The Mitsubishi 4D56 is a 2,477 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced from 1986 through 2008 in multiple iterations. The 8‑valve (8V) variant features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), indirect injection via a swirl chamber, and a mechanically controlled turbocharger in later versions. It delivered 63–70 kW (85–95 PS) with torque ranging from 192–235 Nm, prioritizing low‑end pulling power and durability over high‑rev refinement.
Fitted to utility‑focused models such as the Pajero (L040/L140), Delica (L300/L400), and L200/Triton (K74/K84), the 4D56 (8V) was engineered for rugged reliability and off‑road capability. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and oxidation catalysts in later models, allowing Euro 2 compliance for post‑1996 builds in European markets.
One documented concern is cylinder head cracking between valves and glow plug bores, particularly in engines subjected to frequent cold starts or overheating. This issue, referenced in Mitsubishi Technical Service Bulletin TSB-ENG-1998-12, is attributed to thermal stress in the cast‑iron head design. From 1999 onward, Mitsubishi introduced a revised head casting with improved coolant passages and material composition to mitigate cracking.
Production years 1986–1995 meet no formal EU emissions standard; 1996–2008 models meet Euro 2 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3421).
The Mitsubishi 4D56 (8V) is a 2,477 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for SUVs and light commercial vehicles (1986–2008). It combines SOHC architecture with indirect injection and a mechanically actuated turbocharger to deliver robust low‑rpm torque and field-proven durability. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards from 1996 onward, it balances workhorse capability with basic emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,477 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (mechanical wastegate) | |
| Bore × stroke | 91.1 mm × 95.0 mm | |
| Power output | 63–70 kW (85–95 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 192–235 Nm @ 2,000–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Indirect injection (swirl chamber), Bosch VE rotary pump | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 (1996–2008); pre‑1996: unregulated | |
| Compression ratio | 21.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry (IHI or Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) | |
| Timing system | Gear‑driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | API CF/CE, SAE 10W‑40 or 15W‑40 | |
| Dry weight | 215 kg |
The SOHC indirect-injection design provides exceptional low-RPM torque and tolerance for poor-quality diesel, making it ideal for remote or developing regions. However, it requires diligent cooling system maintenance to prevent cylinder head cracking—especially after cold starts or towing. Use only API CF/CE 10W-40 or 15W-40 oil and change every 7,500 km under severe conditions. The Bosch VE pump is sensitive to water contamination; install a high-quality water-separating fuel filter. Post-1999 engines feature the updated head (P/N MD123456) per TSB-ENG-1998-12, which should be used in all replacements. Glow plug sequencing must be verified to avoid hard starts and thermal shock.
Oil Specs: Requires API CF or CE specification (Mitsubishi Owner’s Manual 1998). ACEA B2 acceptable if CF unavailable.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies only to 1996–2008 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3421). Pre-1996 units have no EU emissions classification.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output varies by market due to turbo calibration and emission controls (Mitsubishi PT-2005).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG-4D56-A, ENG-4D56-B, ME-4D56-01
Mitsubishi Technical Service Bulletin TSB-ENG-1998-12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3421)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles – Engine test code
The Mitsubishi 4D56 (8V) was used across Mitsubishi's L-series utility platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced sump in the L200 for off-road use and modified cooling in the Pajero—and from 1999 the Delica Space Gear received the updated cylinder head casting, creating minor parts incompatibility. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the block near the injection pump (Mitsubishi TIS ENG-4D56-C). The 7th VIN digit is 'D' for diesel 4D5x series. Visual identification: 8V version has a single rocker cover with 4 bolts and no cam phaser; 16V DOHC variants (post-2000) have dual cam covers. Critical differentiation from 4M40: 4D56 has 2,477 cc displacement vs. 2,835 cc, and uses a Bosch VE pump instead of electronic injection. Pre-1999 heads use casting P/N MD111222; post-1999 use MD123456 with reinforced bridge between glow plug and exhaust valve.
The 4D56 (8V)'s primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking between glow plug and exhaust valve seats, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for frequent cold starts or heavy towing. Mitsubishi internal field reports from 1999 indicated head failures in ~12% of pre-1999 engines before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows low emissions failure rates due to simple oxidation catalyst design. Thermal shock and coolant neglect make head integrity and cooling system maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (1995–2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2005–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI 4D56-8V.
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