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When was the last time you saw a Factory Diesel XJ/MJ?

28K views 70 replies 37 participants last post by  RLE 
#1 ·
I see one everyday when I walk out of my house. :D



It is a blessing, and yet a curse. Which brings me to my next point. I am willing to offer up any info, pictures, entertainment, or otherwise whore myself out for help.

I am looking for any parts, pieces, vehicles, advertising, or anything at all related to XJ/MJ's with the factory 2.1L Turbo Diesel. More specifically, I need a gauge cluster, since the tach in my original cluster was broken.

Since not many people get to see one of these, I'll share some keynotes for the curious.



1986 Jeep Comanche "X"
2.1L Renault J8S 2068 CC Intercooled Turbo Diesel
AX5 Manual
NP207 Transfer
D30/35 4.10's

Weirdness in photos:

Engine bay:



Intercooler:



OHC:



Cluster:



Fuel Gauge:



Instead of a Voltmeter (Most people's favorite part):



Interior:



I picked it up in Virginia Beach, VA, after a long, arduous road trip. I got it home, and started the daunting task of going through it. Many things on these get neglected, due to a lack of knowledge. Intervals, fluids, general maintenance...The timing belt should be changed every 100k, but many people don't. Big mistake since these are an interference engine. I had to wait 4 months for a timing belt, the only one which surfaced was sitting on a dusty shelf in Belgium. Yet another challenge of having such an odd duck. Parts availability. The engine seal kit I had to source from Hamburg, Germany. Odd little motor. Aluminum block, aluminum head, steel wet sleeves, overhead cam. It makes 85 horsepower, and 132 ft lbs of torque... And gets roughly 30 MPG. Yep, you read right. 30 MPG. The only other guy I know that has one averaged 30 also, and could get 38 on the highway. I have yet to take mine on an extended trip.

I did have it over by the only other guy that has a Diesel MJ, and his shows the years of midwest living badly. That, and his has about 270K on it. He was helping get mine going, but I had the rare opportunity to catch a rare truck meeting a rare truck.



And how about hearing them run?



In cab view of the gauges on mine:



Underhood rev/Exhaust note (Nevermind the hillbilly exhaust, remnants of PO)



Anyway... I wanted to toss this up to educate anyone on this that might not have seen one before. Also to put the feelers out and to ask any of you to keep an eye out for me. Someone had estimated that there were fewer than 30 XJ/MJ's with the Factory Diesel left in the states. I would appreciate it that if you came across one for sale, junked, or parts of one, that you keep me in mind.

Also, if you have any questions, ask away.
Rob :cheers2:
 
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#38 ·
There is a diesel XJ at the local salvage yard. been there a while, and I don't know if it is the 2.1 or 2.5... but if you are interested in parts I could snap a few pics next time I am there... PM me if interested, I don't get on here much anymore.
 
#40 ·
Wow. Absolutely love this! Checked out your post on comancheclub.com and your in Harvard?! Im down in Garden Prairie! Would love to see this thing! Maybe me and my XJ will see ya when were heading up to Delavan with the boat! I always cut through Harvard! Good find, and best of luck with the resto! :cheers2:
 
#43 ·
A few notes on the J8S I can share from my Winnebago experiences

change the oil pump driveshaft every timing belt change OR MORE OFTEN!!! It is the number one cause of engine failure after all these years, long shaft looks like an allen key/XZN tool that strips and fails, easily found under the vacuum pump 6" long (runs between the vacuum pump and oil pump)

Turbo is unique to the JEEP application, no new ones but rebuilding is possible still. The Winnebago has a much larger turbo very much like a Mercedes 617.95 turbo (3.0L 5cyl) again no longer available but rebuilding.

Rockauto has lots of parts available out of the UK, shipping is high but GREAT selection, just be sure you click on the EU flag when searching for parts not just USA this is how I get Winnebago powertrain parts at very reasonable prices, the dealer that remains is a crook for parts (compare a cam seal $3 to $20+!!!). There is also a garage just outside of Montreal Quebec Canada Robert Marleau that specializes, he has everything in stock and no problem shipping, no website just phone, speaks no english really just french but amazing person that shares his wealth of knowledge and always has what I need just Winnebago but most of the engine parts are the same.

They are absolutely great motors, so simple and so reliable due to the simplicity of it. Nothing complicated, no vacuum controls like old Mercedes diesels, well designed fuel system that NEVER leaks (injectors have permanent hoses for return lines), simple to work on starter, alternator, adjustments no special tools needed. When they work properly they are amazing little engines, they seem to stay fresher/have fewer issues vs the other european diesels, maybe due to the lack of use and winter driving.

In our Winnebago we manage 25mpg (us gallon) or 10L/100kms all day long, and hill climbs are no problem it has plenty of power on the highway, slow cruising due to the gearing and not fast off the line, but great for what it is.

