Topic: buying an xj cherokee 2.5td (head check) (Read 7911 times)

sivy28 · « **on:** January 23, 2012, 10:40:20 AM »

Hi im interested in the dreaded xj td and just need a bit of advice off some of the more knowledgable members on checking some of the major points

when checking for head gaskets being blown iive heard of the condom test can this be done over the expansion tank ? or is it only the radiator cap
are the heaters not working a bad sign ? a couple ive seen only blow cold air is this an easy fix ? they all seem to only run on full as well ?

ive seen a couple now and one had a few bubbles in the expansion tank heaters didnt work so i walked away

is the colour of the water a good indicator too

im all right i think on clutches gears etc but any advice on specific things for the xj 2.5td would be appreciated especially 4x4 hi and low diffs eg what to listen for

thanks
sivy

Panic mechanic! · « **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2012, 10:44:25 AM »

if you do a thread search on here about 2.5td, you won't find a good word about them, they are not just dreaded they are despised, finding a good one is possible but its then a lottery as to when it will go wrong and empty your bank account. If you are worried about mpg then go for th 2.5 petrol but you will only get a few more mpg than the 4.0 petrol or find a 4.0 on lpg.

The Smiths · « **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2012, 10:52:33 AM »

wrong forum to be asking about diesels

look at this one: http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=123

Nosebolt · « **Reply #3 on:** January 23, 2012, 12:02:49 PM »

only one thing needs checking, if it has a 2.5td badge then walk away

Dutch · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2012, 12:05:08 PM »

Who needs a head check ? ?

Sorry, tooooooo easy.....I'll get me coat

tim_aka_tim · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2012, 03:41:28 PM »

If you're seriously considering a 2.5TD, the only had that needs checking is the one on your shoulders.
Seriously, don't even consider it unless regret is a feeling that you get off on.

DICK BOOTH · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2012, 03:48:12 PM »

Listen to the lads, buy a 40l petrol. The vm produces a lot of torque for the revs but i've had no end of pain with mine over the last 2 months. Fingers crossed it's sorted now but i've done too much to list really. Bubbling in the expansion tank could be a cracked head or a cylinder liner. It's a can of worms. Buy a petrol!

Tank · « **Reply #7 on:** January 23, 2012, 03:55:24 PM »

I see you have already posted on that aussie site,and theres a bit by deesalweasal or whatever is name is,well to be honest its all bolloxs.I dont any other diesel that needs such molly coddling as a VM.The reason for a diesel is reliabilty and sustainability and the VM has neither.I have had plenty of other diesels and none of this running to temp bullshit was needed and never had a problem.My van is an Opel diesel,had it 6 years without a problem and it gets used and abused and neglected and still goes on.I suspect a Jeep VM TD would have long died by now.Its Italian and apart from supercars,the italians dont make a good reliable car which is why Fiats and Alfas lose so much of their residual values over a relative short period of time

The Smiths · « **Reply #8 on:** January 23, 2012, 07:13:13 PM »

I've boiled my VM a few times, usually due to mud and broken fans - once was pouring water over the top of the engine to cool it down to drive it further.

last time belt went on motorway at 80, had to get recovered home and had to pour 7L of water (holds about 11L) - thought that this would have killed it - but it didn't.......

you are right though, they are crap - but got to say that the mitsi 2.8 is as bad, if not worse..

and by the way the VM can be run on straight veg oil without any mods..

Dave69 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 23, 2012, 08:07:53 PM »

if the head has gone then take your £400+ and set fire to it.

Buy a 4ltr petrol ans SAVE money due to reliability

Tank · « **Reply #10 on:** January 23, 2012, 09:03:12 PM »

Quote from: The Smiths on January 23, 2012, 07:13:13 PM

I've boiled my VM a few times, usually due to mud and broken fans - once was pouring water over the top of the engine to cool it down to drive it further.

last time belt went on motorway at 80, had to get recovered home and had to pour 7L of water (holds about 11L) - thought that this would have killed it - but it didn't.......

you are right though, they are crap - but got to say that the mitsi 2.8 is as bad, if not worse..

and by the way the VM can be run on straight veg oil without any mods..

