I have 97 Jeep XJ with a VM Motori 2.5 diesel engine. It is leaking oil and starting very rough, sometimes the battery dies while it is trying to start - cranking so many times. The mechanics here (Malian mechanics) tell me the engine is "fatigued" or in other words needs a new engine or rebuild.

Can I still drive this without a rebuild? Are there any tricks or secrets so that I dont lose compression and the engine starts more reliably?

Any tips to keep me going? Otherwise I may just send it it XJ heaven.

Thanks!
Ryan

 

So - I noticed 7 people viewed but didnt reply..at 30 views and zero replies I'm going to drive the truck into the Niger river

 

Hahaha, I also have a VM diesel, just let me ask some question first, before you "roll" that thing into the niger.
A little bit more patience would suit you good- there is only one hour between your first and second post...

First you should know that thing isn't sold in the US- so you might have no luck at all in this forum.
Due to the reason this forum and its members are spread internationally time difference does play a role.
So be patient.

I need a bit more information about the engine:
- How many kilometers do you have on the clock?
- When you open the coolant resorvoir- which colour does the coolant have- is ist rusty or plain water?

Where does the engine exactly leak? Head, front, rear? This engine likes to leak an the rear main seal.
Does the engine smoke white or grey when you start?

Secondly the fuel system is very sensitive to air leaks- did you mess with the filter lately?

You need to replace all the o-rings and gaskets every filter change!

Knowing how maintenance is done in africa- I don't expect anything at all -neither from the mechanics nor from the driver...

Please answer all the statements very carefully.
Add more info if you observe some things.

Compression should be read about 21 bar. up to 3 bar drop is almost uncritical.
Is it been measured? No, well, good mechanics...

If you starting probs, what about the glow plugs, do they work? Are all plugs supplied with power?- check the two 50A fuses.
Does the engine get fuel? Did you bleed the fuel lines and tested all four cylinders?
Your problem is very common to noobs or necglected engines. Usually they messed around with the fuel system.
Did the problem start out of a sudden? Or where they present all the times? How was the starting behavoiur before that problem appeared?
Compression loss does not appear immideately, it is a sneaking process.
Is the valve train been tested?
Drop a spoon of engine oil into each chamber and measure compression again. If it raises the piston rings are faulty - if not the in or outlet valve are damaged.
Do you have a picture of your engine bay? Since different electronic versions do exist it is impoertant to see the type of Injection pump...
These engines are reliable if maintained properly.