More history on this vehicle-
Here is what the seller wrote on another forum-
HELLO JEEP LOVERS! YOU FOUND THE UNICORN OF JEEPS!* First I encourage everyone to web search "factory diesel Cherokee". You will see how rare and impossible these are to find. There are stories, which I cannot confirm, that there are "only 30 in the United States", and "only a few hundred were ever sold here." Let me start off by giving you some background information: * I purchased this Cherokee on June 24th 2014 from a man from South Carolina. He had towed it here to Ohio behind his camper to daily drive while he was here working. Late June I bumped into this guy while out driving one of my other Jeeps. In casual conversation he had informed me he had a factory diesel Cherokee. Half curious and half in disbelief, I asked to see it in person. Long-story short, after 3 trips back to his place and lots of begging, I talked him into selling it to me.* * I drove it home that day and spent the next two days washing it up and cleaning it out. On June 26th I drove it to have an out-of-state VIN inspection done and had the title*transferred*to myself here in Ohio. It had been a South Carolina vehicle for at least the last 15 years and possibly it's whole life (you can tell by how rust-free the underbody is). You are welcome to purchase a Carfax to verify.* DUE TO EBAY'S SILLY NEW POLICY ON*EMBEDDING VIDEOS, I CANNOT INCLUDE A VIDEO OF THE CHEROKEE. IF YOU GO TO THE YOUTUBE WEBSITE AND SEARCH; "1985 AMC CHEROKEE CHIEF DIESEL" YOU CAN SEE A VIDEO OF THIS VEHICLE RUNNING THE DAY I PURCHASED IT. * Upon returning home (2-3 miles) I noticed the water pump had steam coming out of it. No big deal, I found a pump on RockAuto and put it on. Some of the bolts had broken off trying to extract them. I had to drill and tap new threads. I didn't use thread inserts, I was trying to be minimally invasive. I added nuts to the back side of the water outlet just to be sure I didn't strip them out torquing them down. I believe the water pump is installed correctly and should work as intended. However, due to the fact that I had to remove the belts (external timing) the motor needs re-timed. This I have no idea how to do. I don't want to be the guy to mess up one of the only factory diesel Cherokees in the United States.* * I want someone who will cherish this and do it justice. Show it off and let people see it in person. This is more rare than a Delorean, a Hemi Cuda, or whatever "rare" car you can think of. It is a complicated little motor that deserves more respect, time, and budget than I can afford it. Please, please, please if you do not know what you are doing*mechanically do not bid on this vehicle. It deserves expert service.** * This "Jeep", being a pre-1987, is actually titled as an AMC Cherokee, as Jeep had not officially taken the model (XJ) over on it's own. This vehicle is*equipped with the 2.1 turbocharged and intercooled Renault diesel motor. It is backed by a 5-speed manual transmission. These were rated at 35 MPGS!!!! * This Cherokee has an aftermarket 30 (aprox) gallon fuel tank, a 3" (aprox) suspension lift with sway bar quick disconnects, and almost new 31x10.50x15 tires.* * These were made to be sold in Europe, the reason why you have likely never seen or even heard of the diesel model.** * PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THIS CHEROKEE WILL NEED HAULED HOME, AT THE VERY LEAST IT WILL NEED THE TIMING ADJUSTED TO BE*DRIVE-ABLE.
