The Mitsubishi 4G15 (8V) is a 1,468 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1983 and 2003. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8 valves, and a carburettor or throttle-body fuel injection depending on market and year. In standard form it delivered 55–66 kW (75–90 PS) with torque figures between 118–126 Nm, offering dependable urban performance and mechanical simplicity.
Fitted to models such as the Lancer (C10/C50/C60), Mirage (C10/C50), and Colt (C10), the 4G15 (8V) was engineered for cost‑effective manufacturing and ease of service in global emerging markets. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic closed-loop fuel control and a three‑way catalytic converter, allowing compliance with early Japanese and pre‑Euro standards, with select later variants meeting Euro 1.
One documented concern is premature wear of the distributor drive gear in carburetted variants, highlighted in Mitsubishi Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑ME‑84‑007. This issue was linked to inadequate case hardening in early production runs. From 1988 onward, revised drive gears with improved metallurgy were introduced across the 4G15 family.
Production years 1983–1987 meet pre‑Euro standards; 1988–2003 models may comply with Euro 1 depending on market (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/1842).
The Mitsubishi 4G15 (8V) is a 1,468 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and sedans (1983–2003). It combines SOHC architecture with either carburettor or throttle-body injection to deliver reliable low‑cost motoring. Designed to meet pre‑Euro and early Euro 1 standards, it prioritizes serviceability over advanced emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,468 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.5 mm × 82.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55–66 kW (75–90 PS) @ 5,500–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 118–126 Nm @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Carburettor or throttle-body injection (TBI) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (1983–1987); Euro 1 (1988–2003, market‑dependent) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt (requires replacement every 90,000 km) | |
| Oil type | API SF/SG, SAE 10W‑30 or 15W‑40 | |
| Dry weight | 96 kg |
The SOHC 8‑valve layout provides mechanical simplicity and ease of repair but transmits more vibration than 16‑valve counterparts. Carburetted variants require periodic jet cleaning and choke adjustment, while TBI units depend on clean throttle bodies and functional oxygen sensors. Early engines (pre‑1988) are susceptible to distributor drive gear wear per TSB‑ME‑84‑007—symptoms include erratic ignition timing and misfires. Use of API SF/SG 10W‑30 oil is sufficient, but frequent oil changes every 7,500 km are recommended in hot climates. Timing belt replacement at 90,000 km is critical to prevent valve damage.
Oil Specs: Requires API SF or SG (SAE 10W‑30 or 15W‑40) specification (Mitsubishi Owner’s Manual). Modern SN oils are acceptable but not required.
Emissions: Pre‑Euro certification applies to 1983–1987 models only (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/1842). Euro 1 compliance was achieved in select 1988–2003 export variants.
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. Output varies by carburettor calibration and altitude compensation (Mitsubishi TIS Doc. ME‑4G15‑04).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ME‑4G15‑01 to ME‑4G15‑04, TSB‑ME‑84‑007
JAMA Type Approval Database (JAMA/EMS/1842)
JIS D 1001: Road vehicles — Engine power test code
The Mitsubishi 4G15 (8V) was used across Mitsubishi's C10/C50 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Lancer and modified accessory brackets in the Mirage—and from 1991 the updated Colt C60 adopted throttle-body injection replacing carburettors, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Mitsubishi TIS ME‑4G15‑08). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('G' for 4G1x series). Early carburetted engines (1983–1990) have black valve covers with external distributor; post‑1991 TBI units use black valve covers with integrated coil packs and no distributor. Critical differentiation from 16‑valve 4G15: 8V version has single camshaft and 2 valves per cylinder. Distributor drive gear part numbers beginning with MD123xxx denote early variants. Service parts require production date verification—distributor gears for engines before 01/1988 are incompatible with later units due to metallurgy redesign (Mitsubishi TSB‑ME‑84‑007).
The 4G15 (8V)'s primary reliability risk is distributor drive gear wear in early carburetted builds, with elevated incidence in high‑temperature or high‑load urban use. Mitsubishi internal quality reports from 1986 indicated a notable share of pre‑1988 engines requiring ignition system repair before 100,000 km, while JAMA durability audits flagged marginal drive train robustness in initial batches. Extended oil intervals and poor coolant maintenance accelerate timing belt and head gasket issues, making fluid service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (1984–1992) and JAMA failure statistics (1990–1998). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI 4G15-8V.
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