Engine jerks when starting

[ron_v]

I just purchased a 95 SE w/76k miles and everytime I start my car the engine seems to jerk noticeably. But it does not seem to affect any idling or when car runs on the road. Any ideas?

[corn322]

that's becuase of the massive low end torque ka's have.

also your motor mounts might be shot.

[sonorous986]

i agree, it sounds like your motor mounts need to be replaced

[BadMojo]

If the engine is moving noticeably at start-up, I agree it sounds like motor-mounts. As much as I'd like to go with the "massive low end torque theory"...I'd say motor mounts.

You can try revving the engine in neutral while someone watches to see if it's rocking back and forth. Even the pitiful engine in my dad's old VW Golf moved at least an inch when he'd give it some gas (the mounts were shot to hell).

And...uh...no offense, but how would you see the engine moving under load (ie. on the road) anyway?

If the car is otherwise running fine, I'd definitely think motor mounts would be the prime suspect. You can get some Nismo mounts for fairly cheap, and depending on your level of mechanical aptitude, you can install 'em yourself.

76K miles seems a bit low to have bad motor mounts already, but I can't think of anything else that it could be if the car is running OK otherwise.

Just how much does the engine move when you start it up anyway?

[Ubernoober]

If its a manual, he can watch the stick dance and move under load which would indicate engine movement. Otherwise, maybe he just drove with the hood off for a turn?

[BadMojo]

If its a manual, he can watch the stick dance and move under load which would indicate engine movement. Otherwise, maybe he just drove with the hood off for a turn?

That's true. I kinda hope it was option B. That's a fairly amusing image. How do you suppose you'd explain that one to the cops when you get pulled over?

"Uhhhh....I think someone stole my hood."

[ron_v]

That's true. I kinda hope it was option B. That's a fairly amusing image. How do you suppose you'd explain that one to the cops when you get pulled over?

"Uhhhh....I think someone stole my hood."

You guys are too funny. What I meant was that the car drives fine while on the road.

[Florida240sx]

That's what was missing this morning. I knew something didn't seem all together. I knew something was wrong when I tried spraying washer fluid on my windshield and nothig happen. That's when I should of realised that my hood was missing. I got a broken motor mount on mine it it jerks pretty bad on start up then is fine. Give it throttle it is usually alright. Had a little power loss since then though.