NOOB ready to buy a CRD

winddancer · **Posted:** Fri Feb 07, 2014 1:02 pm

Hi all..
I first wanted a Liberty Limited, but needed to tow. so as I read up on the towing, the CRD kept comming up, so I went and did a LOT of reading about the CRD and I think I am ready to buy one..
There are a few available in my area(seacoast area MA/NH border) that are within my budget.
after all my reading, I have been left with a few questions that I hope I can get answered..
1..is there anyway to tell if the computer (ecm) has been flashed to the GDE or other variations?
2. are there things to look for that I should run from if I see??
3. are they hard to work on.. I am not a mechanic , but do all my own work on all(5) of my motorcyles both Vtwin and V-four and am very good at looking online and reading/following the pictures

and am usually willing to give it shot..

I will start with these, I am sure more will enter my brain pan as this process rolls on..

Thanks in advance

Chuck

LMWatBullRun · **Posted:** Fri Feb 07, 2014 1:33 pm

1 no comment, don't know.
2 oil dripping from the turbo; oil or oily residue on the exhaust pipe; pressure in the cooling system, especially when cold; coolant on the driver's side of the cooling reservoir or tank; any tapping or rapping noises. Check the transmission fluid, it should be a light red, not especially sticky or thick. If it is, DANGER! Warm it up and drive it, and if there are any funny clunks or oddball chucks, run.

Common problems with this vehicle tend to be:
EGR system causes massive soot buildup in the engine and engine oil. This results in lots of wear on things like the valve rockers and the turbo.
transmission was not properly originally equipped with the right torque converter for the motor.
Engine head bolts are not properly engineered for the stresses imposed, requiring rework/ replacement of the HG. Recommend head studs as a prophylactic measure or as a part of any HG replacement.
AL head is prone to warping upon any overheat condition. See HG issues above.

I'd also check the codes with a reader; ask about oil change interval and oil used.

3) Yes, these are harder than average to work on. Generally there is at most only one way to access anything, and it usually involves removing other stuff. The engine bay is very cramped. If you are willing to learn and have a good set of tools then great.

OneCheekRider · **Posted:** Fri Feb 07, 2014 4:59 pm

when starting cold, if the RPM's go over 1,000 then back down to 700 or so at idle, it has a GDE tune. Sounds like you're not too far from me if you want to see a good running CRD. Good luck

Tree Catcher · **Posted:** Fri Feb 07, 2014 7:58 pm

You wont be able to work on it, Your used to working on Vtwins and Vfours... This is an inline 4 cylinder... You will be lost!!!.... HAHAHA just kidding, if you can turn wrenches on motorcycles, you should be ok with this, after all aren't they still a cylinder, piston and some valves.. The only wrench is that it's turbo charged.. Now if you were riding the Honda CX500 or CX650 Turbo, you would be at home.

Sean

winddancer · **Posted:** Sun Feb 09, 2014 10:03 am

Thank you for the replies, I will keep an eye out for those issues when I look at the vehicles..

Onecheekrider...
I may just take you up on that offer..
do you do your own work, or do you have a place that does it for you??

WWDiesel · **Posted:** Sun Feb 09, 2014 12:18 pm

First and foremost; ask if and when was the timing belt last changed! If the vehicle has >100,000 miles on it, it is past due for a belt job and this is critical and is a $600 dollar job in parts if you do all the labor. It will cost you ~$1600 at a shop or dealer. :dizzy:

Read the NOOB guide, lots of good information you can learn from to know what your are getting into.
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=54207
Read and follow some to the posts on this forum, lots of very good reading and learning from them! :!:

Good Luck & and happy hunting!!!! :JEEPIN:

NOOB ready to buy a CRD

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