Diesel xj why not

[MudMonkey30]

It's a jeep thing, you'll understand once you have one.
Some people like the diesels, some like the petrols.
I know my heads were done under warrenty at 110,000, it's now at 225,000 and no drama's, ( knock on wood)

[Moses]

mine has spent the last 3 years sitting in a shed waiting to get a new motor after an over heating issue, other diesel motors do chew heads but parts are easier and cheaper to get

i have also had the starter motor out after a run in with some mud, that is a 7 hour job to remove and replace, and you better hope you can fix yours cause you don't want to have to pay for a new one

but when it is running i must admit i love it and can't see myself getting rid of it

[thommo 73]

thats about on par with the

working on it isnt a problem, i work for a big stealership.

[Gildo]

Originally Posted by Moses

mine has spent the last 3 years sitting in a shed waiting to get a new motor after an over heating issue.....

......but when it is running i must admit i love it and can't see myself getting rid of it

Thats a long time between loves Moses, hope its not reflected in other areas of your life

[RhohanX11]

Originally Posted by thommo 73

so why shouldnt i buy a diesel xj, ive searched this fourm top to bottom and the only thing i can find is that they have head probs.
while i know i'll have to do it sooner or later it's not a real issue what i want to know is there any thing else that i cant find?

it has to be the diesel for economy, just got rid of a 16ltrs/100k 4wd not getting another and its the right size for the wife lady. i have a modded landcruiser so the xj will be the family car and have towing duties once a month ( yes i know about cooling issues).

so is there anything else or things i should look for when buying one

I was going to say get a 97 up if you can as the interiors are nicer than the earlier models but i dont think they imported diesels before 97.

If buying one, make sure the heads arent cracked in the first place (get a mechanic to test with a CO2 meter in the coolant tank/exhast outlet) and then make sure the cooling system is up to scratch. And make sure you keep an eye on the temp guage so it doesnt overheat (i dont think i really needed to write that but if its a woman driving maybe you want a few temp guages scattered around and alarmed)
Unfortunately the cooling system on these is only good enough when at 100%

A clogged radiator, faulty fan clutch/waterpump/thermostat/reservior cap will effect the temperature so all these things must be spot on and your engine should go the distance that diesels are renowned for. And make sure the rad shroud is there and complete as that will effect cooling too.

Sure if you pay a mechanic to do the work and buy the parts through Jeep you will prob be up for $7000 for the head rebiuld but i did mine myself and with parts (tested heads and original VM gaskets from the UK) for all up about $700.

I now use Redline water wetter and distilled water in the rad and on a 40C day driving in 5th up a big hill i might get to half way on the temp guage.

Bottom ends on the engines seem strong.

If you buy a healthy example i'm sure you wont be unhappy and for around 4-7 grand i dont think there is anything else that compares except maybe a fourunner. I get 10km/L or thereabouts fuel consumption with my egr valve removed.

Good luck

[thommo 73]

hmmm, after some more reading im not feeling real great about the poor xj,

one more question is the same motor fitted the KJ (i read its a VM) and cant i find anything about the heads on them