There could be many reasons why the car would shake at idle. The fact that it shakes doesn't mean that something is loose, although something will be, if you don't find the problem. To figure it out, you will need to determine if the shaking coincides with the physical speed of the engine itself, a component, or possibly a single or multiple cylinder problem due to lack of compression or spark. The first and easiest step would be to do a compression test. If it turns out okay, then replacing things that should be anyway, like spark plugs and wires would be a logical second step.
My '63 had a shaking problem that was due to plugged idle jets on the carburetor. I was able to track it down since I knew that everything else was perfect, and it only did this part of the time. One of my Lincoln's shook on idle due to a vacuum leak, which is also possible. The fact that you think it smooths out with rpm isn't very helpful since most engine problems with big V8's are more noticible at idle than at higher speeds. A friend of mine once had an old Ford that shook because the torque converter bolts had become loose. I haven't heard of that happening to an Imperial, but if someone had taken the car apart, they may not have reassembled it correctly.
I am not sure how you can tell that the A/C compressor is making noises if the car is shaking at idle. It would seem to me that you should re-evaluate the sound of the A/C compressor once you have fixed your other problem. If the A/C is working, it probably hasn't been that long since it was serviced. It is possible that someone recharged it, but didn't do it correctly. If so, it could be preparing to throw a rod. This is common in our cars. The best thing to do would be to replace it. Also, some noticible vibration would be normal when the A/C is running.
I'd suggest figuring out the engine problem first, then deciding if you want to spend more money to fix the A/C. The A/C might run for years sounding bad. I had one once that did. They are seldom 100% silent.
I hope this helps.
Paul W.
-----Original Message-----
From: FltSgt@xxxxxxx
To: Mailing-List@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thu, 6
Jul 2006 23:34:07 EDT
Subject:
IML:
Fwd: 1962 Imperial
LeBaron Problems-Need Advice
Hola Ya Guru's Of Repair
Let us lend a helping hand and have it so this guy is not worried any more.
Uncle Rodger & Aunt Gabby
Colo Spgs
Hey, I’ve been trying to get my question to the Imperial group and it won’t show up.
Can you forward it for me or tell me who do I send it to in order for it to show up to everybody?
Okay first time posting since I just joined having acquired a very nice ’62 LeBaron in Oyster White/Coco leather the other day.
Here’s my 1st problem: Engine runs great, idols fine after it’s warmed up a bit but when you put in DRIVE it starts to shake, rattle and shimmy like something is loose. It’s not the motor supports. When you get the car going down the road it does fine.
No differential noises and rides smooth and transmission shifts smoothly. It’s only when I come to a stop that it shakes so bad, almost to the point of cutting off it’s so bad of a shake. Any ideas on where to start looking for the problem?
2nd problem: Air conditioning is working and blows cool air. But when you engage it you see and hear the clutch running like it’s loose or out of balance. Makes a lot of noise like a bearing problem. Is this an easy fix? Or am I looking at new clutch/bearings or hole new unit?
Tom Isenhour, Salisbury, NC
New/Old Imperial owner
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