JX engine overhauled but need advice
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- Hoss
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JX engine overhauled but need advice
Hi all,
I just had my JX engine completely overhauled (except Turbo) and although it is running extremely well, I have noticed a ticking that increases when I'm accelerating and disappears when its idling. Is this normal? I don't remember hearing it before but then the engine was in a right state. The garage have given no reason for it and said everything went back in as it should and the valve's and head were reground at the same time.
If anyone has a JX in the Newport (South Wales) area, could we please meet up so I can gauge it against yours please?
Cheers,
Hoss
I just had my JX engine completely overhauled (except Turbo) and although it is running extremely well, I have noticed a ticking that increases when I'm accelerating and disappears when its idling. Is this normal? I don't remember hearing it before but then the engine was in a right state. The garage have given no reason for it and said everything went back in as it should and the valve's and head were reground at the same time.
If anyone has a JX in the Newport (South Wales) area, could we please meet up so I can gauge it against yours please?
Cheers,
Hoss
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Re: JX engine overhauled but need advice
i think i would be on to the garage if you think its something to be concerned about .and tell them again it wasnt there before..even if they dont do anything ,if it packs up then you have some ammo
..they should atleast give it the once over
on mine i get diesel knocks when its ticking over but when accellerating they go away and it sounds smooth(ish)

..they should atleast give it the once over
on mine i get diesel knocks when its ticking over but when accellerating they go away and it sounds smooth(ish)

the word 'pissing' is safe
Dave and gail.....1983 Pop Top 1.9n/a diesel (aka Ready Steady Eddie)
Dave and gail.....1983 Pop Top 1.9n/a diesel (aka Ready Steady Eddie)
- Hoss
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Re: JX engine overhauled but need advice
Hi Weldore,
I have told the garage and they took it back in to have a look. When they handed it back they had reduced the timing which made it quieter. It could be me which is why I am asking if anyone else has had similar noises. Or if there is anyone with a JX close that I could have a listen too.
cheers though,
Hoss
I have told the garage and they took it back in to have a look. When they handed it back they had reduced the timing which made it quieter. It could be me which is why I am asking if anyone else has had similar noises. Or if there is anyone with a JX close that I could have a listen too.
cheers though,
Hoss
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Re: JX engine overhauled but need advice
Could be small hole in exaust gasket or join?
Re: JX engine overhauled but need advice
JXs and indeed AAzs seem to be plagued by 'loud' but uncorncerning taps and rattles..
They are sometimes timing and pump wear oddities of injection, sometimes the top-end (one odd tappet/cam/valve clearance possibly)
Diesels do that, see how it runs on that slighlty backed-off timing, and whilst ensuring the garage will back if it turns bad, don't be too hard on them at this stage.. as I say, from my (limited) experience, they make some frightening noises, partic. when idling or at low speed, yet are in effect, fine.
Comparing to another won't necessarily prove anything either, for the reasons given. Pretty poimtless I'd say (at this stage)
Get it run in, don't be too easy on it, nor get it too hot for too long early on, but boost it well (right pedal in 3rd & 4th)and slowly extend the rev-range from 3500 to 4500, then change to a fully synth turbo-diesel oil around 2000 miles. Keep changing the filters at every oil change (100, 1000, 2000 miles)
the main things you should be concerned about now, is:
a) Does it start easy and pull well?
b) Oil pressure and temp (about 1 bar per 1,000 rpm is a good rule of thumb, temp < 120C max and typically < 110C)
c) Start logging the fuelling and mileage as an ongoing monitoring programme
d) Make sure the air filter is new or clean and the fuel filter ditto

Don't rev it after starting till top-end quietens down (about 5 seconds).
They are sometimes timing and pump wear oddities of injection, sometimes the top-end (one odd tappet/cam/valve clearance possibly)
Diesels do that, see how it runs on that slighlty backed-off timing, and whilst ensuring the garage will back if it turns bad, don't be too hard on them at this stage.. as I say, from my (limited) experience, they make some frightening noises, partic. when idling or at low speed, yet are in effect, fine.
Comparing to another won't necessarily prove anything either, for the reasons given. Pretty poimtless I'd say (at this stage)
Get it run in, don't be too easy on it, nor get it too hot for too long early on, but boost it well (right pedal in 3rd & 4th)and slowly extend the rev-range from 3500 to 4500, then change to a fully synth turbo-diesel oil around 2000 miles. Keep changing the filters at every oil change (100, 1000, 2000 miles)
the main things you should be concerned about now, is:
a) Does it start easy and pull well?
b) Oil pressure and temp (about 1 bar per 1,000 rpm is a good rule of thumb, temp < 120C max and typically < 110C)
c) Start logging the fuelling and mileage as an ongoing monitoring programme
d) Make sure the air filter is new or clean and the fuel filter ditto

