I had had a slightly worrying metallic tap from the engine for a while, and had topped the oil up and driven very sedately. Listening with a "screwdriver" to my ear it didn't seem to come from anywhere around the top of the engine. I hadn't listened from underneath.

I was driving about 65mph, Empty motorway. when suddenly the car started to shake. It seemed obvious that it was the engine. I got onto the hard shoulder and stopped the engine. After about 1 minute I turned the key, and the engine started, but shook the car vigorously. I stopped the engine again within about 10 seconds.

I assumed it was a big end, and was a development from the tapping! It has been parked up waiting to scrap it. However a friend suggested it could be the rubber in the crankshaft pulley, a pulley I have replaced on other cars. Also this forum has made me think of the flywheel, and engine mountings. Does this engine have balancer/vibration compensation shafts?

The engine mountings appear OK, except one shows signs of movement, but no damage.

I am going to start it again, to see if I learn anything... or if it finishes destroying the engine.

Any advice or similar experiences? I have previously had outstanding advice here! Thankyou Honest John.

13/05/2020

I still have the car. I have not tried to run it. I had a good look at the crankshaft pulley that has rubber etc to take the shock out of the timing belt. It appears central and OK. I have heard these fail and cause violent vibration.

Decision time. Does anyone have experience/ opinions pleease... :-)