2.8L CRD reliability/issues?
 

I am new to the Jeep market after selling my 100series turbo diesel cruiser... I am looking at a 2008 JK diesel with a 5speed automatic, its got 65,000kms.

From anyone's experiences what is the reliability like?

Is there anything i need to specifically watch out for? Even just model specific?

I have searched through a few jeep forums and haven't really found anything or anyone who has had a big issue with the 2.8L CRD motors?!?!?

Any help appreciated.

Cheers,
Ryan

i would also like to hear the answer to this question cause im in the same boat. i would be interested in hearing which of the mechanical services are the dear ones too!

2.8 crd
 

I've had a KJ Cherokee with the 2.8 CRD for a couple of years now.
The major issue I had was the clutch fan, I used a fix from LOST Jeeps in the US, others have used clutch fans off 5.8 lt Fairlanes.
Not a big cost either way, the turbo hoses can also blow and $300 will get a set of Samco silicone hoses that will last forever.
It really is an awesome little motor that just keeps on giving.
I'm sure everyone on any Jeep forum will agree that once a Jeep owner.....
Good luck and happy days ahead in which ever Jeep you buy!**)

I have a 2008 CRD sport 5 speed, because I work away I haven't clocked big milage (40,000 km). So I can only offer a few tips that are my personal observation. Mud is not your friend, because of the radiator,evapourator and intercooler location. You MUST be diligent in cleaning these because the way the temp gauge works with its fuzzy logic can catch you unaware. (A scanguage is a good investment in my view). At 80 kph I run with the overdrive off as at this speed and under she lugs a but and I also seem to get better fuel economy with it off. I thoroughly enjoy driving this car both on road and off,but be warned if you can't handle little "imperfections" this is not the car for you (It's a Jeep Thing:p). As for servicing, If you have a good mechanic use him, most dealers are as dear as poison and aftermarket parts are limited. Oh and by the way, OEM brake pads are shite. Sorry, this probably doesn't help much but it might get so feedback started:D.

VM Motori 2.8L diesel is a proven engine. From what I understand this motor is the same as those used in London Cabs. I have a JK Unltd diesel with auto trans that has done 40,000ks without skipping a beat. With 460Nm of torque its almost unstoppable, just a real shame they havn't released a diesel Rubi. Only thing I would bother modding in the engine bay would be a set of silicone turbo pipes.

On its own the engine is probably the most reliable part of the Jeep.

Needs good airflow so as stated keep the coolers clean and dont restrict airflow with large spots/winch boxes etc.
The boost hoses were changed from about 2009 onwards, but either way...factory hoses dont like oil and with out blowby fitering they will degrade. So either fit a Provent or the Samco silicon hoses and you should be sweet.
No clutch issues with the auto so thats a bonus.
The way the engine is fitting in the engine bay can be improved with a few Zip ties and spiral wrap. Look for rubbing A/C lines, P/S hoses chaffing on boost hoses, and wiring looms not as secure as they could be.
I spent 4 hours cleaning all this up within a week of purchase and had already found chaffing and wear in a few places.

Long term reliability "should be good" there are a few JK owners hitting 100 000km plus with no engine dramas and I look at the KJ owners with the earlier 2.8 for optomistic reasurance. They are still relatively young in the JK but it looks promising.

For a quick rundown thats all I have, love my CRD and intend on keeping it long term. Hope this helps.

Matt.

Reliability
 

Should have spent $5G on putting a live axle in the front of the Cruiser????

Nah - as someone else said, probably the most reliable bit of the JK