The Mitsubishi 4G36 is a 1,597 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1978 and 1992. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8 valves, and initially used a carburettor before adopting throttle-body injection in later variants. In standard form it delivered 55–72 kW (75–98 PS) with torque between 118–135 Nm, offering responsive low‑end performance for compact sedans and hatchbacks.
Fitted to models such as the Lancer (A172/A174), Mirage (A152), and Colt (A152), the 4G36 was engineered for fuel efficiency, mechanical simplicity, and ease of maintenance in global markets. Emissions compliance was achieved through carburettor calibration and later electronic fuel control, allowing compliance with Japanese 1978 emissions standards and limited Euro 1 equivalence in export variants.
One documented concern is premature wear of the distributor drive gear in early carburetted variants, highlighted in Mitsubishi Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑ENG‑84‑002. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under high thermal load and inconsistent oil changes, leading to ignition timing drift and misfires. From 1986, Mitsubishi transitioned to electronic ignition and revised oil gallery routing.
Production years 1978–1985 meet Japanese 1978 emissions standards; 1986–1992 export models may meet limited Euro 1 equivalence depending on market (Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Type Approval #JAMA/4G36/1987).
The Mitsubishi 4G36 is a 1,597 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and sedans (1978–1992). It combines SOHC architecture with 8-valve layout and, from 1986, throttle-body fuel injection to deliver frugal urban performance. Designed to meet Japanese 1978 standards and limited Euro 1 equivalence in export markets, it prioritizes reliability over high output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,597 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 77.0 mm × 85.8 mm | |
| Power output | 55–72 kW (75–98 PS) | |
| Torque | 118–135 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Carburettor (1978–1985); throttle-body injection (TBI) (1986–1992) | |
| Emissions standard | Japanese 1978 standard; limited Euro 1 (export, 1986–1992) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt (front‑mounted, service interval 60,000 km) | |
| Oil type | Mitsubishi Genuine 10W‑30 (API SF/SG) | |
| Dry weight | 102 kg |
The SOHC 8-valve design provides adequate low-RPM torque for city driving but requires strict 60,000 km timing belt changes to prevent catastrophic failure. Use only API SF/SG 10W‑30 oil and adhere to 10,000 km service intervals. Early carburetted models (1978–1985) are prone to distributor gear wear—upgrade to electronic ignition per TSB‑ENG‑84‑002. The engine is non‑interference, reducing risk if the belt fails. Fuel injectors in post-1986 models are sensitive to ethanol; use E5 or lower to avoid long‑term deposit buildup.
Oil Specs: Requires Mitsubishi Genuine 10W‑30 (API SF/SG) (Mitsubishi TIS ENG‑4G36‑C). ACEA A2 oils are acceptable alternatives.
Emissions: Japanese 1978 certification applies to 1978–1985 models. Limited Euro 1 compliance confirmed for 1986–1992 export variants (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/4G36/1987).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. 72 kW output verified on Lancer EX (1990) with 95 RON fuel (Mitsubishi PT‑1991).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG‑4G36‑A, ENG‑4G36‑B, TSB‑ENG‑84‑002
JAMA Type Approval Database (JAMA/4G36/1987)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power
The Mitsubishi 4G36 was used across Mitsubishi's A152/A172 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—simplified intake manifolds in the Mirage and reinforced mounts in the Lancer—and from 1986 the facelifted Colt models adopted throttle-body injection, creating minor ECU interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Mitsubishi TIS ENG‑4G36‑ID). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('G' for 1.6L 4G36). All 4G36 engines feature cast-iron block with SOHC head and black valve cover labeled '4G36'. Critical differentiation from 4G33: 4G36 has 1,597 cc displacement vs. 1,410 cc; bore is 77.0 mm vs. 73.0 mm. Pre-1986 units have a mechanical distributor; post-1986 use electronic ignition with single coil. ECU part numbers must match model year—1986–1989 units (MD180xxx) are not compatible with 1990+ (MD185xxx) due to injector driver revisions (Mitsubishi TSB‑ECU‑90‑001).
The 4G36's primary reliability risk is distributor drive gear wear in pre-1986 carburetted units, with elevated incidence in hot climates and infrequent oil changes. Mitsubishi internal field data (1987) indicated ~11% of 1978–1985 Lancer units required ignition system repair before 100,000 km, while EU service networks reported increased timing belt failures in vehicles exceeding 70,000 km intervals. Extended oil intervals and marginal lubrication accelerate gear wear, making oil quality and belt discipline critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (1984–1992) and EU national vehicle inspection data (1990–2000). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI 4G36.
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