Worried I've made a mistake - 2.2 CDTI Gen 8 Civic Shaking

[geg1992]

Hi all,

Long story short - my BMW got written off and the pay was pretty poor. I wanted a reliable, cheap runabout for a year as saving for a house so will get a new car once I've got one.

I just purchased a 2008 EX 2.2 CDTI. Everything seemed fine, but I realise on the test drive I wasn't in the car when the engine was turned off as I was looking at the engine bay.

When I got home, when turning the engine off, there's a really harsh vibration through the cabin - it actually shocked me how bad.

My worry is that it may be the DMF, however this is different to last time I had one go, so interested to hear more thoughts if possible please:

I tried lifting the clutch pedal up, but there was no vibration or rattling noise (previously I've known this on DMF's failing).
I tested in gear accelerating in each gear but there's no clutch slip.
No problems changing gear at all really. 1st and 2nd are a little tougher than the others but I don't think this is an issue and it still goes in smoothly.
When pulling away in 1st I noticed vibration but kind of put it down to just not being used to it. I notice when I downshift it will vibrate a bit too.
I tried turning off with the clutch pedal pressed in, as I thought that would rule out the flywheel? The vibration was exactly the same.

It's on 155k miles and no paperwork to show this has been replaced so I'm concerned. I'll only be doing 12k miles this year so hoping it lasts!

Thanks for any help - I did read engine mounts can cause similar symptoms.

[Smint]

Lots of Diesel engines shake the car when switching off, have you given the engine a good manual pushing and shoving to see if you have anything obviously loose or broken?
You might find running a pack of Forte or similar injector cleaner through the fuel improve running.

[geg1992]

Smint said:

Lots of Diesel engines shake the car when switching off, have you given the engine a good manual pushing and shoving to see if you have anything obviously loose or broken?
You might find running a pack of Forte or similar injector cleaner through the fuel improve running.

thank you! I couldn't find anything obvious. I've had diesels my whole life and known the slight vibration after turning it off, just never anywhere near as strongly as this. It's the same shake, just amplified x 10

[FHCNICK]

Could it not be something simple like an engine mount?

[geg1992]

FHCNICK said:

Could it not be something simple like an engine mount?

That's what I'm hoping it is. Hoping someone has had a similar experience. I will speak to the garage on Wednesday, just terrified of a big bill through my own stupidity!

[wpa1975]

If it puts your mind at ease, I have the same year Civic CDTI with 150k on it as well, yours sounds no worse than mine.

Very harsh when shutting down.

[Deesee]

Had one of these since new 2006, on 220k now, only brakes/tyres and one battery.. replaced.. everywhere I go people ask if I still have the car (lol)..I still drive it 3/4 days a week pottering around for work, blasted it to Switzerland in the Autumn!

Sounds normal, the engine is not as ‘ahem’ refined as a VAG/BMW derv but also has no DPF etc. You’ll find very few issues with the CDTI engine.

Use decent premium fuel/service in time, it will last forever, we’ll beyond the soft paint work.

My top tips, 1st change quickly, 2nd will go a long way, drive everywhere around town practically in 3rd.

Worst case some engine mounts..

Clutch and Flywheel on these are practically indestructible, you can run these 240bhp (140 standard)..

[CraigyMc]

That the Honda with the offset crank? It's bound to wobble when it shuts down.

[geg1992]

wpa1975 said:

If it puts your mind at ease, I have the same year Civic CDTI with 150k on it as well, yours sounds no worse than mine.

Very harsh when shutting down.

Interesting! thanks for letting me know. Maybe I should just leave it and stop worrying.

[geg1992]

Deesee said:

Had one of these since new 2006, on 220k now, only brakes/tyres and one battery.. replaced.. everywhere I go people ask if I still have the car (lol)..I still drive it 3/4 days a week pottering around for work, blasted it to Switzerland in the Autumn!

Sounds normal, the engine is not as ‘ahem’ refined as a VAG/BMW derv but also has no DPF etc. You’ll find very few issues with the CDTI engine.

Use decent premium fuel/service in time, it will last forever, we’ll beyond the soft paint work.

My top tips, 1st change quickly, 2nd will go a long way, drive everywhere around town practically in 3rd.

Worst case some engine mounts..

Clutch and Flywheel on these are practically indestructible, you can run these 240bhp (140 standard)..

Wow, great to hear it has been so reliable. No chain noise either?

Ahh I see! So maybe I'm just used to the N47 in the BMW - it's so smooth and quiet!

I plan to change the oil every 6k or so as that's only twice a year so not too bad. Maybe once I'm used to it, it will be easier.

[Deesee]

geg1992 said:

Deesee said:

Had one of these since new 2006, on 220k now, only brakes/tyres and one battery.. replaced.. everywhere I go people ask if I still have the car (lol)..I still drive it 3/4 days a week pottering around for work, blasted it to Switzerland in the Autumn!

Sounds normal, the engine is not as ‘ahem’ refined as a VAG/BMW derv but also has no DPF etc. You’ll find very few issues with the CDTI engine.

Use decent premium fuel/service in time, it will last forever, we’ll beyond the soft paint work.

My top tips, 1st change quickly, 2nd will go a long way, drive everywhere around town practically in 3rd.

Worst case some engine mounts..

Clutch and Flywheel on these are practically indestructible, you can run these 240bhp (140 standard)..

Wow, great to hear it has been so reliable. No chain noise either?

Ahh I see! So maybe I'm just used to the N47 in the BMW - it's so smooth and quiet!

I plan to change the oil every 6k or so as that's only twice a year so not too bad. Maybe once I'm used to it, it will be easier.

12k/12 months should be fine, have a look at the service history if it needs sooner.

Honda dealers are pretty fair with servicing, Cox (google it) have all the parts too.

Premium diesel ( + bit of v power/Esso supreme) will keep the engine clean.

It’s a shame they don’t make em anymore lol..

[geg1992]

Deesee said:

12k/12 months should be fine, have a look at the service history if it needs sooner.

Honda dealers are pretty fair with servicing, Cox (google it) have all the parts too.

Premium diesel ( + bit of v power/Esso supreme) will keep the engine clean.

It’s a shame they don’t make em anymore lol..

Great, thanks. Thank you for the recommendation for Cox too. I may get a quote from my local Honda garage - good to know they're quite fair.

I will make sure to use premium diesel too. Appreciate your help.

[georgeyboy12345]

My first thought was engine mounts. My Dad has this engine in a CRV and it shuts down normally/smoothly as far as I have noticed.

[Belle427]

Does the engine use what I’d call an anti shudder valve which is supposed to aid a smooth shutdown?