On Jul-06-14 at 14:20:28 PDT, seller added the following information: Just had a good question, wanted to throw this out there: Q: Dear englewoodz28, Greetings, you said = However, due to the fact that I had to remove the belts (external timing) the motor needs re-timed. Did you try to turn it over or something during the water pump change? Jim - maxedseo A: * Dear maxedseo, Hello, According to Renault service manual, anytime the timing belt is removed, the belt has to be changed and the motor needs timing adjusted. I did not crank it while removed, but I believe from it being parked in-gear while working on it, I may have bumped it off timing. I tried to start it after the change and the accessory belt moves but the timing belt doesn't. I turned the motor over freely by hand 3 times (as instructed in the service manual to begin re-timing). I however do not have to tool required to find top-dead-center on the crank, as needed to continue timing the motor. Hope this helps, any further questions please ask. -Ron - englewoodz28
On Jul-06-14 at 15:30:43 PDT, seller added the following information: Another great question for all to see: Q: Dear englewoodz28, Hi, if I understand your previous answer... the engine was cranked over but the timing belt does not move. With this interference engine that would mean engine damage, at the least the rockers. Do you have pictures of the engine with the valve cover off? Thank you J - joeblack5 A: Dear joeblack5, Joe, I understand your concern, that is a great question, thank you. I do not have a picture with the valve cover off. To be honest I would rather not remove it after having broken the bolts on the water pump. I feel I need to leave this to someone with a greater understanding of the Renault. As far as damage I am really not sure. There wasn't any terrible noises, but that is not necessarily an indicator. A helper was standing over the engine bay when I tried to start it and he said it appeared the belt was slipping around the crank pulley. I just briefly hit the key twice and stopped to do research before I went any further. I honestly do not think I damaged anything. As far as what had been done to the vehicle previously, I do not know. Like I stated in the description, I drove it a few miles and it ran great. It hasn't been started since the water pump was replaced. -Ron - englewoodz28
On Jul-08-14 at 09:16:17 PDT, seller added the following information: Here's another good question I would like everyone to see: Q: Dear englewoodz28, Greetings. Cool Cherokee. Since it doesn't run are you okay with the buyer having it picked up by an auto shipper? Also, since it doesn't have a front drive shaft did it drive fine when you bought it just not in four wheel drive? Thanks, Mike - mik1922 A: Dear mik1922, Mike, Thank you. It is unique for sure. I kind of have been anticipating an auto shipper would likely be the method of pickup for the vehicle. I am available and will gladly help the transporter with the pickup. I drove the Cherokee in 2WD only. The previous owner told me he removed the front shaft before leaving South Carolina. He stated he was trying to maximize fuel mileage. -Ron - englewoodz28
On Jul-09-14 at 10:39:48 PDT, seller added the following information: I am an honest seller, I make all messages and answers public for all: Q: Dear englewoodz28, If the belt slipped and it was cranked. Then 100% the piston came in contact with the valve's. I have had one of these for about 5 years and gave it to my uncle. They are great engines that will last a long time as long as you torque head bolts every 25k and don't break or slip the timing belt. 2.1 8js turbo diesel. Sorry.. you would definitely have to pull the valve cover to inspect valve train. To get a new motor as these are not repairable. You can not mill or make repairs to head as its all aluminum. some versions of the Shasta campers came with 2.1 turbo diesel. I have seen them here and there for sale on craiglist. Other wise you have a nice body on that one you have for sale. * A: Dear stevebmw, Steve, I suppose that is possible. I have been told numerous things from numerous people. It has also been said the belt just slipped because it was stretched from taking it off. There may be damage, there may not be. It was only turned over for an instant and rotated freely by wrench. If there was contact it would be minimal. It wasn't running and slamming together. Regardless, I'm not trying to sugarcoat anything, I have made every private message public so everyone can see them, regardless if I agree or not. The vehicle needs work, hopefully someone is more knowledgeable than I and can save it. The reserve is set at a fair price all things considered, I'm not changing it. The last record I found of one of these selling was nearly $10,000, and that was over 6 years ago. It's a rare rare rare Jeep and there's someone out there who will give it the respect it deserves. -Ron - englewoodz28
On Jul-09-14 at 14:53:22 PDT, seller added the following information: I HAD SOMEONE LOCAL CONTACT ME ABOUT THIS VEHICLE, THEY SEEN THIS AUCTION. THEY SEEMED*SURPRISED*WHEN I MENTIONED IT DOES NOT RUN. I HOPE THIS IS CLEAR TO EVERYONE. THIS JEEP DOES NOT START!!!!!!!! THE MOTOR IS OUT OF TIME. IT WILL NEED WORKED ON BY SOMEONE WHO KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING.* IT RAN A WEEK AGO BUT NOW DOES NOT START!!!!! THERE COULD BE OTHER ISSUES!!!! I'VE OWNED THIS A JUST A COUPLE WEEKS AND HAVE ONLY DRIVEN IT A COUPLE MILES!* I WANT THIS TO BE CLEAR.* IF YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND RENAULT MOTORS, DO NOT BID! YOU WIN IT, YOU OWN IT. SORRY IF I SOUND LIKE A BUTTHEAD, I'm ACTUALLY REALLY NICE LOL
