2005 Jeep Liberty KJ 2.8L CRD (running poorly)

This problem happened all of a sudden last year. We left it idling for about 5 minutes while we were looking at metal carports and when we returned to the Jeep, it sounded like this.
(near the intake it sounds like an old air compressor)
I thought the worst, jumped timing. After we towed it the 2 miles to the house, I then spent the past 12 months buying all the specialty tools and all the parts to change the timing belt, rockers, and water pump. After all the parts were here I checked the timing marks and everything was still lined up. Well, it didn't jump timing. Replaced the timing belt and water pump and still have the new rockers in a box. I put everything back together today (except the fan/fan clutch & fan shroud) and started it up to make sure I didn't mess up the timing or anything. Now I have no clue what the next step is. Have been told it could possibly be a leaking or faulty injector? I am thinking mechanical failure and still leaning toward rockers but I don't know if I can afford to throw anymore parts at it and unfortunately I don't have the money to let the dealership tinker with it. I should have checked the rockers while I had all the timing crap off the motor but I didn't think that would be a problem unless it jumped timing? H-E-L-P!!! My 12.7L Detroit 60-Series was easier to work on that this thing.
Is this a lost cause?
Is it time for an engine swap?
Do I need to start shopping for a 3.9L Isuzu or Cummins 4BT Diesel to swap in?
(My Optima battery was dead after sitting disconnected for a year so I had to use one of my spares. It was a bit weak but still started it ok)

[@JK-pf4um]

I have an 06 and ended up replacing all the rockers and lifters, they where all worn . Also the Intire intake and head ports where plugged with soot , take the PVC hose out of the air intake and vent it into a catch can of some sort .

[@spiffster05]

I had this same problem, 2005 CRD, came off the freeway and heard a terrible knocking inside and outside the car; had to drive another 12 miles home but took it easy on the accelerator. After tearing into the engine they saw worn rocker arms that appear to have been damaged by bad bearings in the crank. I had hoped the problem was simple, hole in a pipe that let sound leak, or something higher up but they said it was lower down and you could hear it in the bottom of the engine when up on the lift. I needed a new engine. :-(

[@jeepcollector91]

It had overheated a couple times. The first time was near Henderson, NV and the second time was in Moab, UT. It did fine all the way back to NC. Overheated again towing a boat a year later. Soon after that I replaced the fan clutch and have had no overheating issues since. Over a year later we had the current issue begin. I purchased rockers and a timing belt/water pump kit along with specialty tools. Thought it had jumped timing but it had not. I'm thinking a collapsed rocker is the issue???

[@rolivares507]

I have the same problem with my right now is in the shop and the lifters and rockers are bad they going to check tomorrow for any piston broken I hope there ok I will let now how it go

[@MarcoCarving]

i have the same sound , i I hear a noise from inside the cockpit a knocking ...have you resolved ?

[@tonyschmidt4675]

does it overheat? sounds like a valve train, im tearing mine apart as we speak, mine overheated up near Oregon last November and had the head rebuilt by Lithia Dodge in Arcata Ca. they screwed something up and didnt want to stand behind there waranty so now im doing a complete rebuild new head and all, i got a connection for parts if you need

[@glennschlorf1145]

It sounds like my jeep. I had a moment of hesitation in the engine three different times prior to it running like that. The dealership told me it was the engine. They told me there is low compression in a cylinder according to the computer. I suspect though they don't know what they talking about. I have been reading up on the symptoms I have a tremendous amount of black sooty smoke when it runs and I accelerate the engine. I have very little power when I put the jeep in gear. I have a strong smell of raw fuel in the crankcase. I am in debate whether it is faulty fuel pressure regulator valve or a bad injector just dumping fuel into a cylinder. like yours mine sounds like a pop sound in the intake and i had the timing belt changed already. I too cannot afford to do anything with mine but I plan to change out the fuel pressure regulator valve and the injectors this next few months and hopefully that will correct the issue. I do hope i do not have to go internal the engine.

