Topic: 84 diesel project

[MRHilux87]

Hello.
First post on here.  Awsome site love all the help.  A few months ago I got an 84 extra cab with a 2L diesel in it.  Ive always loved diesels, had a power stroke and ran equipment, but I wanted a trail rig.  Found my current truck and Im just starting some work on it.  It came with a 3 inch crappy rough country lift and Maxxis 31s.  Its my daily driver but I don't have to drive far, only a few miles.  So eventually Id like to go wild with it.  My first upgragde needs to be the engine... its non turbo and only has about 50 hp.  It runs great, starts right up, sounds good, but its just incredibly weak.  And it smokes all the time.  I know diesles smoke alot when under load or heavy throttle but this one smokes constantly.  Even at a steady throttle, any RPM, it smokes.  Im thinking injector or timing issue?  It has a cold air intake and its breathing freeley and a good exhuast without restriction.   Any ideas? Im looking for a turbo cause I would like to keep the diesel.  After that I'll progress to suspension... lockers.. gears everything.  Anyone have any engine advice?  Thanks.  After I get some more posts Ill post pictures.

[83 Crawler]

Sounds likke a sick build man!

[crazykooter]

The 2L diesel is a low hp engine but very good torque. 
I would def keep the engine.  Yes all diesels smoke...esp old ones.  1st thing I would check is compression.  This is the major cause of low power and excessive smoking.
The injection system is very simple and normally requires little to no maint. 
On older diesels I put ATF in the fuel.  Its a great cleaner and lubricator.  I should help clean the tips of the injectors.
Also the o rings in time get brittle and need to be replaced. 

So basically I would replace the injector o rings and do a compression check.  If I remember right it should be in the 300 psi range.

The truck you have is pretty rare.  I would also like to see some pics of it. 
One nice thing about having a diesel vin truck is you can put any engine you want in it without any smog issues.
If you dont want to mess with that 2L then get a hold of a VW 1.6L turbo diesel engine.  They can be found fairly easy and wiring them in is basic.

[MRHilux87 [OP]]

Thanks guys.  Ya the title is a diesel and in CA that is a big plus.  I havnt checked the compression but my gut says its really good.  It fires up almost instantly even when its cold.  and it has good engine braking.  It doesn't have the torque it should have.  The previous owner says it was rebuilt, and I kinda trust him.  I took off the valve cover and it looked imaculate.  Super clean.  And I took the timing belt cover off to replace the water pump and the bolts looked new that hold the pulleys on.  Im not a mechanic but Ive been into a few engines... I expected it to be weak, but with 31s im going like 30-40 mph in 3rd gear up only moderate hills.  I should replace those o-rings good idea.  I like this diesel too because there are no electronics.  Meaning Its almost waterproof. 

[MRHilux87 [OP]]

Last post to make 11 so I can post pics. 

[MRHilux87 [OP]]

I guess I need MORE than 11. 

[MRHilux87 [OP]]

Couple pictures of the diesel.

[Toy-Cra-Ze]

That is an awesome truck i wish i had a toyota with a diesel!!!