GDL Automotive Services

08/08/2025

Ever wish you could start your Grand Cherokee from a distance? Sick of getting into your car when it’s scorching hot or freezing cold in the mornings?

We can now program remote start and other features straight into a fresh key for you. The ultimate solution if you have lost your Jeep Grand Cherokee key fob.

If you own an SRT with an exhaust setup, it's an awesome party trick. Fire it up from a distance and watch heads turn.

Ready to unlock remote start? Give us a call on 9987 2818 or visit www.gdlauto.com.au to book online. Quick turnaround, no fuss.

08/08/2025

Fridays at GDL currently on the go at our Hornsby site are five motor replacements or rebuilds.
V8 Holden, v6 petrol wrangler, a V6 diesel Range Rover and two of these diesel WK2 engines.

07/08/2025

Will it CUT?

Some people suggested we should supply hose clamps with our EcoDiesel coolant system kit, since most people opt to use worm drive clamps, which can potentially cut into the silicone if torqued down too tight, compromising the hose and causing another coolant leak.

We wanted to see if they were right, but either way, we supply T bar hose clamps with every kit. It’s an added cost, but well worth it, and it’s idiot proof.

07/08/2025

The First Images are what the 6.4 HEMI camshaft looks like when the roller has completely detached itself from the MDS lifter and the lifter body itself mills its way through the edge of the lobe.

The third Image is what happens when the roller seizes on the MDS lifter and mills its way through the middle of the Cam lobe.

Both produce disastrous results. We cut open the oil filter from the vehicle in the 4th picture and this is what it looked like when poured out. This condemns the short block, these fine metal particles have touched every surface in your engine.

Your car will give you signs that this is happening. It usually presents itself as a misfire accompanied with a ticking sound. The worse it gets the worse the misfire.

If you own a HEMI engine and want your vehicle to last we recommend getting an MDS delete done as preventative maintenance and while you are there you can opt to give it a bit more go. Give us a ring on 9987 2818 to book in or go to our YouTube channel and watch the videos we have about these failures and find out more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExdDcCYEj7Q - DIY camshaft Diagnosis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=admpGUdZeyI - Removed camshaft and damage to lifters

06/08/2025

WK2 engine failed?
Is it worth the investment to repair it?

In the past few weeks you would have seen a number of WK2 engine related posts. Crate motors getting dropped to us, engines out and failed motor tear downs (if not and you're interested check out our YouTube channel)

As with all things social media this attracts some differing opinions (often delivered in the form of an ignorant aggressive comment) here is a video we did a few months back discussing the arguments around spending the market value of the vehicle on repairing it.

You may find yourself behind the wheel of an EcoDiesel Grand Cherokee.You may find yourself towing something rather heavy.You may hear a sound, a dreaded kno...

05/08/2025

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 8 - Cammed 6.4L HEMI V8 - $45000

A great customer of ours needs to sell his awesome Grand Cherokee! This isn’t your average SRT. It's Built for fun, power, and most importantly reliability.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE

Brand new 6.4L HEMI V8 crate motor fitted Jan 2025 at GDL Automotive, Sydney's Jeep Specialists.

Stage One cam upgrade + Custom tune by Unigroup Engineering

MDS delete for maximum reliability and response

Under 10,000km on the new engine

EXTERIOR & FEATURES

Wrapped in stealth black (factory colour: white)

Aftermarket headlights to update it to the facelift style

Aftermarket Exhaust

Factory 6 pot Brembo brakes

Lowered Stance

Jeep has officially retired these HEMI V8's. This is your chance to own a proper reliable HEMI powered SUV with no need to do any extra work.

One month Rego remaining, will come with a fresh pink slip/roadworthy certificate for NSW.

Selling as the owner is relocating overseas for work.

05/08/2025

We get asked this all day long. Phone calls, Facebook messages, you name it.

“What oil should I be using in my EcoDiesel Grand Cherokee?”

It’s a fair question, especially since Jeep originally recommended a 5W-30, but later revised that spec

In this video, we clear it all up:
The updated recommended oil spec.
The Pre facelift R2737P & facelift R2736P filters we trust to keep your EcoDiesel alive long term.
What to avoid if you want to prevent engine issues down the line.

If you own an EcoDiesel Grand Cherokee, this is a must watch if you want to service your own Jeep.

Want us to service your Grand Cherokee? Call 9987 2818 or visit www.gdlauto.com.au to book in and we’ll sort you out.

What other questions would you like us to answer?

Follow us for more builds, breakdowns & behind the scenes content:

YouTube – www.youtube.com/
Instagram – www.instagram.com/gdlautomotive
Behind The Scenes - www.instagram.com/by.gordon

05/08/2025

Meet Charlie! today he’s elbows deep in a KL Cherokee that is getting the full treatment. New transfer case, transmission service, fresh diff oils, a new oil cooler, and a few other goodies to bring this Jeep back to life.

If your Cherokee isn’t driving the way it used to. Slipping, clunking, or just feeling tired, give us a ring on 9987 2818 or visit www.gdlauto.com.au and we’ll get it sorted properly.

04/08/2025

Own a Wrangler? So do we.

We get it, they’re not just cars, they are a way of life. But when yours starts ticking, clunking, or wobbling, it kills the vibe quick.

At GDL Automotive, we live Jeeps. From noisy Pentastar lifters to suspension setups that feel like they’ve got a mind of their own, we’ve seen it all.

Give us a ring on 9987 2818 or book in online via www.gdlauto.com.au keep your rig reliable, safe, and ready for the next adventure.

03/08/2025

Did you see our vehicle review of the KL Cherokee.

Even if you have no interest in a Cherokee check it out, we splashed out on some new camera gear and drove around the suburbs looking like a top gear film crew.

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-NZcUSqxYM

The results speak for themselves. Having a creative artist like Gordon in the team is also helpful.

01/08/2025

Is the KL Cherokee Trailhawk the Real Deal?

Dannie takes the KL Cherokee Trailhawk for a spin and brakes down what makes it stand out in the lineup, comparing it to the Blackhawk trim.

From ride height and real off road hardware to the more aggressive styling and capable upgrades, this isn’t just a city SUV pretending to be a 4WD.

If you're shopping or just curious here's our KL Trailhawk review + how it stacks up against the Blackhawk. This one should clear it up for you.

If your looking to buy a 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee, let us know which one you’d take home.

31/07/2025

The JL wranglers come in some funky colours. Mojito Green, high velocity yellow and this Joose orange. You can still get them in the more traditional colours but these new head turning colours have us all taking a second glance.