Massive noob... need help please

UKJeep · **Joined:** Fri Mar 25, 2016 7:43 pm **Posts:** 40

Hi guys now this is a pure noob question.. ok so I have a 70k 1 owner 2.5 crd cherokee... it ain't been serviced for 3k miles shockingly ... this I am sorting .. so I have been going through the noob guide.... cleaning this and that and seen massive improvements. ... however.. ok try understand I work on motorbikes lol..

So the top wheel on the timing belt .. water pump I believe .. has a clutch thingy... I noticed it click engine struggled then it stopped... I sh$t my pants thinking the wheel was stuck... then it started again.. etc

How should this work.. the reason I ask is because it stops engine seems the struggle then it kicks in again..... I think I know it should work like this lol but peace of mind and all that... had the truck had a service in the last 6 years or 30k miles I wouldn't be bothered. ..

Thanks in advance guys

UKJeep · **Joined:** Fri Mar 25, 2016 7:43 pm **Posts:** 40

Hasn't been serviced in 30k miles sorry

geordi · **Posted:** Sun Mar 27, 2016 5:52 pm

If the engine is still assembled, then you aren't looking at the timing belt, you are looking at the serpentine accessory belt.

The timing belt is hidden inside a cover (the black metal behind the belt is the outer cover) and cannot be seen without disassembling the accessories. If your CRD has not had the timing belt replaced though, you are WAY overdue on age of the belt. The actual water pump is driven by the timing belt.

To answer your questions though: The top pulley / device on the serpentine system is either the alternator or the viscous heater. You can tell the difference between them because the heater will have hoses going into the top of it. There is a plug on the side of this device that you can unplug without causing any error codes, and that will disable the heater. It is possible that your engine is struggling just at idle because it is getting air in the fuel or the filter is close to needing to be replaced - most filters only last about 10k-12k miles.

This device does put a significant load on the engine and will cost you quite a bit of fuel mileage if your thermostat is failed open (most have) and the engine never gets up to temperature. The gauge should be straight up or just a hair lower than dead center, if it is down around 1/4 on the temp gauge, then that is the sign your thermostat has failed and the viscous heater is working overtime to heat up the water. You don't need it to do this, but you do want to replace the thermostat at some point. The primary point of the viscous heater is to rapidly heat up the water on a cold start so you get warm air in the cabin sooner. It has no purpose for the engine's performance.

UKJeep · **Joined:** Fri Mar 25, 2016 7:43 pm **Posts:** 40

Fantastic thank you... so If I unplug this device it won't work saving me fuel and adding performance?

Dgideon · **Posted:** Mon Mar 28, 2016 8:43 am

geordi, thank you for the excellent explanation of the function of the Viscous Heater. If the 2.8 thermostat has failed in the 'open' position, can you share your opinion for an improved replacement for the OEM thermostat?
We are picking up our 'first ever" 2005 KJ 2.8 CRD later today. :BANANA:

I have read the Noobie Guide and hope to learn the quirks of the 2005 Liberty Limited CRD quickly.

Thanks to all for contributing to the GREAT resource LOST JEEPS.

geordi wrote:

If the engine is still assembled, then you aren't looking at the timing belt, you are looking at the serpentine accessory belt.

The timing belt is hidden inside a cover (the black metal behind the belt is the outer cover) and cannot be seen without disassembling the accessories. If your CRD has not had the timing belt replaced though, you are WAY overdue on age of the belt. The actual water pump is driven by the timing belt.

To answer your questions though: The top pulley / device on the serpentine system is either the alternator or the viscous heater. You can tell the difference between them because the heater will have hoses going into the top of it. There is a plug on the side of this device that you can unplug without causing any error codes, and that will disable the heater. It is possible that your engine is struggling just at idle because it is getting air in the fuel or the filter is close to needing to be replaced - most filters only last about 10k-12k miles.

This device does put a significant load on the engine and will cost you quite a bit of fuel mileage if your thermostat is failed open (most have) and the engine never gets up to temperature. The gauge should be straight up or just a hair lower than dead center, if it is down around 1/4 on the temp gauge, then that is the sign your thermostat has failed and the viscous heater is working overtime to heat up the water. You don't need it to do this, but you do want to replace the thermostat at some point. The primary point of the viscous heater is to rapidly heat up the water on a cold start so you get warm air in the cabin sooner. It has no purpose for the engine's performance.

geordi · **Posted:** Mon Mar 28, 2016 2:41 pm

UKJeep wrote:

Fantastic thank you... so If I unplug this device it won't work saving me fuel and adding performance?

Correct. The plug is on the side closest to the airbox (in a left-hand-drive configuration) and you will need to push the red lock to the opposite side (usually downward as it is clipped in place) before you can squeeze the button to unlock the plug so it will separate. They were really afraid that one would come undone by itself and the passengers might get chilly feet. :roll:

Dgideon and anyone else buying a CRD: If you don't get *IRON CLAD* proof that your timing belt was done, then it hasn't been done and you need to plan for that ASAP or even sooner. I am the travelling mechanic for these, and timing belts are one of the two main services I provide. It might not be cheap, but it will be done fast and your CRD will be back on the road that day. The alternative means the engine needs a much more invasive teardown and the cost basically triples. Not good.

Absent a parts receipt, the only proof I would suggest you accept is the ugly yellow sticker from Gates that says when the belt was changed. You can only get that sticker in a box with the belt. It is about 2"x3" and can't be missed when you see it. Any CRD that I have worked on, you will find that sticker on the radiator crossmember (black metal beam) on either side of the radiator itself. I always put them in the same spot.

Welcome to the group!

UKJeep · **Joined:** Fri Mar 25, 2016 7:43 pm **Posts:** 40

Fantastic thanks ... I have mine booked in Friday for cam belt £374.17p done and dusted.. service it myself so all parts on order from carpartsonline.Co.uk so will service the truck myself on the weekend... and Wednesday after she's taking me to Germany. .. 1500 mile round trip to test her lol... should be a laugh .... really appreciate the advice chaps...

geordi · **Posted:** Mon Mar 28, 2016 11:07 pm

Say hi to Sabine Schmidt for me... She might be the only reason TG is worth watching, if they can get her off the Nurburgring long enough to get her on camera!

Massive noob... need help please

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