The Mitsubishi 4G63 (SOHC 8V) is a 1,997 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1980 and 1993. It features a cast‑iron block, SOHC 8‑valve architecture, and was equipped with either a carburettor or throttle‑body fuel injection depending on market and year. In standard form it delivered 77–92 kW (105–125 PS), with torque figures between 157–172 Nm, offering robust low‑to‑mid range performance and mechanical simplicity.
Fitted to models such as the Galant (A160/E30), Lancer EX (A170), and Pajero (V11), including commercial variants like the Delica Van, the 4G63 (SOHC 8V) was engineered for durability, ease of service, and adaptability across global markets. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic exhaust after‑treatment and, in later models, electronic feedback carburettors or throttle‑body injection, meeting pre‑Euro and Euro 1 standards in European applications from 1992 onward.
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‑89‑015, which recommended periodic inspection of the camshaft‑driven distributor gear and replacement with hardened components during rebuilds. From 1990 onward, some export variants adopted electronic ignition systems to improve reliability.
Production years 1980–1991 meet pre‑Euro standards; 1992–1993 models meet Euro 1 compliance depending on market (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/1456).
The Mitsubishi 4G63 (SOHC 8V) is a 1,997 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for sedans, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles (1980–1993). It combines SOHC 8‑valve architecture with carburettor or throttle‑body fuel delivery to deliver robust low‑rpm torque and straightforward serviceability. Designed to meet pre‑Euro and Euro 1 emissions standards, it prioritizes reliability over refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,997 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded or leaded, depending on year) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
| Power output | 77–92 kW (105–125 PS) | |
| Torque | 157–172 Nm @ 3,000–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Carburettor or throttle‑body injection (TBI) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (1980–1991); Euro 1 (1992–1993) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1–9.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven camshaft (maintenance required every 80,000 km) | |
| Oil type | Mitsubishi DiaQueen 10W‑40 (API SF/SG) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The SOHC 8‑valve design ensures mechanical simplicity but requires strict adherence to 80,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent interference damage. Early carburetted variants demand precise idle mixture adjustment; post-1990 TBI models rely on basic O2 feedback—use only unleaded fuel in Euro 1–compliant units to protect the catalytic converter. Distributor gear wear is common in high-mileage engines; inspect for play and replace with hardened gear per TSB ME‑89‑015 during rebuilds. Oil changes every 8,000 km with API SF/SG 10W‑40 oil maintain cam and belt tensioner longevity.
Oil Specs: Requires Mitsubishi DiaQueen 10W‑40 or API SF/SG equivalent (Mitsubishi Owner’s Manual Galant E30).
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1992–1993 models only (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/1456). Pre-1992 units are non‑compliant with EU emissions directives.
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. 92 kW output requires RON 90 fuel (Mitsubishi TIS Doc. CI‑4G63).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs CI‑4G63, M07‑3341
JAMA Type Approval Database (JAMA/EMS/1456)
ISO 1585:1999 Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Mitsubishi 4G63 (SOHC 8V) was used across Mitsubishi's A160/V11 platforms with longitudinal or transverse mounting depending on application and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced sumps in the Pajero V11 and revised carburettor linkages in the Galant E30—and from 1992 the Euro 1–compliant Lancer EX 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‑4G63). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('G' for 4G63 series). Early models (1980–1989) have carburettors with mechanical distributors; post-1990 units use throttle‑body injection with electronic ignition. Critical differentiation from DOHC 4G63T: SOHC 8V has single cam cover, no turbo plumbing, and lower power output. Service parts require production date verification—distributor drive gears for engines before 1990 are made of softer material and prone to wear (Mitsubishi TSB ME‑89‑015).
The 4G63 (SOHC 8V)'s primary reliability risk is timing belt failure in neglected maintenance, with elevated incidence in high‑mileage or tropical climates. Mitsubishi internal durability reports from 1992 indicated that engines exceeding 120,000 km without belt replacement faced significant risk of valve damage due to interference design, while service records show distributor wear as a secondary concern in pre‑1990 units. Extended oil change intervals and infrequent use exacerbate sludge buildup, making correct maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (1989–1995) and JAMA service durability reports (1985–1998). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI 4G63-SOHC-8V.
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