DirtyComanche Posted March 3, 2016 Share Posted March 3, 2016 There's a diesel MJ for sale that I've been debating trying to get. Honestly, if it was a 4.0L I would probably have already put an irreversible chain of events into action so that it would be in my possession. The diesel scares me a bit at this point. How is it holding up for parts availability? Is it really that much fun to drive? Reliable in this day and age? How about downstream driveline parts (clutch, trans, etc), are you likely to be SOL when something minor goes wrong? I haven't set eyes on the truck in person. It's about 1000km drive and a ferry ride away. The guy selling it is probably a member on here too, actually... Not really tech, just musing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 3, 2016 Share Posted March 3, 2016 Worth it in the sense that you'd have one of probably dozen(?) or so left in the U.S. that weren't crushed or parted out. Not worth it in almost every other regard. One of the fellows on here (Automan) has one and has had to source a good number of parts from abroad to get it running right. Parts (mind you) that are relatively hard to source, because even Renault doesn't keep them around anymore. If it were to just to be a lawn ornament or the like, I'd probably get one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted March 3, 2016 Author Share Posted March 3, 2016 Doesn't JeepCoMJ (IIRC that's his username?) have one? Or his dad? Still? I rarely come around here anymore. It's probably one of only 4 left in Canada. Haha. It does run, sometimes, I guess, if you're lucky. He said he wouldn't trust it to drive to the gas station 2 blocks away. The ferry fees and added time are one of my gripes with going to get it, I haven't priced it out yet but it won't be cheap ($500 probably just for the ferry). I have an entire spare 4.0L, AX-15, 2 AW4, at least 2 NP231s (I actually started throwing them out) and a 242, spare XJ wiring harness, and who knows what else. It just seems it would be a total waste to buy it and wind up so annoyed with the engine that I yank it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted March 3, 2016 Author Share Posted March 3, 2016 On the plus side I have prior diesel and mechanical fuel injection experience. Part of me wants to get a plane ticket there and just wing trying to drive it home. No tools, no clue, no problem! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 3, 2016 Share Posted March 3, 2016 It's definitely one of those odd-ball vehicles that you'd only believe possible in the 1980's, for sure. Although with prior diesel experience, you'd probably fare a lot better than most. I'm sure there's some way to hobble it together with parts from all sorts of cars and trucks, but since it's from the creators of the "Le Car", I'm not sure how much pull that still has. :dunno: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted March 3, 2016 Author Share Posted March 3, 2016 Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe it uses a Bosch VE injection pump? Basically a standard piece of equipment, can be rebuilt or exchanged. Who knows who makes the turbo, but they're 'universal'. Injectors are probably Bosch, and if it has VE pump they're not too complicated and can normally be rebuilt even if they're oddball. The rest of the fuel system shouldn't matter, you can use a tractor lift pump to make it work, or any universal filter/filter head, not sure if it's a mechanical or electric fuel shutoff but it can be rigged to work including options as low tech as a ball valve. Glow plug controls might be some archaic garbage, but there is generics and junkyard options. If the glow plugs are not a part that can be sourced it would be an issue as they fail. It doesn't SEEM that hard to at least make it run reliably. If you had to rebuild the engine I think you're dead in the water. Even doing a headgasket might not be possible at this point? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted March 3, 2016 Author Share Posted March 3, 2016 I need to find an 86 or earlier FSM and read about this thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnj92131 Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 suspect you are talking about this diesel MJ: It was a red 86 with a bunch of extra engine parts, blocks etc. http://comancheclub.com/topic/48123-86-comanche-diesel-vancouver-island-bc-can/?hl=diesel It is red and was sold to someone else on Vancouver Island who has also posted here. As I recall it was having issues with the brakes. He got it for his son and the kid kept getting stuck all over the place with the truck. Seems it was back around December/November. The guy was thinking about selling it rather than fixing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 ........... but since it's from the creators of the "Le Car", I'm not sure how much pull that still has. :dunno: Also the co-créateurs of the RENIX system. I wouldn't touch anything they were involved with. :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 With all the diesels around now. it seems very reasonable to me that doing a little research it wouldn't seem all that possible to fit a diesel into one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockfrog Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 The biggest issue was overpressurising the cooling system. Last we talked it ran fine otherwise. If I had the spare cash it would be in my driveway already ... but the diesel does nothing for me, I'd be doing a driveline swap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted March 4, 2016 Author Share Posted March 4, 2016 The biggest issue was overpressurising the cooling system. Last we talked it ran fine otherwise. If I had the spare cash it would be in my driveway already ... but the diesel does nothing for me, I'd be doing a driveline swap. Yeah, I'm not sure what's wrong with the cooling system, but I can't imagine it's anything too bad. I kinda think I'm on the same level with the diesel though. I don't need the fuel economy. So basically it's lackluster performance using oddball parts. I don't know that I want to buy this thing with the intention of pulling the engine, I have enough stupid projects. