86 Camry VIBRATION

[agm2003]

My '86 Camry LE 2.0 4 cyl >210,000 miles has developed severe vibration with engine running, but car stopped or slow and in gear. My kids have said it's better than the vibrating recliners at the mall . The whole car vibrates, coffee will splash out, etc.

If put in Park (Automatic) or Neutral, vibration lessens, but doesn't go away.
If turn A/C off, vibration lessesns, but doesn't go away.
Not so bad while driving except at very slow (almost stopped)speeds.

I suspect motor mounts. What do you think? If so, any idea which one?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Doctor J]

Bad center motor mount causes vibration when car is stopped in drive or reverse. Such vibration disappears when P or N are selected
In your case I would suggest to start with engine power balance test to rule out mechanical problems,

[agm2003]

Dr.J.
Thanks for your input. I'm not familiar with the engine power balance test, but I'll look into it.

Thanks again!

[Doctor J]

It is basically pulling the high tension wires from the spark plugs using insulated pliers [qick and dirty method or disconnecting injector connectors one at the time [preferred but harder to do at this particular engine] .
if disconnecting one of the cylinders causes least drop in rpm or least vibration increase, this is the weakest cylinder.
the shop can do this test using 'scope' machine

[agm2003]

I knew that should have a fancy name.
Thanks!