TD5 shaking engine when going into idle mystery.

So. Weird and slightly annoying issue.

2004 110 TD5, 195k km.

Engine runs and pulls relatively normally, no misfires, smoke of any kind etc but when revs go down towards idle, the engine starts shaking for few seconds before stabilizing to normal.
When starting cold no shaking is observed when running.

Like: slowing down, gear in neutral, revs go down, you stop, shaking starts when revs hit idle, shakes for 3-5 seconds, then normal.

A lot of gremlins lately in the engine.

- Head gaskets were done 6000km ago (previous owners/shops repairs failed due to shop using the old screws...)
- Fuel Pressure regulator changed 10k ago
- Injector nro 3 changed (to a used one by a reputable shop) 5000k ago
- MAP, MAF checked, ok.
- Fuel filter changed
- Wiring loom changed when the head was done, no oil in ECU
- CPS changed (there were a slight amount of metal shavings in the magnet)


As said engine runs well, starts well, pulls normally, no symptoms when higher revs, no leaks apart from a minimal one close to braided turbo hose...
Clutch is a bit shot with slight symptoms (spigot bearing whine) but still works quite well.


Any takes and guesses? Fuel pump crapping the bucket, injectors not sorted out or something going on in the camshaft area?

Loose / worn out engine or transmission mountings

Both my TD5 90 and 110 did this, never noticed any issues, no fault codes, no running issues, nothing at all.

Though for me it wasnt violent persey, just a bit of a rumble for a few seconds

Wimblowdriver said:

Loose / worn out engine or transmission mountings

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Thought about it, a bit. But shouldnt the vibrations continue, like, forever? Now the engine stabilizes after few seconds. If the mounts would be shot (or the bushes worn out) the problem would persist, for a longer period while the engine is running? Now it feels like the engine is running with 4 cylinders for few seconds, then stabilizes down to normal routine.
Have to check them though.

bankz5152 said:

Both my TD5 90 and 110 did this, never noticed any issues, no fault codes, no running issues, nothing at all.
Though for me it wasnt violent persey, just a bit of a rumble for a few seconds

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Curious: what, how, why and etc? First TD5 for me, never noticed this particular...umm...characteristic before the last few weeks. How did things end up with you? Things disappeared or they still continue, without issues?

duel mass fly wheel .maybe failing

ozzyboydeano said:

duel mass fly wheel .maybe failing

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Unlikely my 90 had a brand new valeo one.

My 90 ran for 5 years no issues, still going now just with a new owner.

110 not had it long but its fine.

Injector balances on both are well within tolerance too.

I believe its just "high idle" and "low idle"

My TD5 occasionally does this when returning to idle.
l've never bothered about it as the engine otherwise runs fine. I think it could be a slight injector issue (l've had smoke problems trying to remap it) lt's been the same for 30,000 miles.
But there's no way l'm touching the engine unless it shows further signs of distress.

bankz5152 said:

Unlikely my 90 had a brand new valeo one.

My 90 ran for 5 years no issues, still going now just with a new owner.

110 not had it long but its fine.

Injector balances on both are well within tolerance too.

I believe its just "high idle" and "low idle"

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sorry banks i was meaning to reply to the op
not every thing revolves just around you

however i work with many types of models engines even road trains of of duel mass fly wheels installed ..to be honest the best place for them is in the bin

Haha sorry dude thought you where talking to me!

Could not disagree more on DMFs, ive driven TD5s with solid ones and they are just horrible. Not to mention the DMF is there to lessen the shock to the trans... Theres a reason why LR fitted one and companies spend £££ in R&D to create stronger ones...

What are your injector balances at idle? I only ask as I had a td5 injector go on my old disco, a green top one... Even with the new one that particular cylinder was always more than the others at about +7 so not sure if that injector going tits up also damaged the cylinder or engine

Thx guys for some pointers!

Have to take the car back to shop to get the injector balance checked.

The issue is pequliar in that sense that I havent noticed the shudders when the engine is cold. That has also made me "rule out" the DMFs as I cant fathom how temps warming up might manifest that problem?
One thing that make me think about the injector timing (or fuel pump?) is that when using throttle very close to idle speeds (like +50rpm above idle) there is a bit kangarooing. Like when crawling really slow on 4low. That might be the auto stall feature though...

Oh well. Maybe it is one of these issues that just one have to live with as some people do?

I really wouldnt worry tbh man. As long as the balances are within +/- 15 youre good.

I think its just more noticeable in some TD5s more than others, my 110 does it less than my old 90. Just keep an eye on it if it gets worse then worry

bankz5152 said:

I really wouldnt worry tbh man. As long as the balances are within +/- 15 youre good.

I think its just more noticeable in some TD5s more than others, my 110 does it less than my old 90. Just keep an eye on it if it gets worse then worry

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Not that worried but the shop did the head gaskets 6 mths ago, so better to have it checked out now while it is still under their warranty.


Btw, how does worn engine mount bushings manifest? One could think that the vibrations would be constant? Just curious..

Scandihoovian said:

Not that worried but the shop did the head gaskets 6 mths ago, so better to have it checked out now while it is still under their warranty.


Btw, how does worn engine mount bushings manifest? One could think that the vibrations would be constant? Just curious..

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Hi there what oil are you using?

Discodevon said:

Hi there what oil are you using?

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I think (the shop uses) Shell/Mobil 5W30 A5/B5 stuff.

Damn weird issue. As the clutch is in its final legs, the DMF failing could also actually fit the bill.
After a longer drive in the city with a lot of gear changes it feels the shudder is a bit stronger & longer... Oh well, 200k km on it so I think it is has had its run..

Scandihoovian said:

I think (the shop uses) Shell/Mobil 5W30 A5/B5 stuff.

Damn weird issue. As the clutch is in its final legs, the DMF failing could also actually fit the bill.
After a longer drive in the city with a lot of gear changes it feels the shudder is a bit stronger & longer... Oh well, 200k km on it so I think it is has had its run..

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You could be right with the dmf... Shell oil is about the best I would say... Although you could benefit from a 5w40 or even a 10w40 depending on how cold it gets where you live... As long as it starts well in the mornings I wouldn't worry about it... Many of my family and friends have td5s both in discoverys and defenders and they all have there differences, some are noiser than others etc

Scandihoovian said:

I think (the shop uses) Shell/Mobil 5W30 A5/B5 stuff.

Damn weird issue. As the clutch is in its final legs, the DMF failing could also actually fit the bill.
After a longer drive in the city with a lot of gear changes it feels the shudder is a bit stronger & longer... Oh well, 200k km on it so I think it is has had its run..

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Did you ever solve this problem? I have the same driving me mad,.

KISSMYAURA said:

Did you ever solve this problem? I have the same driving me mad,.

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Clutch switch?