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted March 4, 2016 Author Share Posted March 4, 2016 suspect you are talking about this diesel MJ: It was a red 86 with a bunch of extra engine parts, blocks etc. http://comancheclub.com/topic/48123-86-comanche-diesel-vancouver-island-bc-can/?hl=diesel It is red and was sold to someone else on Vancouver Island who has also posted here. As I recall it was having issues with the brakes. He got it for his son and the kid kept getting stuck all over the place with the truck. Seems it was back around December/November. The guy was thinking about selling it rather than fixing it. Yes, that one. He's annoyed with it and will let it go for a good price. It's way more solid than anything I've looked at up here. Well, actually, there's a really solid 89 in the junkyard, but it's got a dismantle title, which is unfortunate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockfrog Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 I do have to agree, it's a really solid example, I even entertained the idea of swapping the entrails of my SWB to end up with an LWB in the end game. Unfortunately if I did bring it home, I likely wouldn't live long enough to remove a tire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted March 4, 2016 Author Share Posted March 4, 2016 With all the diesels around now. it seems very reasonable to me that doing a little research it wouldn't seem all that possible to fit a diesel into one. Has anyone done anything nifty recently? The last I was at with it is the engine bay is just too small for most options, and the things that do fit are $$$. The other thing that occurred to me while I was out smashing some sheetmetal on my XJ is that being an 86, a 4.0L won't even swap into this thing without cutting up the firewall anyways. Or at least that's how I recall it going. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnj92131 Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 Here is the way to go if you want a diesel: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=431357 Tons of parts, excellent reliability, way more power than the OEM diesel. Well proven path. Tune the engine for 160 to 175 hp, torque from 285 to 315 lb/ft, Only requires a later stock turbo, a retune and some larger nozzles. No muss/fuss, keep your foot out of it and it drives like stock. Put your foot down and it will scoot like mad. Keep the stock 4.10 axel. If you don't want it, please send me the contact information Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted March 4, 2016 Author Share Posted March 4, 2016 Here is the way to go if you want a diesel: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=431357 Tons of parts, excellent reliability, way more power than the OEM diesel. Well proven path. Tune the engine for 160 to 175 hp, torque from 285 to 315 lb/ft, Only requires a later stock turbo, a retune and some larger nozzles. No muss/fuss, keep your foot out of it and it drives like stock. Put your foot down and it will scoot like mad. Keep the stock 4.10 axel. If you don't want it, please send me the contact information That is a very clean swap. I had heard of TDIs being put in XJs before but most of them were not that clean, and lots of them were using odd parts to adapt everything. I haven't decided if I want it yet or not, checking Kijiji shows that I'm not likely to find a cleaner body, and honestly body work is what kills me in the time department. Its where I'm at with my current XJ, I wish I had just bought a cleaner one rather than using the freebie one I had, since I've now burned so much time fixing rust. I'm not sure how easy it would be for you to buy this truck either though? Importing/exporting vehicles can turn into a PITA. I'll decided in a couple days if I'm going to move forward or not, but it is listed on the bcjeepclub forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86FUBAR Posted March 5, 2016 Share Posted March 5, 2016 Being from California with all our stupid smog laws etc... I would take that thing in a heart beat ! Because it is smog exempt!! The only diesels that need to be smoged are 1997 and up , I would yank that diesel out and stuff something else in there whether a newer diesel or a big gas engine and enjoy the crap out of it . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted March 7, 2016 Share Posted March 7, 2016 I rarely get on here anymore because of life at the moment, but I will say that parts aren't all that terrible. I had some hiccups in finding some stuff, but the novelty of it, and the history associated far outweigh any drawbacks. I love taking it to car shows and seeing the smiles on those who are "In the know" about what is going on. I also like talking about it. Hardest thing for me to find was the timing belt, but now it seems they grow on trees. It does use a Bosch VE pump, and a Garrett turbo. Lots of small crossover parts. There were enough general Renaults with the same engine that parts will be around for some time to come, even if you have to pay some international shipping from time to time. Drivetrain is standard MJ, with the exception of the AX5 input shaft for the diesel. Books and manuals are easy to find on ebay, and they even have a reprint that ties up all diesel, trans, and transfer cases into one volume. Clatter on. Rob :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bclanton Posted March 10, 2016 Share Posted March 10, 2016 Hey I'm new to the site! I found this thread and I'm looking for an 86 diesel mj! Let me know if you know one for sale please! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opsled Posted March 11, 2016 Share Posted March 11, 2016 Automan's words are reality with these 2.1's. Ran mine to 265K. Was a fine little truck but not for everyone. Be careful of one that is pressurizing the coolant. Cracked head is the usual problem. They will crack under the precombustion chamber and finding someone willing to repair it isn't easy. Mine was like that for a couple of years. Would only leak bad enough to effect drivability if the boost was over 4ish pounds. Click on the link for video, opsled Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted March 12, 2016 Author Share Posted March 12, 2016 As it sits I personally don't feel I can be bothered with the engine at all. I suspect the head is cracked, it just doesn't make a lot of sense to me otherwise. I'm thinking it was overheated and that's how it happened. If I get it, I will just stuff my extra 4.0L/AX15 and probably a 242 tcase in it. I'm going to have to look into how ugly the firewall and core support mods are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
13 Legion Posted March 12, 2016 Share Posted March 12, 2016 Watched video. It runs. I like the added "it only needs 2 fenders, hood, doors and a bed..." Is this currently for sale? If so how much? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opsled Posted March 13, 2016 Share Posted March 13, 2016 Watched video. It runs. I like the added "it only needs 2 fenders, hood, doors and a bed..." Is this currently for sale? If so how much? Was sold a couple years ago and I think has been sold again since then. Not sure where it is now. It was a metric ton with an AMC 20 rear and 4.10 gears. A rare package in a gas version. Don't know of any other diesels that had it. opsled Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted March 13, 2016 Author Share Posted March 13, 2016 Thinking more on this... 4.0L swap looks like a pain. I can get a good running (but very ugly) Chevy 4.3 truck with a 5 speed and whatever tcase they were using (241?) for like $700. That might be the solution for a transplant. I just have to clear my XJ out of my shop, which isn't too far off. Then I have to decide if I'm going to pull my mangled Dodge in and drop my J-truck cab on it, or leave that on hold. Then I could hypothetically get to this. Well, I might reno my kitchen somewhere in there too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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