Horrible vibration and timing belt

[hancockr]

95 Geo Prizm Lsi 1.8l automatic 137,800 miles

This is my second post about this car. I have just started driving it after 10 months in storage. It was my fiancee's car and we got something newer for her, but this one just wants to keep going and gets way better MPGs than my pickup, so I put the RWD truck in the garage for winter.

Anyway, enough history, what I have noticed is a terrible vibration in the car at speeds between 25 mph and 40 mph (no tach, not sure of the engine speed) which wants to shake and rattle every loose part or object in the glove box, etc. Not so nice on the ears, either. The exhaust is not leaking and is solid. Outside the car sounds normal. I have not looked yet, not even sure how to tell, but my suspicion is that the motor mounts are bad. I also get a little jolt and a squeek when I put the car in reverse, so it makes me wonder...

Also, she has had this car since 1997 when it had 18,000 miles on it. It has never had the timing belt replaced. I am thinking it is only a matter of time before it removes itself from the engine if I don't get to it first. What has been the experience of others?

Since I need to replace the timing belt in any case, I was thinking I should probably just do the motor mounts at the same time. I am assuming it is advisable to replace the water pump, too.

Any suggestions on best places for parts? Trying to be economical but don't want to use garbage I will regret, either.

Thanks

Randy

[kickfli12]

pop the hood and prop it up, get in it and crank it then put in drive, still holding the brake rev up the motor in short bursts (at work we call it power braking) and look under the hood from in the car and see if the motor rocks in the engine bay when you do it. do it in reverse as well. this will help you determine which mounts (if any) are bad. as for the timing, id recommend a timing belt, tensioner, and a water pump all at the same time just because youre already there with it torn apart. and its a good idea cause youve missed the scheduled timing job anyways. its up to you whether or not you want to do the timing and mounts at the same time.

[speedy25]

Front and rear engine mounts are most probable cause for your vibration.

You KNOW that timing belt is a time bomb!

-SP