[@glennschlorf1145]

my fuel economy completely went away as well and my oil got diluted with raw diesel

[@turbogronostaj]

Any new input on this? I have the exact same symptom. Power is present, no other running or starting problems. Injectors and compression are fine according to computer testing. Just the dreaded sound from the intake and no ideas on what to do with the car...

[@jeepcollector91]

Adam L. There are several people on the "LostJeeps" forum that know these engines inside and out. If you live near any of them and they would be willing to take a look at it, then maybe they could lead you in the right direction to fix it? Just a thought. If I get around to tearing my engine apart before you get rid of yours, I will let you know what I find wrong.

[@turbogronostaj]

JeepCollector91 Don't think anyone from LostJeeps is based nearby as I live in Poland :) But I will be describing the issue, and posting a video on the board soon as it seems that there is a lot of knowledgeable user out there - perhaps someone will be able to shed some light on the problem. And yes, if you manage to pinpoint the issue please send me a message asap (through here or email me at [e-mail])- any info might be of crucial importance (if I don't sell or take the liberty apart by then). Again big thanks and good luck with the engine! Adam

[@hmontau]

Hello I have the same vehicle, do you solve your problem ? I have a strange engine vibration as your car, when you cruise, is your car feel well ? Thanks in advance for yours informations.

[@jeepcollector91]

It turned out to be bad rockers that lead to broken lifters and ate up the cams as well. Edit: These weren't the only issues. Top end repaired and problems still exist. Will have to dig deeper into the engine someday. In the meantime, I am swapping in a 3.7L V6.

[@scottyo123456789]

thats probably a bad cylinder which fucked up all of the valves

[@scottyo123456789]

if you havent seen the cylinders before, buy a boresocpe camera from amazon and take out the spark plugs and look at the cylinders in the holes. buy a chilton repair manual too, i got one for my 3.7l gas liberty and it helps a lot

[@jeepcollector91]

+Xbox360Gamer112 All four cylinders had been checked with a borescope. Showed no obvious damage. The diesel now just sits in my shed taking up space. As far as I know Chilton's doesn't make a repair manual for the 2.8L VM-Motori diesel. I do have the factory repair manuals for it though. I am liking the 3.7L gas V6 better now. (its cheaper)

[@scottyo123456789]

+JeepCollector91 having the crd, how was it? did u like it more than the gas?

[@scottyo123456789]

+JeepCollector91 if you do a 4.7l swap tag me in it, cause I've been wanting to see it done for a while. thanks

[@georgejenkins9979]

EGR Valve

[@jeffmee763]

It's a big end gone.

[@salvatorelabarbera1820]

hi guys it would seem that we are all having the same problem with this engine we need to do something so make Chrysler on up and fix their defective motors , i can understand this happening to a few people but as far as i know every single jeep liberty crd 2005 2006 is having this happen . Most dealership mechanics don't even know about the vehicle ,i have talked to Chrysler and they say that people are not reporting this problem .if any of you know how to get this out in the open or to some high ranking people at their headquarters let me know please because i just don't have the funds for a new engine

[@BBGBITW]

I have that engine, 2005 2.8 CRD. Running like a dream still, 165 000 km. Serviced the cam belt, serpentine belt. Sounds like a purring cat :-)

[@jeepcollector91]

+BBGBITW 165,000-KM is roughly 102,000-miles right? If I figured that correctly you should have a few miles left in the engine. Mine was running great at that mileage as well. Hope your 2.8L VM-Motori does keep running good for a long time...

[@BBGBITW]

Yes, it is about 102000 miles. The engine runs fine. I think it is important to use quality engine oil, regular change interval. In Europe (i.e. in Sweden), I think the diesel is cleaner than in USA. I cleaned the FCV and it was not as dirty as I was expecting. The EGR had only a thin layer of soot (I replaced glow plugs).

[@glennschlorf1285]

@@BBGBITW mine has 112,000 miles.. so its around the corner sir