Broken Connection: A Defiant Connecting Rod
The relationship between America and diesel engines is multifaceted. These engines serve as the backbone of the transportation industry, supplying power to a wide range of trucks and commercial vehicles throughout the country. However, there have been instances where American car manufacturers produce diesels that gain notorious notoriety.Diesel engines have a complicated connection with America. They are essential in the transport field, powering numerous trucks and commercial vehicles across the nation. Nonetheless, there are occasional cases when American automakers manufacture diesel motors that earn abominable reputations.
In his most recent video on his I Do Cars YouTube channel, Eric delves into the reasons behind the poor reputation of Jeep’s EcoDiesel engine. This particular engine model, found in previous versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and some variants of the Ram 1500, has gained notoriety for its early failures, scarcity of replacement parts, and challenging installation due to its compact design.
The engine’s poor quality was revealed as it couldn’t be rotated manually, suggesting possible issues with the rods or crankshaft. Visually, it appears to be in good condition with no apparent damage. Looking at the cylinder heads alone, one would not suspect any malfunction. The spaces beneath the valve covers resemble new, exhibiting minimal signs of wear and discoloration.
Upon the removal of the heads by Eric, the extent of the damage becomes apparent. It appears that one of the pistons forcefully collided with the valves, leaving a distinct mark on its surface. True to Eric’s assertion, an abundance of metal fragments can be observed in the oil pan, which he claims were once bearing components for the connecting rods.
The bearings crumbled, leading to the separation of one of the connecting rod caps from the rod itself. This allowed the crankshaft to forcefully propel the piston into the cylinder head. As a result, the rod cap ricocheted within the engine’s crankcase and ultimately became lodged between the crankshaft and block, resulting in the motor being immobilized. What a terrible situation!
Eric has a hunch that insufficient upkeep and limited bearing surface may have caused the breakdown. Considering his extensive experience dismantling engines of this kind, it seems likely he’s onto something. Having dismantled multiple EcoDiesels, Eric can attest that all of them have encountered comparable issues with their lower sections.
Our recommendation would be to opt for the gasoline engine instead.
