Jeep Cherokee Diesel Swap | Doomsday Diesel OM617 to AX15 Adapter Kit

Published on December 28, 2019
Duration: 28:35

This video details the significant issues encountered with a Mercedes Diesel 4x4 OM617 to AX15 adapter kit for a Jeep Cherokee diesel conversion. The presenter highlights problems with the oil filter relocation kit, pilot bushing depth, and flywheel bolt engagement, leading to repeated transmission removal and component failure. A new kit from Doomsday Diesel is introduced as a superior alternative, featuring improved engineering, higher quality hardware, and standard Jeep components.

Quick Summary

The Mercedes Diesel 4x4 OM617 to AX15 adapter kit for Jeep Cherokees suffers from critical design flaws, including incorrect oil filter instructions leading to engine failure and improper pilot bushing depth causing drivetrain issues. The kit's flywheel bolt setup also stresses the throwout bearing. Doomsday Diesel offers a superior alternative with a thicker adapter plate, quality hardware, and standard components.

Chapters

  1. 02:28Introduction & Problem Overview
  2. 06:04Mercedes Diesel 4x4 Kit Issues: Oil Filter
  3. 08:09Pilot Bushing & Throwout Bearing Problems
  4. 11:54Flywheel Bolt & Washer Issues
  5. 13:01Custom Pilot Bushing Drawbacks
  6. 14:14Concentricity Concerns with Adapter Plate
  7. 14:52Crank Adapter Design Flaws
  8. 18:30Introducing Doomsday Diesel Kit
  9. 21:07Doomsday Diesel Kit: Crank Adapter & Hardware
  10. 23:06Doomsday Diesel Kit: Pilot Bearing & Adapter Plate
  11. 24:45Doomsday Diesel Kit: Dust Shield & Starter
  12. 25:18Doomsday Diesel Kit: Flywheel & Installation Prep
  13. 26:01Final Recommendation & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main problems with the Mercedes Diesel 4x4 OM617 to AX15 adapter kit?

The Mercedes Diesel 4x4 kit has several critical issues, including incorrect oil filter relocation instructions leading to engine failure, a pilot bushing that requires specific recessing not provided, and a design that causes the flywheel to be pushed too far into the bell housing, stressing the throwout bearing and input shaft.

Why is the pilot bushing depth important in an OM617 to AX15 swap?

The pilot bushing supports the transmission's input shaft. If it's not recessed correctly (5/16 inch in this case), it can interfere with the crankshaft or input shaft taper, causing noise, shifting problems, and premature wear on bearings and the transmission itself.

What makes the Doomsday Diesel adapter kit a better option for an OM617 to AX15 swap?

The Doomsday Diesel kit uses a more robust 1/2 inch thick adapter plate, includes high-quality ARP hardware for the crank adapter, utilizes standard Jeep pilot bearings, and features a crank adapter design that properly engages the flywheel with 12 bolts, addressing the weaknesses of other kits.

What are the risks of the flywheel bolt setup in the Mercedes Diesel 4x4 kit?

The Mercedes Diesel 4x4 kit uses washers under the flywheel bolts, causing the bolt heads to protrude and drag on the clutch friction plate. This setup also reduces the flywheel attachment points from 12 to 6, potentially compromising the assembly's integrity.

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