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[vmkrister]

Dear friends,

The Cherokees with the VM diesel engine have a number of nasty problems that we all together can solve:

Starters; there are 2 possible starters, Bosch number 0 001 128 177 or equivalent and Bosch 0 001 216 177 or equivalent. The first one has has 11 teeth and the second 9 teeth on the gear. I should very much like to have a list of which starter fits to which of the following engines: VM34, 35, 38, 45, 46, 59, 61 and 70B.
It happens that the wrong starter is installed, it works some time but suddenly gives in and leaves the starter ring on the flywheel with ground off gears. I presently have a one VM 35B with that problem and there are several out there calling me with the same question.

Computer boxes and immobilizers: When the "drive-by-wire" injection pumps were introduced a new problem started wit h the computers. It is well known that the injection pumps can be exchanged to mechanical and I know of several who have done that and have recommended several to do it. However it should be great to know exactly where the problems is and how it can be cured for the injection pumps and immobilizers!

Please spread this message to all Jeep Cherokee sites you know of and spread the answers. Some enthusiasts or/and professionals know the answer!!

Krister 

[Bubba]

I find the cure to all vm related problems is a box of fire lighters

[bgbazz]

I must have been one of the lucky VM owner/drivers...in just over four years and a little more than 50K, my 2.5 CRD cost me 37 quid for a new thermostat! Prior to the change, I was getting 21-22 mpg...after the new one was fitted it jumped to and stayed up around 35mpg! I used to drive it like I stole it...chirping the tires at every set of lights and  setting cruise control at 80mph on the highway!
It was the Jeep suspension set up that gave me the most grief!!

[Dave69]

the main nasty problem is people thinking the cherokee with the vm engine is a reliable choice. some owners have been lucky but the majority find the heads go porus at any point over 60k.

problems.

porus heads
change one head all will require removing
single piece head gaskets are better replaced for one complete gasket
No.3 exhaust manifold stud takes for ever to remove
air intake hoses NEED the support springs
limited suppliers who will sell parts at an acceptable price

[Dutch]

the main nasty problem is people thinking the cherokee with the vm engine is a reliable choice. some owners have been lucky but the majority find the heads go porus at any point over 60k.

problems.

porus heads
change one head all will require removing
single piece head gaskets are better replaced for one complete gasket
No.3 exhaust manifold stud takes for ever to remove
air intake hoses NEED the support springs
limited suppliers who will sell parts at an acceptable price

Dave, IMHO the op refers to the KJ not the XJ boat anchor.

[The Smiths]

the main nasty problem is people thinking the cherokee with the vm engine is a reliable choice. some owners have been lucky but the majority find the heads go porus at any point over 60k.

problems.

porus heads
change one head all will require removing
single piece head gaskets are better replaced for one complete gasket
No.3 exhaust manifold stud takes for ever to remove
air intake hoses NEED the support springs
limited suppliers who will sell parts at an acceptable price

Dave, IMHO the op refers to the KJ not the XJ boat anchor.

No h is referring to the boat anchor

[Dave69]

quite possibly but the OP really needs to clarify

[Mike Pavelin]

I find the cure to all vm related problems is a box of fire lighters

[thazlett]

I'll be watching this as I have the 3.1 WG/WJ. Just had the engine speed sensor die in that which prevented it from started. It's ok now with a replacement sensor.

What causes the heads to go? Poor cooling?

[Mike Pavelin]

I'll be watching this as I have the 3.1 WG/WJ. Just had the engine speed sensor die in that which prevented it from started. It's ok now with a replacement sensor.

What causes the heads to go? Poor cooling?

This is a photograph smuggled out of the VM Motori cylinder head factory showing the material they use in billet form....

[thazlett]

   Probably not far from the truth.

[Brachunky]

You gas lads are just jealous cause you cant run yours on cheap veg oil

[Dave69]

depends if ou want to smell like a chip shop or not.

rover used the vm lump and they had to constantly deal with warrantee claims due to cheaply made cylinder heads

[Mike Pavelin]

mmmmmmm..deep fried mozzerella

[vmkrister]

Problems with overheating and cracked head and non working hydraulic lifters are purely owner/driver related.
The 3.1 has its own nasty problems...
Someone out there has the solution of at least the starter question...
Take care!
Krister

[Dave69]

the amount of information on the vm engine from the mk1 is very little. the best place to find out is from the VM specialist in sheffield (http://www.vmdieselspecialist.com/). As the new models got released the engine was slowly improved and then swapped for a more reliable motor but even these have had their own model specific issues