The Mitsubishi 4G33 is a 1,410 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1971 and 1988. It features a cast‑iron block, SOHC 8‑valve architecture, and was initially equipped with a carburettor, later transitioning to electronic fuel injection in select export markets. In standard form it delivered 51–66 kW (70–90 PS), with torque figures between 103–118 Nm, offering economical urban performance and mechanical simplicity.
Fitted to models such as the Colt Galant (A110/A120), Lancer (A70), and Minica (A100), including commercial variants like the Delica Van, the 4G33 was engineered for cost‑effective manufacturing, durability, and ease of service in global emerging markets. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic exhaust after‑treatment and, in later models, feedback carburettors or throttle‑body injection, meeting pre‑Euro standards in most applications.
One documented concern is distributor drive gear wear in high‑mileage units, leading to ignition timing drift and misfires. This issue was addressed in Mitsubishi Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑ME‑85‑004, which recommended periodic inspection of the camshaft-driven distributor gear and replacement with hardened components in rebuilds. From 1983 onward, some export variants adopted electronic ignition systems to improve reliability.
Production years 1971–1988 meet pre‑Euro standards only; no Euro compliance applies (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/0987).
The Mitsubishi 4G33 is a 1,410 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact sedans and light commercial vehicles (1971–1988). It combines SOHC 8‑valve architecture with carburettor or throttle‑body fuel delivery to deliver economical urban performance and straightforward serviceability. Designed to meet pre‑Euro emissions standards, it prioritizes reliability and parts availability over refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,410 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded or leaded, depending on year) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.0 mm × 77.5 mm | |
| Power output | 51–66 kW (70–90 PS) | |
| Torque | 103–118 Nm @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Carburettor (primary); throttle‑body injection (late export models) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (all years) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1–9.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven camshaft (maintenance recommended every 80,000 km) | |
| Oil type | Mitsubishi DiaQueen 10W‑40 (API SF/SE) | |
| Dry weight | 105 kg |
The SOHC 8‑valve design ensures mechanical simplicity but requires adherence to 80,000 km timing chain inspection intervals to prevent elongation and ignition timing drift. Early carburetted variants demand precise idle mixture and choke adjustment; late export TBI models rely on basic O2 feedback—use only unleaded fuel in post-1986 units to protect catalytic converters. Distributor gear wear is common in high-mileage engines; inspect for play and replace with hardened gear per TSB ME‑85‑004 during rebuilds. Oil changes every 8,000 km with API SF/SE 10W‑40 oil maintain cam and chain longevity.
Oil Specs: Requires Mitsubishi DiaQueen 10W‑40 or API SF/SE equivalent (Mitsubishi Owner’s Manual Galant A120).
Emissions: No Euro compliance applies; all models meet pre‑Euro standards only (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/0987).
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. 66 kW output requires RON 90 fuel (Mitsubishi TIS Doc. CI‑4G33).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs CI‑4G33, M03‑0876
JAMA Type Approval Database (JAMA/EMS/0987)
ISO 1585:1999 Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Mitsubishi 4G33 was used across Mitsubishi's A110/A70 platforms with longitudinal or transverse mounting depending on application and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced sumps in the Delica Van and revised carburettor linkages in the Colt Galant A120—and from 1983 the export Lancer A70 models adopted throttle‑body injection, creating minor ECU and harness interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the block near the distributor (Mitsubishi TIS CI‑4G33). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('G' for 4G33 series). Early models (1971–1982) have carburettors with mechanical distributors; post-1982 export units use throttle‑body injection with electronic ignition. Critical differentiation from 4G32: 4G33 has larger displacement (1,410 cc vs 1,239 cc) and longer stroke. Service parts require production date verification—distributor drive gears for engines before 1983 are made of softer material and prone to wear (Mitsubishi TSB ME‑85‑004).
The 4G33's primary reliability risk is distributor drive gear wear in high‑mileage units, with elevated incidence in stop‑start urban use or tropical climates. Mitsubishi internal durability reports from 1985 indicated that engines exceeding 150,000 km often required ignition system overhaul due to timing drift, while service records show carburettor jet clogging as a secondary concern in regions with poor fuel quality. Extended oil change intervals and infrequent use exacerbate sludge buildup, making correct maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (1985–1990) and JAMA service durability reports (1980–1995). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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