...foot OFF the gas pedal and vehicle in Park/Neutral? Did your mechanic take a Compression Test of each Engine Cylinder?

It does occur while idling in park and neutral. He did perform a compression test and said it was good across the board.

6,160

I suspect a Misfire or Vacuum leak. is occurring. The EGR valve is also suspect. I would try to isolate the cylinder causing the possible misfire. With the Engine running at idle...DC one injector at a time. The DC injector that does NOT make a difference in the idle quality is the problem cylinder. Vacuum leaks are usually checked these days with a Smoke Machine. There are some "Old School" methods still in use. The EGR Valve can be checked with a hand held Vac Pump. Good Luck.

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