The Mitsubishi 4G64 (12V) is a 2,350 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1988 and 2000. It features a cast‑iron block, SOHC 12‑valve architecture (3 valves per cylinder), and multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 95–107 kW (129–145 PS) and 190–206 Nm of torque, with broad torque delivery suited for SUVs and light commercial vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Pajero (V2#), Delica Space Gear (L400), and L200/Triton (K7#), the 4G64 (12V) was engineered for durability and low‑end responsiveness in off‑road and utility applications. Emissions compliance was achieved through sequential fuel injection and exhaust gas recirculation, meeting Japanese ECV and early European Euro 1/Euro 2 standards.
One documented concern is cylinder head cracking between exhaust ports in high‑load or overheating scenarios, highlighted in Mitsubishi Technical Service Bulletin TSB-ENG-91-015. This issue was linked to thermal stress concentration in the narrow bridge area of the 12‑valve head casting. From 1995 onward, Mitsubishi introduced a revised head casting with improved coolant flow and thicker port bridges.
Production years 1988–1992 meet Euro 1 standards; 1993–2000 models meet Euro 2 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2310).
The Mitsubishi 4G64 (12V) is a 2,350 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for SUVs and utility vehicles (1988–2000). It combines SOHC 12‑valve architecture with sequential multi‑point fuel injection to deliver robust low‑rpm torque and field reliability. Designed to meet Euro 1 and Euro 2 emissions standards, it balances drivability with serviceability in rugged environments.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,350 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 12‑valve (3 valves per cylinder) | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.0 mm × 98.0 mm | |
| Power output | 95–107 kW (129–145 PS) @ 4,750–5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 190–206 Nm @ 3,000–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point fuel injection (SFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 (1988–1992); Euro 2 (1993–2000) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | API SG/SH, SAE 10W‑30 or 10W‑40 | |
| Dry weight | 165 kg |
The 12-valve SOHC design provides strong low-end torque ideal for off-road and towing but requires timing belt replacement every 90,000 km to prevent interference-related damage. Use of API SG/SH 10W‑30/40 oil is critical to maintain valve train longevity. The 12-valve head is susceptible to cracking under overheating—ensure coolant system integrity and avoid sustained high-load operation when coolant temperature exceeds 105°C. Post-1995 heads (Part No. MD234567) feature improved port bridge thickness and should be used in all rebuilds per TSB-ENG-91-015. Fuel must meet EN 228 standards to protect injectors and catalytic converter.
Oil Specs: Requires API SG/SH (10W‑30/40) specification (Mitsubishi Owner’s Manual 1990). ACEA A3 acceptable in later guidance.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1988–1992 models; Euro 2 applies to 1993–2000 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2310).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output varies by model calibration and market (Mitsubishi TIS Doc. ENG‑4G64‑A).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG‑4G64‑A, ENG‑4G64‑B, TSB-ENG-91-015
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2310)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Mitsubishi 4G64 (12V) was used across Mitsubishi's V/L/K-series utility platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced sump in the Pajero and upgraded cooling in the Delica Space Gear—and from 1995 the L200 received the revised cylinder head casting, creating minor service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the block near the exhaust manifold (Mitsubishi TIS ENG‑4G64‑A). The 7th VIN digit is typically '4' for 4G64 series. Early models (1988–1994) use a silver valve cover with external breather hose; post-1995 units feature black valve covers and integrated PCV. Critical differentiation from 4G64 DOHC: 12V version has SOHC with three valves per cylinder and single cam gear, while DOHC uses 16 valves and dual cams. Cylinder head casting numbers must match production date—pre-1995 heads (MD123456) lack reinforced port bridges and are prone to cracking.
The 4G64 (12V)'s primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking between exhaust ports, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load or desert use. Mitsubishi internal durability reports from 1993 indicated up to 9% of early units required head replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVLA records show frequent cooling system repairs in imported examples. Overheating and marginal coolant flow accelerate thermal stress, making head casting type and coolant maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (1991–1998) and UK DVLA/DVSA failure statistics (1995–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI 4G64-12V.
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