New to Diesel

[wec032]

I decided to replace my 2004 TJ and purchased a Willys turbo-diesel Gladiator today to take advantage of the year-end rebates since I have been wanting a pickup. I had previously test-driven a gas-powered Mojave but fell in love with the diesel torque. If I am careful with quality fuel, is water in the fuel a common occurrence and how often do you have to drain water from the filter? How often would I need to add the diesel additive? I’m a motor head but never had a diesel vehicle. Reading the User-manual I feel lost. I hope I didn’t make a big mistake with a diesel. Thanks for your advice!

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[Free2roam]

Hot Shots EDT every tankful!

 

[22EcoDs]

Drain water and replace filter every oil change. I suggest to check air filter every oil change, change as needed. Mine was very plugged at 20k. Try to limited the amount of short trips, get some sort of gauge to monitor soot load and Regen cycle. I use a scanguage. Congrats on the new truck. Best motor and transmission choice.

 

[Cwg33]

Water in filter really depends on Diesel fuel in your area, and how often it turns over. I’m at 8K, and drained at 5K which had no water. Engine is well worth the torque and smiles driving up PNW passes, even with difference maint. requirements.

Also, I get DEF fluid for cheap at Costco, but after 2k the DEF usage decreases massively.

 

[Railpoler]

I have been driving a diesel since my 1982 VW Rabbit. When I change my fuel filters I always drain them into a clear glass container. In almost 40 years I have never seen a drop of water.

 

[Tom C]

Whatever you do, don’t read too much on this forum, and worry about everything imaginable happening to your JTD. Deep breaths, and know everything will be fine. ??

 

[Rusty PW]

Welcome to the forum, and to the world of oil burners. I got close to 34,000 trouble free miles on my JTRD. I use Hot Shots EDT with every tank. I always check for water when I do oil changes and fuel filter changes. Have never found water. For DEF fluid. I've used everything from $6 Rural King to $21 Blue DEF Platinum. If you are towing, expect to use more of it.

 

[CreepyJeepy]

The diesels are the best. You will love it.

1. oil change with pensoil euro, do it a little early 7k or so.

2. Fuel Filter every oil change (also drain the cap) (water separator)

3. You don’t have to use an additive, but I like LX4 or EDT

4. Use only Mopar Branded Oil Filters, Fuel, and Air Filters. The Amazon filters are trash.

5. Diesels need time to burn off soot from DPF, so make sure to not always be doing short little trips

6.Get an OBDII scanner, monitor soot load, and if the vehicle goes into Regen (normal) drive until it’s finished.

7. Be happy, the Diesel is the best

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

The diesels are the best. You will love it.

1. oil change with pensoil euro, do it a little early 7k or so.

2. Fuel Filter every oil change (also drain the cap) (water separator)

3. You don’t have to use an additive, but I like LX4 or EDT

4. Use only Mopar Branded Oil Filters, Fuel, and Air Filters. The Amazon filters are trash.

5. Diesels need time to burn off soot from DPF, so make sure to not always be doing short little trips

6.Get an OBDII scanner, monitor soot load, and if the vehicle goes into Regen (normal) drive until it’s finished.

7. Be happy, the Diesel is the best

^^. Also ensure you watch your oil level from mile marker 4k-7k~. We have two in the driveway and three in the family… all of them burned about a quart somewhere in this milage marker… nothing to be concerned with just normal seating/break in.
Scan gauge 3 is a really awesome tool for monitoring soot and tons of other things.

 

[RhinoJT]

Just did an 1100 mile trip from San Diego up to the Bay area and back. 21.3 MPG average for the entire trip. That's with wife, two kids, bed full of Christmas presents and old baby stuff. Oh and did I mention I am on 40s with heavy ass fusion kingpin 60s. I never thought decent gas mileage and lifted jeep would ever end up in the same sentence. Your going to love it!

