The Mitsubishi 4D68 T is a 1,997 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 1993 and 2007. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8 valves, and a mechanically controlled Garrett T25 turbocharger, delivering 66–70 kW (90–95 PS) and 192–230 Nm of torque. Its indirect injection (IDI) design prioritises durability and cold‑start reliability over fuel economy.
Fitted to models such as the Pajero (V20/V30), Delica (L400), and L200/Triton (K74/K84), the 4D68 T was engineered for rugged utility and off‑road resilience. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and oxidation catalysts, meeting Euro 2 standards in European markets during its production run.
One documented concern is premature turbocharger bearing wear due to inadequate oil drainage and heat soak, highlighted in Mitsubishi Service Bulletin ENG‑03‑012. This issue is exacerbated by frequent short trips or delayed oil changes, leading to carbonised oil clogging the turbo oil return line. From 2001 onward, Mitsubishi revised the turbo oil feed/return routing and upgraded bearing materials.
Production years 1993–2007 meet Euro 2 standards in applicable markets (Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Type Approval #MLIT‑D4D68‑1995).
The Mitsubishi 4D68 T is a 1,997 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for light commercial and SUV applications (1993–2007). It combines SOHC architecture with indirect injection and a mechanically actuated turbocharger to deliver robust low-end torque and field-proven reliability. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it prioritises serviceability and mechanical simplicity over modern efficiency metrics.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,997 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (mechanical wastegate) | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
| Power output | 66–70 kW (90–95 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 192–230 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch VE rotary injection pump (indirect injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 21.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett T25 (mechanical wastegate) | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | API CF/CF-4, SAE 10W‑30 or 15W‑40 | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The indirect injection and mechanical turbo provide rugged low-RPM torque ideal for off-road and towing but require strict adherence to 7,500 km oil change intervals using API CF/CF‑4 diesel-rated oil to prevent turbo bearing failure. Early 4D68 T engines (1993–2000) are prone to turbo oil return clogging due to vertical drain line design; post-2001 units feature revised routing per Mitsubishi ENG‑03‑012. The gear-driven camshaft eliminates timing belt concerns but demands correct valve clearance adjustment every 30,000 km. Use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) is not required, but fuel quality directly impacts injection pump longevity.
Oil Specs: Requires API CF/CF‑4 (10W‑30 or 15W‑40) per Mitsubishi Owner’s Manual. Not compatible with modern ACEA C-category low-SAPS oils.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all European-market 4D68 T units (EU Directive 94/12/EC). Japanese domestic models follow MLIT standards.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output variance reflects regional pump calibration differences (Mitsubishi PT‑2005).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG‑4D68‑SPEC, ENG‑03‑012
Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) Type Approval #MLIT‑D4D68‑1995
EU Directive 94/12/EC on emissions
ISO 1585:1996 Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Mitsubishi 4D68 T was used across Mitsubishi's Utility SUV/Commercial platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Delica and upgraded cooling in the L200—and from 2001 the facelifted Pajero adopted updated turbo oil routing, creating minor service part distinctions. 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 ENG‑4D68‑ID). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates engine displacement ('D' for 2.0L diesel). Early models (1993–2000) use silver valve covers with external oil feed lines to the turbo; post-2001 units have black valve covers and revised oil return routing. Critical differentiation: engines built before 01/2001 use turbocharger part number 49178‑12310; later units use 49178‑12320 with improved bearing materials (Mitsubishi SB ENG‑03‑012).
The 4D68 T's primary reliability risk is turbocharger bearing failure in pre-2001 builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or short-trip use. Mitsubishi internal field data (2002) indicated up to 18% of early engines required turbo replacement before 150,000 km, while EU consumer reports cite injection pump wear as a secondary concern. Infrequent oil changes and use of non-diesel-rated oil accelerate turbo and pump degradation, making oil quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (1998–2005) and EU consumer safety agency failure statistics (2000–2010). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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