My oil filter is very close to both my engine mount and alternator. I cannot stick my thumb in between the two, not enough space. I would say it's less than 1 centimeter away.

Isn't that too close for comfort?

Now what is the culprit? My mechanics who is a "minimalist" tells me the engine mounts and the transmission bushing are all just fine -- he says he has pricked them with a screw driver and they are not soft, he says they are still good. He thinks I am fussy and too demanding, he drives a Volvo and knows the car well. He just thinks that these kind of nopices give character to the car ! Now I have looked at the engine mount next to the oil filter and to me it looks like it is sagging if you ask me. The rubber is not straight, it is going at an angle like the tower of Pizza.

I do get some mild vibration in my stick shift when the car is iddling and the stick shift also moves when I go over a bump. When I start the car, sometimes I hear a loud "bang", don't know what it is, but seems like the engine is knocking against the frame of the car, or maybe the pipes are banging against the heat shield. I only hear that when I start the car.

Besides the engine mounts and transmission bushing, what could cause such a condition? Old struts and shocks that don't give enough support to the car?

Any lead appreciated.

Thank you fellow Bricksters.
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'89 244DL M47 158K miles