1984 CJ8 Currently Receiving OM617
 

I started my Scrambler / OM617 swap recently. Here are some pictures. I found a Jacobs exhaust brake that will work, It was designed for a Cummins, but the dimensions are the same. It will have to be machined to fit the back of the MB turbo. Other than that, this will be a stock Jeep tranny conversion. This will be my 3rd diesel swap. Enjoy!

Engine installed today
 

Got the flywheel with adapter installed, New clutch and bellhousing. Pretty tough getting the tranny to line up. Took about an hour. Mounts went in fine, and the engine sits nicely on them. Lift kit will be needed as the oil pan is pretty close to the front diff.

Any info on jacobs exhaust brake? Nice job so far...

Genuine Cummins NTA 855 C310 Exhaust Brake PN 3800386 | eBay


Found it on ebay for 175$. Its designed for Cummins NTA 855 C310 PN 3800386. ID is roughly the same as the OM617. Had the machine shop resurface the MB turbo and exhaust fittings to accept it. Will post pictures soon.

So I've completed my installation and testing of my OM617 in my 84 Scrambler :c::c:(Jan 2013), and so far I am quite pleased with the results. It's not going to win any drag races, but up here in Colorado at 9500', the turbo spools up and and makes the posted power settings. The 4.2 was quite lacking up here. It is definitely a high revving engine. I have done Cummins swaps and VW swaps into suzukis, and this one is certainly different than all of the rest. It is a short stroke diesel, with a sweet spot at about 2400-2600 depending on who you talk to. That takes some getting used to. This engine redlines at 5000 rpm with max horsepower at about 4500-4800 rpm. I decided to forgo the exhaust brake install as the mated surfaces would not stop leaking. Just could not get it right. Maybe someday I'll put more effort into it. My jeep will reach highway speeds in 3rd gear. The turbo isn't happy until well over 2000 rpm. Once you get used to these traits, it's actually pretty fun to drive. You are constantly revved up with power in reserve. I drive it all the time, even when I don't need to. (I have my diesel Jetta for the daily stuff). Very cool swap, and I did it for about 2500$ out the door. My cummins swaps exceeded 12000$, mostly because of the gearing and tranny stuff you have to do to keep that engine at 1800 rpms. Anyway, this was a very fun swap, and cheap. Not to mention that these engines will outlast you.

Cheers

Greg
1984 Scrambler with OM617 MB 5 cyl TurboDiesel. Colorado Expedition Vehicle.

More pictures. I only have a 2 1/2" lift on the truck, so the oil pan was notched to clear the front diff. So far no contact even when wheeling.

More pictures. Put some louvers on the hood to aid with engine oil cooler ventilation. I used a manual glow plug system with a push button.

looks good did you weld or braze the oil pan?

Had it welded at the local welding shop. Not brazed.

Man, that's awesome! Lighting a fire under my butt to finish the YJ.