1KZ-TE excessive engine vibration and exhaust shaking at idle (idle not low)

[SamSta Member Find all posts View Profile Close SamSta]

Not sure if theres anyone left in this forum but I will ask this question here just in case.

I've been throwing a LOT of money at my 95 series Prado getting her up to date and turning her into a reliable family tourer. The car is starting and running like a dream (mostly). However theres one problem bothering me atm which my previous1kz-te engine never had and that is excessive engine vibration at idle (750-800rpm which smooths out at about 800-850rpm). I'm talking bonnet visibly vibrating a lot, vibrations through the auto trans gear levels and cabin and exhaust shaking like crazy with rattle noise!

• The actual engine idle sounds otherwise though, not like the revs are too low or anything.
• Cold starts in half a turn.
• Small puff of dark grey/black smoke on heavy acceleration between gear shifts plus exhaust is a bit smelly (a friend driving behind me has advised me)
• Occasionally you can hear the engine miss while idling. Misses a lot of you hold the revs at 1000rpm and smokes a bit.
• Drivability is excellent
• Power is good
• Engine has a bit of blow by (catch can installed for this)
• Vacuum hoses look fine
• New engine mounts installed recently - seems to have made the problem worse

Injector pump is the later electronic type with ROM (not resistors) so no way to increase/decrease fueling.

Any ideas of things to try? Thanks in advance!

[Morrtac Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Morrtac]

I'd say check the timing and timing belt.

[SamSta Member Find all posts View Profile Close SamSta]

Hmm, but the timing is electronically controlled.