I finally got one!
Story time (someone please tell me if this doesn't belong on this part of the forum): I have always wanted a CRD ever since I learned about them. After doing some research I quickly realized that as a broke college student I probably wouldn't be able to afford one but alas my time came. I set an email notifier for any Craiglist posts about CRDs in my area and never got anything until a couple weeks ago when a guy posted his '05 Liberty for sale 800$ "not running". I immediately called him and setup a time to see it. As it turns out the timing belt had slipped (it's at 140k on the odometer with original timing belt), knowing very little about this engine I posted to this forum about the possible damage. After learning about the likelihood of getting lucky with just broken rocker arms I decided to pull the trigger.
Here she is in all her glory. The front end damage is allegedly from a low speed collision 11 months ago. Rear ended some truck. I checked for frame damage or any engine component damage and everything seemed fun. The plastic front end was the only casualty there.
http://imgur.com/a/VhlG2wnMy plan so far:
Order from IDPARTS.com: Timing belt kit, Glow plugs (Etecno 7V. I live in Florida so cold starts aren't a worry), new injector crush washers and O-rings, new intake manifold gasket, new valve cover gasket, and timing tools kit.
Order from eBay: Rocker arms w/o lifters (reusing old lifters)
Total parts order: around 900$ USD.
I've decided that because I'm broke, hate myself, and love double work that I'm not going to replace the head gasket because if I'm to believe what the previous owner told me which was it never lost coolant (it's never actually seen anything other than the factory coolant and the level is fine) and in his 8,000 mile oil change intervals it only burned about half a quart if that. So I don't want to pull the head and risk my dumb booty causing more harm than good. What I will do is get new head bolts and replace all the existing bolts with new ones torqued to spec. All of you may call me an idiot for this and I will probably regret it later but this is probably how I'm going to do it.
My experience level is intermediate. I have pulled a couple motors apart before, and I'm in the middle of replacing the head on a 2000 Jeep Cherokee, but I've never touched diesel in my life. I own plenty of tools and have more than a few friends who are willing to help for the price of a beer and some pizza. When it comes to timing this engine I'm a little lost and I'll have to turn to a more experienced buddy for help there. Any input y'all have on that would be greatly appreciated.
So, thanks for staying along for that long tirade.
What am I missing? Is there anything I need to know or something I'm forgetting to order? Any advice you guys have for me? If any of y'all happen to live around Orlando, FL and want to help that'd be fantastic. I'm trying to do this on a slight budget because I am in college and I don't have insane income but I do realize that some things cost money and it's worth just doing certain things right the first time. Also, anything involving timing these engines after they have lost time would be a huge help. The lack of witness marks is silly.
Thanks again, Jack.