Hers is some interesting information on this engine: VM Motori started supplying Chrysler in 1992, with the Chrysler Voyager’s diesel option; it was owned by Detroit Diesel at the time, spent some time being owned 50/50 by General Motors and Fiat, and is now entirely owned by Fiat. VM Motori currently powers several European Chrysler and Jeep cars, as well as (as of Februrary 2011) the Chevrolet Captiva, London Taxi, and other vehicles. [See VM four cylinder diesels]
This engine was originally developed for General Motors, for eventual use in European Cadillacs, but GM never used it. The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500, as sold in North America, have been modified to deal with lower-quality fuel and stronger emissions rules, and carry the code L630.
The diesel engine uses a strong compacted graphite iron block with aluminum heads and a two-piece structural aluminum oil pan. Bore is 83 mm (3.27 in) and stroke is 92 mm (3.62 in) for a total displacement of 2987 cm3 (182 in3). Bore spacing is 96 mm (3.78 in).
The engine is compact and lightweight, with overall dimensions of 695 mm (27.36 in) in length, 729 mm (28.7 in) in width and 697.5 mm (27.46 in) in height. Fully dressed, it weighs 230 kg (507 lbs); on its own, it is 220 kg (485 lb). The engine was designed for either transverse or longitudinal mounting.
The crankcase has stiffened construction, including a compacted graphite iron bedplate that provides a rigid carrier for the forged steel crankshaft, cuttng noise and vibration. The oil pump is a rotary vane type.
The oil pan was reinforced for off-road use; the crankcase capacity is 7.7 L (2 gal). Pistons are cooled with the aid of oil jets; exhaust gas recirculation is water-cooled.
Chain-driven, dual overhead camshafts drive four valves per cylinder, through finger followers. Intake valves measure 28 mm (1.1 in), and exhaust valves are 24.5 mm (0.96 in) in diameter. Combustion-chamber volume is 24.68 cm3 (1.51 in3).
A forged-steel crankshaft is supported by four main bearing journals fitted with four-bolt main bearing caps incorporated into the bedplate. Externally balanced, the crankshaft measures 442.2 mm (17.41 in), reducing the overall packaging requirements of the engine. Connecting rods, with an overall length of 162.9 mm (6.41 in), are constructed of cast iron.