The Mitsubishi 4D56-T is a 2,477 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 1986 and 2008. It features a cast‑iron block, indirect injection (pre‑1993) or direct injection (post‑1993), and a single wastegate‑controlled turbocharger. In standard form it delivers 63–85 kW (85–115 PS) and 192–235 Nm of torque, offering robust low‑end pulling power suited to light commercial and off‑road use.
Fitted to models such as the Pajero (V20/V30/V40), L200/Triton (K74/K84/K94), and Delica (L300/L400), the 4D56-T was engineered for durability in rugged conditions and frequent load‑bearing applications. Emissions compliance was achieved through mechanical or electronic fuel control and exhaust after‑treatment, allowing later variants to meet Euro 2 standards in European markets.
One documented concern is premature failure of the mechanical fuel injection pump in early indirect-injection variants, highlighted in Mitsubishi Service Bulletin SB‑94‑0018. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication under high ambient temperatures or extended idle cycles. From 1993, the transition to electronically controlled direct injection (DI) and revised pump designs significantly improved reliability.
Production years 1986–1992 meet no formal EU emissions standard; 1993–2000 models meet Euro 1; 2001–2008 variants meet Euro 2 (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/3412; EU Certificate of Conformity 2007/46/EC).
The Mitsubishi 4D56-T is a 2,477 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for SUVs and pickup trucks (1986–2008). It combines a durable cast‑iron block with either indirect or direct fuel injection to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and off‑road reliability. Designed to meet Euro 1–2 standards in later production, it balances ruggedness with basic emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,477 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve (pre‑1993); DOHC, 16‑valve (post‑1993) | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (wastegate-controlled) | |
| Bore × stroke | 91.1 mm × 95.0 mm | |
| Power output | 63–85 kW (85–115 PS) @ 4,000–4,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 192–235 Nm @ 2,000–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch VE mechanical pump (pre‑1993); Denso ECD‑V3 electronic DI (post‑1993) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 (1993–2000); Euro 2 (2001–2008) | |
| Compression ratio | 21.0:1 (indirect); 18.5:1 (direct) | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | IHI RHB5 (early); Mitsubishi TD04 (later) | |
| Timing system | Gear‑driven camshaft (SOHC); chain‑driven DOHC (post‑1993) | |
| Oil type | API CF-4 or ACEA B3 (SAE 10W‑30/15W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 225 kg |
The 4D56-T delivers strong low-RPM torque ideal for off‑road and towing but requires diligent fuel and oil maintenance. Pre‑1993 indirect-injection variants are sensitive to fuel contamination and benefit from inline fuel filters; post‑1993 DI models demand clean ultra‑low‑sulfur diesel (EN 590) to protect the Denso injection system. Oil changes every 7,500 km with API CF‑4 or ACEA B3 oil are essential, especially in high‑dust environments. Turbocharger longevity depends on post‑drive cooldown; immediate shutdown after heavy load can cause bearing coking. The gear‑driven SOHC timing is extremely durable, while the DOHC chain in later models requires standard inspection but rarely fails if oil is maintained.
Oil Specs: Requires API CF-4 or ACEA B3 (10W‑30/15W‑40) specification (Mitsubishi PT‑2019). Not compatible with modern ACEA C-class low‑SAPS oils.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1993–2000 models; Euro 2 applies to 2001–2008 builds (EU Certificate of Conformity 2007/46/EC). Pre‑1993 variants have no EU emissions certification.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output varies by market calibration and turbo model (Mitsubishi PT‑2019).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M1056, M1120, SB‑94‑0018
EU Certificate of Conformity 2007/46/EC
ISO 1585:1999 Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Mitsubishi 4D56-T was used across Mitsubishi's V20/V30, K74/K84, and L300/L400 platforms with longitudinal mounting and co-developed for global markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced sump in the L200 for off‑road clearance and revised cooling in the Pajero V40—and from 1993 the DI upgrade created mechanical and ECU interchange limits. Partnerships enabled shared use in Hyundai Galloper and Dodge Ram 50 with identical architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the cylinder block near the injection pump (Mitsubishi TIS M1080). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('6' for 4D56 series). Pre‑1993 indirect-injection units have a Bosch VE pump with mechanical throttle linkage; post‑1993 DI models feature a Denso electronic pump with wiring harness and ECU. Critical differentiation from non‑turbo 4D56: 4D56-T has a visible turbocharger and oil feed/return lines on the block. Service parts require production date verification—DI injection pumps before 01/1995 use different calibration than later units (Mitsubishi SB‑94‑0018).
The 4D56-T's primary reliability risk is fuel injection pump wear in early indirect-injection variants, with elevated incidence in high-ambient-temperature or high-idle applications. Mitsubishi internal data from 1995 indicated a notable share of pre‑1993 engines requiring pump replacement before 150,000 km, while EU RAR data links a measurable portion of drivability complaints to fuel contamination in non‑filtered systems. Extended idling and poor fuel quality increase pump wear, making filtration and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (1994–2005) and EU RAR failure statistics (2000–2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI 4D56T-T.
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