VM Motori made the diesel that was in the XJ Cherokee (after the Renault diesel in the early ones) and the diesel in the Liberty / Grand Cherokees.
Originally Posted By: supton
Originally Posted By: Miller88
I don't really mind belts on non-interference engine. But running the high compression in a diesel, they have to be interference.
But if I'm paying such a premium for an engine, I don't want a cost saving measure like a timing belt to show up.
That's fair enough. I mostly agree, although I also agree with Hokiefyd: design the darn thing to be serviced! I was never enamored with how an engine mount had to be removed on my TDi to do the belt. 5-6 hour job in experienced hands. Sure, it was only every 100k or so. But you're right, it was a "premium" engine--with premium service costs!
Quote:
Just tried to configure one and you definitely can't get one on the WT package
Go figure. Just as well, I have to think the fuel cost savings won't be realized any time soon.
I was helping a friend work on a Neon. What a major pain that is! THREE ENGINE MOUNTS have to come off. Not serviceable at all on a Neon.
I do agree that GM has issues with timing chains on overhead came engines. I would be afraid of getting on with the 3.6L for that reason. Although, I think they have the timing chain thing figured out on the 3.6L after a few years.
Originally Posted By: A_Harman
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: Miller88
I can't take anything that is supposed to be "long life" serious that has a rubber belt driven camshaft.
In theory, a belt can help you sustain that engine for longer than one with a timing chain. A timing chain has a finite life. If they do it right, that life should be pretty long, sure. But it'll eventually wear down and fail. We've seen chains on some recent GM motors fail prior to 100k miles, so durability with a chain is certainly not a guarantee. On top of that, a timing chain is usually behind an oil seal and structural timing cover, making it a real chore of a job to replace or service if that has to be done.
On the other hand, a belt is designed to be serviced, so access is built-in to the system. Belts take more space in an engine design, both because they're physically wider than a chain and because you have to design-in that access area to service them. If I'm buying something that I expect a long life from, as I DIYer, I appreciate something that I can sustain over that long life, rather than a chain that I have to
hope they engineered right (and if they didn't, I'm in it for BIG money down the road).
Belts? Chains? Humbug!
Diesels should only have gear-driven cams.
Yes! The OTR trucks use gears - even on the OHC models! And they run >1,000,000 miles without timing chain/belt issues!