Blown engine

RobMc · **Joined:** Tue Jun 19, 2012 9:26 pm **Posts:** 7

Got an expired Liberty CRD engine, will a CRD off an EU Dodge Caravan fit? Both are R428s, but Im not sure of the bolt patterns and mount locations,

Thanks!

papaindigo · **Posted:** Thu Jun 21, 2012 1:25 pm

What year CRD and what year Caravan keeping in mind the Caravan is a transverse mount front wheel drive vehicle?

What's wrong with the existing engine? If it's just a failed timing belt and trashed rockers/lifters that's perfectly fixable as a DIY project with right tools for you might could subcontract to Sir Sam for his cost plus transportation. Either way probably cheaper and less hassle than an engine swap.

Sir Sam · **Posted:** Thu Jun 21, 2012 1:51 pm

papaindigo wrote:

What year CRD and what year Caravan keeping in mind the Caravan is a transverse mount front wheel drive vehicle?

What's wrong with the existing engine? If it's just a failed timing belt and trashed rockers/lifters that's perfectly fixable as a DIY project with right tools for you might could subcontract to Sir Sam for his cost plus transportation. Either way probably cheaper and less hassle than an engine swap.

I get the feeling that transportation overseas is going to be too expensive.

to the OP

Ya the transmission bolt pattern and engine mount bolt pattern wont be a problem, but you will probably need to bolt a ton of things from the bad KJ engine to the new donor engine. It will probably work, but you are asking the wrong group of people to tell you, we have never seen a diesel caravan in the united states, which is where most of our members are from.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Thu Jun 21, 2012 2:05 pm

And you would pass up the opportunity to become a world wide CRD asset? Actually I was taking a flyer absent location information that he had access to an engine over on this side of the pond as I've seen some for sale from time to time.

RobMc · **Joined:** Tue Jun 19, 2012 9:26 pm **Posts:** 7

Thanks Gents for the responses, the engine in question is on this side of the pond and it is complete, minus the wire harness. Does this change the equation?

warp2diesel · **Posted:** Thu Jun 21, 2012 9:08 pm

If you strip it to the long block, it should work in theory.
I would swap anything that did not look identical.
I have not pulled it off with a VM CRD engine, but I have with a lot of
bone yard engines in the past. In the US/Canada we have salvage yard
publications that tells what will swap OK.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 8:19 am

Was the diesel Caravan sold in Canada? If so perhaps what warp2 suggests would be a good way to check. You might also be able to get an answer from VM directly.

I agree that in theory it should work if all the parts are swapped over and that would include using the Jeep wiring harness not a Caravan one.

That said I repeat my earlier question regarding what's wrong with your existing engine that you are considering a swap? As noted if it's just lifters/rockers due to timing belt failure that's a relatively easy fix especially when compared to swapping engines.

Glend · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 8:32 am

Just be careful about assumptions re the VM engine compatibility. The VM 428 was also put into Wranglers (Export models) from 2007 but they have different intake tract plumbing from the version in the KJ. The heads were also different in some ways and not interchangable. I'd check with VM before I spend the money.

I have a 2007 build KJ CRD and my son has a 2008 JK Unlimited CRD and they are not the same above the head gasket.

Sir Sam · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 1:12 pm

papaindigo wrote:

Was the diesel Caravan sold in Canada?

No.

RobMc · **Joined:** Tue Jun 19, 2012 9:26 pm **Posts:** 7

Gents,

Thanks for the information so far. You've successfully convinced me to explore rebuild. But before I take the step, maybe you can help me determine the problem. I was driving in the mountains of WV, going normal speed. I had no indications of low oil or high temp. The motor began to make a low rumble; I took my foot off of the accelerator; the engine stopped as I coasted to the side of the interstate. I tried to restart, but the engine wouldn't turn over. I checked for any leaks, drips, visible damage etc, but saw none. I had it towed to a Jeep dealership. The mechanic tried to turn the engine after removing the drive belt with a breaker bar, but could not budge it.

Any ideas

Randy B · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:26 pm

Sounds like it is hydrostatic locked. Fluid in the combustion chambers. Pull the glow plugs and if any fluid comes out it is hydrostatic locked, also with glow plugs out try to turn over with breaker bar. If fluid does come out the head will have to be pulled for further inspection. Also check for any coolant in the oil. If over 100,000 miles the timing belt could have jumped as well, which would damage lifters and or rockers. :2cents:

BlackLibertyCRD · **Posted:** Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:40 pm

Rob, the dealership is supposed to tell you why the engine won't turn not that it don't. If they can't tell you valve to piston (broken timing belt) or fluid, or crank broke in half then they really don't know if it needs a new engine or not. :dizzy:

Blown engine

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