Car always rumbling/shaking at idle

Tiny
BUSINESSFRED
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.7L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 168,000 MILES
When I bought this car a few months ago I replaced the spark plugs, intake manifold gasket, and adjusted the valves which rid me of 2 misfires.

The spark plugs I replaced had white tips as if they were running hot.

The car always shakes at idle
Has good compression give or take 170 on each cylinder

Also doesn't consume much oil.
And almost no coolant at all.

What can be a reason why these issues may be occurring?

Have also replaced the ECT sensor once a while ago as well
Friday, November 13th, 2020 AT 2:18 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Assuming you have no codes, the most likely cause would be a vacuum leak or possible air flow sensor. I would suggest checking thoroughly for a vacuum leak because not only is that the most likely cause but often missed causing people to chase their tail for other things.

Here is a guide that will help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Let us know what you find. Clearly checking around the engine with parts cleaner is a good way but if you have a vacuum gauge that will tell us the story. Thanks
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Friday, November 13th, 2020 AT 8:39 AM
Tiny
BUSINESSFRED
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  • 79 POSTS
If I am not mistaken I think that mine does not have a mass air flow sensor.

This is the American version
DX trim . Also does not have the EGR Valve

I will check with the vacuum gauge is there specific port I should check through?
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Friday, November 13th, 2020 AT 12:00 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
You are correct. It does not have a mass air flow sensor but it still has to know how much air is coming in and it does this through a MAP sensor. That is a manifold absolute pressure sensor. Basically it tells the PCM what the negative pressure is in the manifold and it can use this to calculate how much air is coming in.

You can use any vacuum line on the engine and just use a T fitting if needed to keep the vacuum line connected but you can still monitor it.
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Friday, November 13th, 2020 AT 5:07 PM

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