Don't rev it after starting till top-end quietens down (about 5 seconds).
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- Hoss
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Re: JX engine overhauled but need advice
Cheers all, again your advise is invaluable as I am quite new to all this. I feel a bit more at ease now having heard off people who have T25's. Much happier than sat hear festering in a world of worry
I will have a look at that Hanloncole
Harryman, Cheers sir!
She was starting well when I first got her back (about 3 months ago) but she is back in now as it progressively got worse (should get her back today).
She is pulling well and will do 70 on the flat without completely flooring it. This is good as it would struggle to do 60 when I first bought it.
Mileage is good, I am getting in excess of 35mpg around town, I put ten pounds of fuel in at a time and do 72 miles on it and each time I fill up then I notice that the gauge is rising every time so I'm happy with that.
What fully Synth oil would you suggest?
Cheers again and I'll keep you posted (if you don't mind)
I will have a look at that Hanloncole
Harryman, Cheers sir!
She was starting well when I first got her back (about 3 months ago) but she is back in now as it progressively got worse (should get her back today).
She is pulling well and will do 70 on the flat without completely flooring it. This is good as it would struggle to do 60 when I first bought it.
Mileage is good, I am getting in excess of 35mpg around town, I put ten pounds of fuel in at a time and do 72 miles on it and each time I fill up then I notice that the gauge is rising every time so I'm happy with that.
What fully Synth oil would you suggest?
Cheers again and I'll keep you posted (if you don't mind)
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Re: JX engine overhauled but need advice
FUCHS TItan TD diesel oil (GSF, about £20/5litres), wait till its got some miles on it
PS. Don't overfill your JX, should take 4.5 litres from empty incl. filter change.
So its not starting well, did they use 4 new glow plugs
Does the cold-start lever make a difference?
Is this a consequence of them backing the timing off?
Hanlon's idea is worth a check, exhaust manifolds can actually come loose on them (generally rebuilds require new studs nuts and the original thick flat washers are important) - Look.checjk
The other thing that might produce a noise like that, though it usually would affect the running, is a minor injector pipe leak, either at the pump or injector. Sometimes, they barely weep, so look v.closely for an occasional drip behind pump when idling
Timing perhaps should be put back to book value (.9mm ?)
PS. Don't overfill your JX, should take 4.5 litres from empty incl. filter change.
So its not starting well, did they use 4 new glow plugs
Does the cold-start lever make a difference?
Is this a consequence of them backing the timing off?
Hanlon's idea is worth a check, exhaust manifolds can actually come loose on them (generally rebuilds require new studs nuts and the original thick flat washers are important) - Look.checjk
The other thing that might produce a noise like that, though it usually would affect the running, is a minor injector pipe leak, either at the pump or injector. Sometimes, they barely weep, so look v.closely for an occasional drip behind pump when idling
Timing perhaps should be put back to book value (.9mm ?)
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- Hoss
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Re: JX engine overhauled but need advice
Cheers Harryman,
When I got it back it was starting brilliantly but then has got progressively worse. I did try the cold start and it didn't seem to make a difference.
They did put new glow plugs in. But the pipes coming from the pump to the injectors are damp but then there is nothing leaking. I was wondering if they should be transparent pipe like the one that runs from the fuel filter to the pump?
I spoke to the garage yesterday and they're taking it back to the place they had the diesel pump overhauled so fingers crossed.
I will check everything you have suggested like checking the exhaust manifold.
I would love to be able to have a go myself but the bloody thing won't fit in the garage and there's not such a tight nit group over this way as there seems to be up north. I will win thought even if my misses cuts my balls of in the process, its a lovely truck and so enjoyable to drive.
Thanks again, your wisdom is much appreciated!
Hoss
When I got it back it was starting brilliantly but then has got progressively worse. I did try the cold start and it didn't seem to make a difference.
They did put new glow plugs in. But the pipes coming from the pump to the injectors are damp but then there is nothing leaking. I was wondering if they should be transparent pipe like the one that runs from the fuel filter to the pump?
I spoke to the garage yesterday and they're taking it back to the place they had the diesel pump overhauled so fingers crossed.
I will check everything you have suggested like checking the exhaust manifold.
I would love to be able to have a go myself but the bloody thing won't fit in the garage and there's not such a tight nit group over this way as there seems to be up north. I will win thought even if my misses cuts my balls of in the process, its a lovely truck and so enjoyable to drive.
Thanks again, your wisdom is much appreciated!
Hoss

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Re: JX engine overhauled but need advice
I was wondering if they should be transparent pipe like the one that runs from the fuel filter to the pump?
No, solid, with two anti-vibration damping bands.
The (black) return flow rubber or braided hoses should not be leaking (normally renewed at service if wet)
Normally, it's the injectors that benefit from a service and rebuild, recalibration and spray pattern check (esp. for good starting) and not the inj. pump itself (v.expensive usually to take that apart!). VW Exchange injectors or new about £25/ea
Fingers crossed then

