DieselPioneer
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Florida
I bought an 85 diesel Cherokee in Oct 05 that didn't run and had 209k miles on it (come to find out the engine was absolutely worn out with 2 cracked sleeves and 2 spun bearings among other major problems). I have been working on it ever since! I rebuilt the Renault engine (including having it balanced because so much was replaced; pistons, crank and a couple of rods), the AX-5 transmission, the Garrett T2 turbo, the Paris Rhone alternator, the vacuum pump, the front drive shaft, and the brakes. The radiator was rebuilt with a 3 row core. I put new seals in the transfer case. Everything is new with respect to the clutch. All fluids changed. I also set it up to burn WVO. I modified the fuel tank such that it is 2 tanks in 1. The smaller section is approximately 6 gals. (for diesel) and the larger is about 14 gals. (for WVO). The WVO side has tubing wound through it for heating the oil with engine coolant. The diesel side is for starting and engine warmup. I added a valve to tie the 2 sections together if desired. Each section has its own sending unit. The dash gage "sees" whichever section is currently in service. Anyway, I got it on the road yesterday and it runs great! I have read that that diesel is doggedly slow. I was actually pretty impressed with the performance given it is only a 2.1L diesel. It does rely heavily on the turbo as is evident with the turbo lag. But, once the turbo spools up it performs quite well. I like it!