Subtle issue at idle

[abusive]

2003 Acura TL
V6
70k miles
No CEL's
No drivability issues

Preparing to get the car back to stock and give it to my in-laws (refuse to sell it to lowballers..)

I noticed that at idle, with a/c, there is a very subtle cyclical vibration. The RPMs appear to remain constant. The vibration occurs about every 2-3 secs and is consistent. The best way to describe it is as if the crank were slightly out-of-balance. I do admit that, when it comes to cars, I'm pretty much a Type-A person. Thus, it is very subtle - but it is there.

My questions are: are such cyclical vibrations common in "V" engines and is this an issue worth annoying my dealer about (as my warranty will expire end of this year)?

Greatly appreciate any help. The last thing I'd want to do is give my in-laws a car that throws a bearing or something..

[lois]

wow, this is something that you'd probably have to point out rather than try to describe over a message board. did you try and call Frank? maybe there might be a TSB on it (or not).

[abusive]

I hadn't yet because (having never owned anything with more than 4 cylinders) I wasn't sure if it was a real issue. Given your reaction, I think I'll make an appointment.

Like I said - it's really subtle (kind of like the last tranny issue) and I didn't know if it was something that may be normal. At this point I almost feel obligated to pay them to do something not covered by warranty (change cabin filter, for example) just because I'm coming in.. haha.

[lois]

"given my reaction" LOLOLOL! sorry Drew, i didn't mean to make you :ohnoes:

i just meant that it's probably not something easy to convey over a board. :D

anyhoo, i do know that the GM V6s were notoriously semi-rough idling--in a normal state. something to do with balance? i'm not an engineer, nor did i ever take physics so i can't explain anything in technical terms.

it's just "that's the way they are". :icon_lol:

[abusive]

I noticed that it only occurs when the tranny is in neutral (i.e. park/neutral) so I'm wondering if it's something to do with torque convertor just having an increased load..

I'll get around to putting on my tin foil hat and heading over to Acura soon.. :)

[idiosyncratic]

as long as the problem goes away when the engine is above idle, it should be alright. My v6 idled kind of rough, it was partly both my engine and the torque convertor (i assumed). It never really gave me any trouble. I gave away the car before the engine gave me any problems. I think the body has rotted away but I believe the engine is still running today. This was a Chevy Corsica LTZ. Unsure of how it would relate to your particular vehicle tho'.

[AfricanHerbsMan]

just checked and there are not tsb's for any kind of vibration