anyone else out there with these funny french motors? got mine a few months ago with 250 thousand kilometers on it. its a nice little rig. put 4 inch lift and camo paint,rack, lights and need to make bumper 4 my winch

 

pics please, did they offer the diesel in america? I have personally never herd of it here...

 

Yes.. they offered in the US from 1985 to 1987..

JeepMJCo here is working on one in a Comanche right now...

Neat little diesel.. underpowered and finicky for maintenance. But something very different than the norm.

 

Hey there, just joined. I too have a Renault diesel. Picked it up over two years ago with a little over 200,000 miles on it. My turbo just went out, so I'm looking for either a used one, a good rebuild shop, or maybe an after-market.

 

My buddys dad has one aswell, its his daily driver. great rig! he just recently put a new head on it.

 

I just got it in PA last month and tagged it historic down in VA, very cheap. Mine was runnin' fine until I changed the fuel filter today, now the dummy lite ("WATER IN FUEL") won't shut off and it doesn't start, however I can Jump start it going down the hill outside. I'm wondering if I just happen to have a starter problem, or if there's some crazy sensor that won't let the thing start. The starter always fired immediately, never hesitated, but of course if it's stock I guess it's time has come. Only 130k miles on the engine, figure I have a way to go. Any advice out there? Oh, the dummy light isn't on when the trucks running.

 

Greetings from Portugal.
I have one of those 2.1 Diesel since 1998 (Built 1989) with 200.000Km. If ther´s a part that don´t fail is the Renault J8s engine with (please don´t laugh) 90hp.
I would try a new filter or the old one iff you still have it. Check the wires near the filter housing. Check the Fuel lines that go from one cylinder to another. They crack with age but very easy to replace. Check the glow plugs also. Maybe just water in the tank.
Does the stater run when you turn the key?? If not, now you have a problem.
It wont be easy to find a replace in the US.

Good luck

 

The starter relay was a bit rusty, I tightened the bolts that hold it to the fender it it starts fine now. Unfortunately, the left front strut broke off the axel at the weld, so now I have to let it sit a while. I'll take it to the mechanic and get the front end re-done in a while.