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Re: JX engine overhauled but need advice
hoooooooray,
all sorted it seems, got her back Friday night and she has started without problems all weekend and seems happy to sit on the motorway at 70 without pushing. Turned out to be a bit of rubber in the the diesel pump and a faulty glow plug. The tapping is still there but is drastically reduced! All I have to do now is replace the turbo and I can concentrate on the bodywork.
Tanks for all your advice chaps, all advice has been greatly received! https://club8090.co.uk/forum/posting.php ... =2&t=56176#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
all sorted it seems, got her back Friday night and she has started without problems all weekend and seems happy to sit on the motorway at 70 without pushing. Turned out to be a bit of rubber in the the diesel pump and a faulty glow plug. The tapping is still there but is drastically reduced! All I have to do now is replace the turbo and I can concentrate on the bodywork.
Tanks for all your advice chaps, all advice has been greatly received! https://club8090.co.uk/forum/posting.php ... =2&t=56176#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: JX engine overhauled but need advice
News up date and possibly more advice required!
The monday after my last post i drove the van to work (a little bit hard to start) and then at the end of the day it refused to start.
Back at the garage it was diagnosed that one of the glow-plugs had failed. Any that sorted and to cut a long story short, the van is still proving very difficult to start warm or cold and was wondering what else could be causing this.
Timing has been tried in several different positions
Glowplugs all working
Injectors all working.
Cold lever is very stiff but makes no difference to starting
The compression which was fine has gone down in two cylinders but John the man in the garage said this could be down to it not being used much (That's not a quote just the bits I remember). John seems to think it may be the pump but it has gone back to the pump specialist twice and he swears its fine.
Please help, I am in daily dialogue with the garage and we are becoming more and more stumped by it.
Don't suppose there is anyone local to me that has a spare pump I could lend for a few days to see if it is my pump or not?
The monday after my last post i drove the van to work (a little bit hard to start) and then at the end of the day it refused to start.
Back at the garage it was diagnosed that one of the glow-plugs had failed. Any that sorted and to cut a long story short, the van is still proving very difficult to start warm or cold and was wondering what else could be causing this.
Timing has been tried in several different positions
Glowplugs all working
Injectors all working.
Cold lever is very stiff but makes no difference to starting
The compression which was fine has gone down in two cylinders but John the man in the garage said this could be down to it not being used much (That's not a quote just the bits I remember). John seems to think it may be the pump but it has gone back to the pump specialist twice and he swears its fine.
Please help, I am in daily dialogue with the garage and we are becoming more and more stumped by it.
Don't suppose there is anyone local to me that has a spare pump I could lend for a few days to see if it is my pump or not?
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Re: JX engine overhauled but need advice
What are the compressions ? Actual numbers... what were they before, and after
If an injector is spraying a bad pattern, or far too much, it is sometimes suggested that this can wash the lube oil off the wall, and lead to rapid wear (and thence lost compression)..
Now, I'm not saying that is what has happened, but...
These indirect diesels are not designed to have a comprssion ratio of 20:1 without good reason (because there are some downsides to it). Primarily it is starting, not running, that sets this design constraint (certainly Turboed diesels once running are not too fussy).
If, if abs.everything else is correct, then poor starting must be low compression pressures.
The advance (cold start) lever on JXs does make a difference in very cold weather. You really shouldn't be having too much trouble with temps at the moment.
To start when its cold (test)
Try removing the air-filter cannister lid, the element (don't drive a round like this) and put a hot air gun (on low) or hairdryer in there for a minute or two (not unattended).
Turn it off and immediately attempt a start
Bet it starts easy
If so, good chance it's poor compressions or the glows really aren't as good as you think (all 4 should be renewed if in any doubt, partic. if the injector spray patterns have been bad, which eats them away)
If an injector is spraying a bad pattern, or far too much, it is sometimes suggested that this can wash the lube oil off the wall, and lead to rapid wear (and thence lost compression)..
Now, I'm not saying that is what has happened, but...
These indirect diesels are not designed to have a comprssion ratio of 20:1 without good reason (because there are some downsides to it). Primarily it is starting, not running, that sets this design constraint (certainly Turboed diesels once running are not too fussy).
If, if abs.everything else is correct, then poor starting must be low compression pressures.
The advance (cold start) lever on JXs does make a difference in very cold weather. You really shouldn't be having too much trouble with temps at the moment.
To start when its cold (test)
Try removing the air-filter cannister lid, the element (don't drive a round like this) and put a hot air gun (on low) or hairdryer in there for a minute or two (not unattended).
Turn it off and immediately attempt a start
Bet it starts easy
If so, good chance it's poor compressions or the glows really aren't as good as you think (all 4 should be renewed if in any doubt, partic. if the injector spray patterns have been bad, which eats them away)
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Re: JX engine overhauled but need advice
Cheers Harryman, I think the compression was 320 or 340 in cylinders 1&3 and something like 260 in 2&4. Could you be a bit more disscriptive about what the bad spray pattern could eat away please, is it the glow plugs? Cheers again sir, will try this first thing in the morning. Fingers crossed about 8 am please 

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