 

[wec032]

This is great advice everyone. I really appreciate the detailed information.; I am much more comfortable now. The more I read on the forum, the happier I am with my choice.

Several references to EDT additive. I assume that just goes in with a full tank of fuel? Where do you buy it?

Thanks again, and Happy New Year!

 

[Koolcarguy]

I decided to replace my 2004 TJ and purchased a Willys turbo-diesel Gladiator today to take advantage of the year-end rebates since I have been wanting a pickup. I had previously test-driven a gas-powered Mojave but fell in love with the diesel torque. If I am careful with quality fuel, is water in the fuel a common occurrence and how often do you have to drain water from the filter? How often would I need to add the diesel additive? I’m a motor head but never had a diesel vehicle. Reading the User-manual I feel lost. I hope I didn’t make a big mistake with a diesel. Thanks for your advice!

First off don't let all you read about the diesel worry you 1 bit! I change my oil at 7500 miles and fuel filter every other oil change. I drain my water every oil change but have had zero water. I personally own 3 diesel and my son owns 1 also all 21 and 22 Jt's and 1 Jlurd . As far as additive theres a ton of good ones I don't do addictive every tank every other tank is plenty if your buying good fuel. Def I get at my local truck stop at the pump and no issue's. I recommend finding a station that has good fuel and stick with it as much as possible. You made a good choice I have owned 30 + Jeeps including a 392 Jl and the diesel in my opinion is the best they've ever put in. We have 170k miles combined on our duesels with zero issue and my adult son drives and wheels pretty hard in his and he's running 40's congratulations on the new Jeep and HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

[Escape.idiocracy]

This is great advice everyone. I really appreciate the detailed information.; I am much more comfortable now. The more I read on the forum, the happier I am with my choice.

Several references to EDT additive. I assume that just goes in with a full tank of fuel? Where do you buy it?

Thanks again, and Happy New Year!

Hot Shot's Secret Everyday Diesel Treatment 16 Ounce Squeeze Bottle (HSSEDT16ZS) https://a.co/d/aq0vNjO

Amazon, Walmart, autozone, etc. most have it.

I add one ounce per tank.


another commonly used:
Hot Shot's Secret LX4 Lubricity Extreme 16 Ounce Bottle https://a.co/d/dBPFuMH

 

[Buckhorn]

I decided to replace my 2004 TJ and purchased a Willys turbo-diesel Gladiator today to take advantage of the year-end rebates since I have been wanting a pickup. I had previously test-driven a gas-powered Mojave but fell in love with the diesel torque. If I am careful with quality fuel, is water in the fuel a common occurrence and how often do you have to drain water from the filter? How often would I need to add the diesel additive? I’m a motor head but never had a diesel vehicle. Reading the User-manual I feel lost. I hope I didn’t make a big mistake with a diesel. Thanks for your advice!

I put 200,000 mile on my Chevy Duramax 6.6 over 11 years, and never had any water in the fuel filter. I now have a 2020 Chevy 3.0 Duramax, and haven't had any water in the filter either. Don't worry about anything, just drive it. The worst part of the new diesels is having to fool with DEF .

 

[fourfa]

A JTD bought new off the lot should have the high pressure fuel pump recall already done, or installed from the factory right? I guess we don't know yet if those benefit from lubricity additives the same way we suspect the old ones do...

I've been using Hotshot EDT every tank. It's available at most/all auto parts stores. You can buy in bulk to save a bit - gallon size from amazon or wherever - a gallon ought to last 60,000 miles or so at the recommended concentration.

Oil, oil filter, and fuel filter changes are definitely more expensive than the gas versions. I agree, OE Mopar parts only (at least thru the warranty period).

You should have three free oil changes from your dealer - I'd argue the value of these is high enough to take them up on it. But DEFINITELY do not turn on or drive your truck when you pick it up from the oil change without checking that the drain plug is installed, there's oil on the dipstick, and there's oil pressure when you start. We've seen enough horror stories

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