The Jeep td is pretty rare, I see them once in a while about as often as a diesel Winnebago. I know of two Jeep Cherokee td for sale that are basically parts cars, full of mold inside and sitting for 10+ years, apparently running but far from road worthy and the mechanic selling them wants $5000 for the pair! Just because they are rare is his reason...
 
#44 ·
I just picked up a 86 2 door cherokee TD. I will post pics later today. I would like more info on the oil pump though.
 
#45 ·
For the oil pump here are some steps
1-remove the vacuum pump on the drivers side lower engine block (below injection pump sort of behind alternator/ps pump
2-lift the allen key shaped driveshaft out of the hole carefully, with a magnet or pliers and a steady grip
3-inspect the ends of the driveshaft, they typically get rounded off with age not sure where you would source a driveshaft I am sure it could be made with tool stock, the garage I mentioned sells them.
4-replace the Oring on vacuum pump
5-carefully reinstall the driveshaft into the hole, "feeling" for the opening for it in the oil pump yes you can miss easily and drop down into the oil pan, so be patient and careful, use a flexible LED light to guide you it is not the easiest place to get your head into for a look!
6-reinstall vacuum pump, sometimes you need to play around to get the driveshaft to mesh up/mate, might take a couple attempts before it drops down into place

The driveshaft looks just like a long allen key maybe 6-8mm in diameter. I will dig around for my old used one and take a pic, it is approx 6" long.
I managed to change mine in half an hour, not a big deal job just don't drop the shaft!
 
#46 ·
Thanks!

Heres some pics of the rig I just bought





Also can anyone tell me where I can order some new glow plugs or what part number I need? (Is there a difference between the European 2.1 glow plugs and the north American?)
 
#47 ·
ONX, your inbox is full, so I can't reply to your message, hopefully you will be back and find it here.

Quick question for you, I have a diesel Xj and I think its running cold, what temp does yours usually run at?
Been a month or so since I drove it so I had to go back and look at some pics. The gauge is pretty goofy in it's increments and layout, so a pic would probably be best.

This is about where it always sits once warm.



The thermostat is a 180 degree.



Let me know if you have any more questions.

Rob
I have a pic of what houseofdiesel mentioned when I resealed my vacuum pump and redid the timing belt. The hex keys into the bottom of the vacuum pump.





Rob
 
#48 ·
Inbox has been taken care of. Thanks for the info, when I get her back from the shop (swapped in a 8.25 with a locker and had a LSD put in the front plus new suspension :) ) I will check the temp and post up new pics.
 
#57 ·
No, it does not.

Does that have the factory hidden winch? The bumper is spaced out like it does.

Rob
No, it does not have the winch, though there is room I think. It does have the heavy hooks on each side underneath, and the brush bar of course.
I have a set of fog/snow 100+W Halogen lights for the bar light mounts, but they are not LED. Never got around to adding the switches in their respective dash positions. Never used it for off road or heavy anything really.
 
#61 ·
I see one everyday when I walk out of my house. :D

Anyway... I wanted to toss this up to educate anyone on this that might not have seen one before. Also to put the feelers out and to ask any of you to keep an eye out for me. Someone had estimated that there were fewer than 30 XJ/MJ's with the Factory Diesel left in the states. I would appreciate it that if you came across one for sale, junked, or parts of one, that you keep me in mind.

Also, if you have any questions, ask away.
Rob :cheers2:
desmoines.craigslist.org/cto/5952708049.html

I found one on craigslist and research brought me to your thread. Maybe you will see this before it disappears.
 
#62 ·
1985 Jeep XJ w/Renault 2.1 turbo diesel

Ok,
So I could not resist.

I am the new proud owner of a 1985 Jeep XJ w/Renault 2.1 turbo diesel, before any one starts baggin on how bad it is, thats one reason I wanted one. I want better mpg than im getting in my 87 xj, so I payed 200 for it w/ the chiltan's, haynes and factory repair manual, 2, yes 2 short blocks with sleeves and pistons, also one has the injector pump. It isnt in a running state but it has a rebuilt head and trans, w/ papers to show. It is missing the injector pipes. I know they are kinda important, right!!!! any one have any ideas where I may find one? Im in Oregon.
 
#64 ·
Ok,
So I could not resist.

I am the new proud owner of a 1985 Jeep XJ w/Renault 2.1 turbo diesel, before any one starts baggin on how bad it is, thats one reason I wanted one. I want better mpg than im getting in my 87 xj, so I payed 200 for it w/ the chiltan's, haynes and factory repair manual, 2, yes 2 short blocks with sleeves and pistons, also one has the injector pump. It isnt in a running state but it has a rebuilt head and trans, w/ papers to show. It is missing the injector pipes. I know they are kinda important, right!!!! any one have any ideas where I may find one? Im in Oregon.
I've never looked for diesel parts, does rock auto even carry stuff for the diesels? That would be my first place to look online.

Also, congrats that's awesome you found one, you should overbore one of those blocks and put a bigger turbo on it :)
 
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