Here's my "dumb question" for this particular weekend--my '86 240 engine shakes at idle. It's not too bothersome though I would prefer that it run smoother. I'm assuming, given my limited knowledge, that this might be caused by worn engine mount(s) or improper valve clearance. (I just had what was a "major tune up" (new wires, plugs, d-cap, etc.). I assume they checked the valve clearances--however, am not sure.) Any other idea? Other than the shaking, the car runs just fine! Thanks again guys for your help. Heidi the Fix It Mom

Is your idle speed too low? Should be 750 rpm.
Is it an engine miss which would result in a shake?
If no miss and idle speed normal then mounts are the main suspect.
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David Hunter

My '89 used to shake like crazy, but only at idle and it ran fine. Turns out one of my fuel injectors was bad. Just a thought for you.

Maybe motor mounts :-)

FCP Groton lists the mounts for this:
274110A Left Motor Mount all 75-93 240 Gas Engines $6.95 Scan Tech
274111A Right Motor Mount all 75-93 240 Gas Engines $6.95 Scan Tech
1359138 Tranny Mount all 4 speed w/o Overdrive (square) $6.50 Scan Tech

Replacing the motor mounts is a bit harder than the trans mount but you can do it with a floor jack and normal tools. Suggest degreasing everything especially on the right side since the oil filter always makes a mess on that one. (But you knew that already).

BTW I wouldn't necessarily expect a tuneup to include a check of valve clearances unless specifically asked for. These cars need a valve adjustment maybe once in their lives. Maybe. See IPD's page (www.ipdusa.com) for more info about valve adjustments and shim kits. These aren't like most cars - adjustment is made by substituting shims of different thickness under the cam. It's a very reliable system but adjustment is tedious and requires a complete selection of different shims.
I've *never* adjusted valves on a B230. They never need it under most conditions.
Good luck!
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: 'Roterande Fläkt Och Drivremmar!'

wow I knew that a valve adjustment probably would not be part of a tune up but did figure it was a regular maintance deal. I've had that on my "to do" list for mine and the wifes 245's guess I'll scratch it off...thanks... twice
Bret
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rust free in west Texas

P.S. I rechecked my mechanic's bill for the tuneup after posting the above and there is no mention of checking the valve clearances. I guess it might not have been done--stupid on my part not to ask beforehand, I guess. Do you see any problem with living with a shaky engine til the next tuneup? :( H the FIM

Fix it Mom,
Mine is also a certified paint shaker. Have your mechanic check the condition of the motor mounts and the tranmission mount. Search the boards for motor mount or engine mount and you'll come across an abundance of info on the subject. I changed my transmission mount myself. It was easy. I ordered them from ipd. Not too expensive. I'm sure there is someone here that can get them for 1/2 of what I paid, but I don't recall it being more than $30 for all 3 mounts. Tomorrow I go for the two motor mounts. Best of Luck Brickster.
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85 - 244 GL - Looking for a 245!