2.8s arent normally too bad.....but the 2.5,well thats a whole different kettle of fish.2.8s normally the diesel pump but the 2.5 its heads,cambelt etc.Though i have never been able to fault a 3.0td Toyota engine personally

sivy28 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 23, 2012, 09:29:55 PM »

thanks for the advice , im looking for a 4x4 to run on bio hence the xj but i would be interested inthe xj petrol and lpg if there was a way of using the lpg from my tank in the garden lol looked at the paj 2.8 but under 20 mpg is a killer even on bio , maybe a musso ? i just like the look of the jeep and they seem to drive well ist just all the negative comments are they really all like that

sivy

decaman · « **Reply #12 on:** January 23, 2012, 10:15:34 PM »

Not trying to steer you away from Jeeps, but as has been mentioned, the Toyota 3.0 is a great engine. I've owned a 4runner (in the middle of Jeeps) which was a brilliant truck and may be worth looking at if that's what you're after. Just check well for rust!! Mine rusted out well before the engine ever had the chance to break. Still was driven off to Hungary by a couple chaps who payed WAY!!!! to much for it.

Tank · « **Reply #13 on:** January 23, 2012, 10:48:51 PM »

Had a 3.0td 4runner,same as surf.Was a fantastic truck but had a weakness when offroading hard,and that was the front diff.Can run straight on veggie as long as you change filters regularly

sivy28 · « **Reply #14 on:** January 23, 2012, 11:05:06 PM »

nice one what about the discos ive looked at a few but i cant weld and they all needed it badly i was going torisk the xj 2.5 td purley because they go cheap and i was hoping that they only popped dueto neglect but if they all end up the same way then im better of with something else

Dave69 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 24, 2012, 07:51:16 PM »

Quote from: sivy28 on January 23, 2012, 09:29:55 PM

thanks for the advice , im looking for a 4x4 to run on bio hence the xj but i would be interested inthe xj petrol and lpg if there was a way of using the lpg from my tank in the garden lol

sivy

nothing stopping you from using the lpg from the tank in your back garden, all you need is a transfer pump to get it from the tank into the vehicle. The gas supplier isn't bothered on how its used once the container is filled, plus there is no where near the same tax put on the cost of the gas.

i know of a person who has been doing this for quite a few years now.

sivy28 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 24, 2012, 08:33:27 PM »

cheers dave69 be very interested in this , if you have any info on pump type etc pm me any info apprciated , im tempted to look at a 4.0 lpg

hey fellas with the lpg system isthere anything i should be aware of eg certification ,dothey have to have regular service anddoesit have to be documented ?

thanks
sivy

Bishops Finger · « **Reply #17 on:** January 24, 2012, 09:27:28 PM »

Yes...having a LPG system...

chrisjones · « **Reply #18 on:** January 24, 2012, 09:33:19 PM »

Sivy,

just ignore Bilbo. The rest of us try to.

JamesH · « **Reply #19 on:** January 24, 2012, 10:19:01 PM »

Look to get a certificate of installaton / sonformity/ LPGA certificate thingy. I've abused mine, only changed the filter twice and done nothing else for 65k miles over 6 years. Get a multi-point system if you can.

Nosebolt · « **Reply #20 on:** January 24, 2012, 10:23:00 PM »

keep telling you guys,

it's petrol for cars
diesel for tractors
and gas for cookers

Bulldog67 · « **Reply #21 on:** January 24, 2012, 10:33:45 PM »

I need an lpg tank in the garden, mate does summink similiar from his business and its just daft how little he pays

Panic mechanic! · « **Reply #22 on:** January 25, 2012, 01:47:11 PM »

lpg certificates are old had now and not worth the paper they are written on , all lpg vehicles now have to be checked and registered on the lpg register, if its not your inurance is invalidated, you can check online to see if it is

www.drivelpg.co.uk and enter your reg.

Dave69 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 25, 2012, 07:59:42 PM »

LPG installation is not hard for the DIY person, the hardest bit is calibrating the multipoint injection system which a seller normally will do for you as a part of the certification approval.
Seen a few professional installs that were abysmal and shouldn't have been even used.

the reason the household is cheap is that it's not subject to the taxation automotive fuel is given.

search lpg transfer pump.

DISCLAIMER. this process is for non highway use. By filling your vehicle in this manner you will be guilty of tax fraud and subject to the appropriate punishment.

Author Topic: buying an xj cherokee 2.5td (head check) (Read 7911 times)

sivy28

Panic mechanic!

Nosebolt

DICK BOOTH

Tank

Tank

sivy28

decaman

Tank

sivy28

sivy28

Bishops Finger

Nosebolt

Panic mechanic!