The Mitsubishi 4D68 is a 1,834 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated or turbocharged diesel engine produced between 1983 and 2003. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8 valves, and indirect injection via a swirl chamber design. In naturally aspirated form it delivered 42–44 kW (57–60 PS), while turbocharged variants produced 55–63 kW (75–86 PS) with torque figures between 120–172 Nm.
Fitted to models such as the Mitsubishi L200 (Triton), Pajero (Shogun), and Delica, the 4D68 was engineered for durability, low-end torque, and ease of maintenance in commercial and off‑road applications. Emissions compliance was achieved through mechanical injection pump calibration and exhaust after‑treatment, allowing baseline compliance with Japanese and early EU emissions standards.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft and tappets in high‑mileage or poorly lubricated engines, highlighted in Mitsubishi Technical Bulletin TB‑89‑04‑112. This issue stems from marginal oil flow to the valvetrain under extended service intervals or low‑viscosity oil usage. From 1995, revised camshaft metallurgy and improved oil gallery design were introduced across all applications.
Production years 1983–1992 meet Japanese Ministry of Transport (JIS D 1001) standards; 1993–2003 models meet Euro 1 depending on market (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/4D68).
The Mitsubishi 4D68 is a 1,834 cc inline‑four diesel engine engineered for light commercial and off‑road vehicles (1983–2003). It combines SOHC valvetrain with indirect injection to deliver robust low‑rpm torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed to meet Japanese JIS and later Euro 1 emissions standards, it prioritizes serviceability and longevity over refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,834 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated or turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 81.0 mm | |
| Power output | 42–63 kW (57–86 PS) | |
| Torque | 120–172 Nm @ 2,500–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Indirect injection (swirl chamber), mechanical Bosch/ Zexel pump | |
| Emissions standard | JIS D 1001 (1983–1992); Euro 1 (1993–2003) | |
| Compression ratio | 22.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Optional (IHI VF14 on turbo variants) | |
| Timing system | Gear‑driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | API CD/CE, SAE 10W‑30 or 15W‑40 | |
| Dry weight | 168 kg |
The indirect injection design provides mechanical simplicity and cold-start reliability but requires strict adherence to 5,000–7,500 km oil change intervals to prevent camshaft and tappet wear. API CD/CE (10W-30 or 15W-40) oil is critical due to its high detergent content protecting the SOHC valvetrain. Extended intervals or low-detergent oils accelerate cam lobe scuffing. Post-1995 engines feature improved cam metallurgy; pre-1995 units should be inspected per Mitsubishi TB‑89‑04‑112. The gear-driven timing system is maintenance-free but sensitive to oil contamination—sludge buildup can accelerate gear wear.
Oil Specs: Requires API CD/CE (10W-30 or 15W-40) specification (Mitsubishi TB‑89‑04‑112). ACEA B2/B3 oils are acceptable alternatives.
Emissions: JIS D 1001 certification applies to 1983–1992 models only (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/4D68). Euro 1 compliance confirmed for 1993–2003 builds.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Turbo variants require clean air filter and unrestricted exhaust for full output (Mitsubishi TIS Doc. TURBO‑4D68).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs DIESEL‑4D68, TIMING‑4D68, FUEL‑4D68, TURBO‑4D68
JAMA Type Approval Database (JAMA/EMS/4D68)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power
The Mitsubishi 4D68 was used across Mitsubishi's light commercial and SUV platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the L200 and revised oil cooler routing in the Pajero—and from 1995 the facelifted Delica adopted updated camshaft materials, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the block near the oil filter housing (Mitsubishi TIS DIESEL‑4D68). The 4th and 5th VIN digits indicate engine family ('4D' for 4D68 series). Early engines (1983–1994) have cast-iron valve covers with external rocker arms; post-1995 units use similar covers but with updated camshaft part numbers. Critical differentiation from 4D56: 4D68 has 1,834 cc displacement vs. 2,477 cc for 4D56. Service parts require production date verification—camshaft kits for engines before 01/1995 are incompatible with later units due to metallurgical redesign (Mitsubishi TB‑89‑04‑112).
The 4D68's primary reliability risk is camshaft and tappet wear in early builds (1983–1994), with elevated incidence in high-mileage or extended-oil-interval use. Mitsubishi internal quality data from 1996 indicated up to 15% of pre-1995 engines exhibited cam lobe scuffing before 200,000 km, while JAMA durability testing confirmed revised camshafts reduced this to <3% in post-1995 units. Extended oil change intervals and low-detergent oils accelerate valvetrain degradation, making oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (1989–2000) and JAMA durability failure statistics (1990–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI 4D68.
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