I'm looking at a 1986 Cherokee with the Renault 2.1 turbo diesel, 5 spd. The owner bought it not running with a bad injection pump. He replaced it with a used pump, but hasn't been able to get it to run right. He said he replaced the timing belt with the injection pump and doesn't think he has it timed correctly. It starts and idles, but doesn't want to run much over idle and won't produce power. I'm thinking about purchasing it as a project. I know the parts aren't the easiest to find and are expensive. The price is right and the fix could be as simple as timing it. It also could be a bad turbo, injection pump, etc. I know it would be a gamble. I also know these were turds compared to our CRD's, but it is in really nice shape and could be a fun project. As far as I can tell from my online research, these were pretty reliabe, underpowered, get good MPG, and require a lot of maintenance like our CRD's.

Any members on here have experience timing one of these? Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks.

Billy

I think Sir Sam has some experience with one, PM him.

_________________
Silver 2006 KJ 2.8L CRD Limited:
GDE ECO Tune / Fumoto Valve / E-Tecno GX3123 7v Glow Plugs / 2nd Gen Fuel Head / Mishimoto RED Hoses / Rockers/Lifters @ 114k / Hayden FC + 11 Blade Nylon / Sears P1 Battery / Transgo 45RFE-HD2 Reprogramming Kit / Timken Front Bearings

If you pass on it let me know I may be interested.

_________________
05 Liberty Limited CRD, converted to KPA 2863 ball bearing and billet turbo, 50hp injectorsl, complete egr delete, cooling fan delete, weeks intake kit, cummins in tank lift pump, ARP studs, 3" turbo back exhaust, samcos, etecno plugs, GDE trans tune, custom GDE engine tune.

Those engines are so underpowered... If you want a Cherokee diesel, get a Mercedes 300 SD from an auction with less than 1000 and swap the engine on a Cherokee or wrangler. The 300sd comes with a 3.0 turbo om617, very, very good engine. I am actually getting ready to do the swap soon.

_________________
2005 kj CRD, samco, suncoast tc, provent, Kennedy lift pump, GDE ECO full torque, 2nd gen filter head, 245/70/16 a/t tires, mopar light bar, fumoto oil valve, OEM Skid Plates, ARB Front bumper and HD OME, tru cool LPD47391 40k GVW tranny cooler (stock cooler delete), FF Dynamics e-fan and shroud, rocker arms replaced, HDS2 190F thermostat.

I own one, in an MJ. It beats out a KJ CRD for speed off the line. Just an FYI, it also averages better mpg than a CRD.




As far as timing, the cam and crank cannot be off time or it will destroy itself. They have tighter timing tolerances than the vm.

Your issue is likely in fuel delivery. How old is the pump he put in? We had a brand new new old stock and it still had to be gone through down to the last bolt before it would run right. The impellers were all stuck

Also, with the hood open, move the throttle arm by hand. If the nut moves with the arm, no worries. If it slips, just keep it in mind that it is common for the splines to strip for that arm on the shaft, so just get it located and tac-weld it on.

Thanks all for the info. FYI...Sir Sam hasn't fooled with the Renault diesels. The owner is working out some title issues. If all is well, I'll be picking it up.

I'll be giving it a thorough inspection before attempting to start it. The owner had it idling so hopefully the injector pump is just out of time. I was mistaken and he actually had the injection pump rebuilt (w/paperwork) so it should be good. I'll be checking the timing, rocker arms, valve lash, etc. The turbo spun nicely and had no play.

I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks.

Billy

The injector pump is a rotary, and it is not common rail. The injectors are always open, so If it is incorrectly installed, it won't run correctly

the project seems interesting .
On froggy forums from that part of the sea, the owners are all enthusiastic about the reliability of the engine, (much less about the power ). They all say that it's a great engine that runs for ages. even if you don't get the details, in this forum, some guys are stating how many Km there 2.1d last:
http://www.forum-auto.com/marques/renault/sujet9522.htm
Many engines claim 450'00Km = 280'000 miles

In case some parts are difficult to find in the US or just too expensive, I would be glad to help and buy then here and ship them to you.
PM me if you are interested.

_________________
Silver CRD
ASFIR skid front & central elements, MOPAR gas tank skid - SAMCO Turbo hoses - 4 breathers extension
2006 gaser airbox - Frankenlift with Koni at front.
Airtex lift pump

JeepCoMj...Yep, I'm aware it's not a common rail. My father was a diesel mechanic. I grew up working on these now older engines. That's why I wasn't too concerned about tackling this project. The parts network scares me more than anything. I rebuilt a 1.6L Toyota Corolla diesel when I was 15 (father overseeing). We drove that car round trip to California from Ohio. 60HP= A/C off going up hills in the mountains! =)

Topan...Thanks for the info and the offer. I'll get a hold of you if I have any problems getting parts.

Update...I got the Cherokee home Monday, started the tear-down Tuesday. Luck was on my side. The injector pump was two teeth off. Crank/cam were fine. Valve lash was good. I re-torqued the head bolts (normal maintenance for these). I'm changing the oil and going through a few other things before I attemp to start it. This weekend will be the test. I'm hoping the injector pump being out of time is the only issue. We'll see. Fingers are crossed!

Billy