The Mitsubishi 4G64 (8V) is a 2,350 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1987 and 2005. It features a cast‑iron block, aluminium cylinder head, single overhead camshaft (SOHC), and 8 valves (2 per cylinder). In standard form it delivers 91–107 kW (124–145 PS) and 190–205 Nm of torque, offering robust low‑end pulling power suited to SUVs and light commercial use.
Fitted to models such as the Pajero (V20/V30), Delica (L300/L400), and L200/Triton (K74/K84), the 4G64 (8V) was engineered for durability in rugged conditions and frequent load‑bearing applications. Emissions compliance was achieved through multi‑point fuel injection and a three‑way catalytic converter, allowing later variants to meet Euro 2 standards in European markets.
One documented concern is premature failure of the timing belt tensioner pulley due to bearing wear under high ambient temperatures, highlighted in Mitsubishi Service Bulletin SB‑95‑0033. This issue stems from marginal lubrication in early tensioner designs and is exacerbated by extended oil change intervals. From 1998, Mitsubishi revised the tensioner assembly and updated maintenance recommendations to mitigate the risk.
Production years 1987–1992 meet no formal EU emissions standard; 1993–1996 models meet Euro 1; 1997–2005 variants meet Euro 2 (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/2875; EU Certificate of Conformity 2007/46/EC).
The Mitsubishi 4G64 (8V) is a 2,350 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for SUVs, MPVs, and pickups (1987–2005). It combines a durable cast‑iron block with SOHC 8‑valve architecture to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and off‑road reliability. Designed to meet Euro 1–2 standards in later production, it balances mechanical simplicity with basic emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,350 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.0 mm × 98.0 mm | |
| Power output | 91–107 kW (124–145 PS) @ 5,000–5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 190–205 Nm @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point fuel injection (SFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 (1993–1996); Euro 2 (1997–2005) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | Mitsubishi MTF‑01 or ACEA A2 (SAE 10W‑30/10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The SOHC 8-valve design provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for off-road and towing but requires strict adherence to 100,000 km timing belt intervals to prevent interference damage. Early tensioner pulleys are prone to bearing wear under high heat—symptoms include belt squeal and timing drift. Oil changes every 7,500 km with ACEA A2 or Mitsubishi MTF‑01 oil are essential, especially in dusty or high-temperature environments. The belt-driven valvetrain is generally durable but relies on consistent oil pressure; cold-start revving should be minimised. Fuel injectors are compatible with E5/E10 petrol meeting EN 228.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A2 or Mitsubishi MTF‑01 (10W‑30/10W‑40) specification (Mitsubishi SB‑95‑0033). Not compatible with ACEA C-class low-SAPS oils.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1993–1996 models; Euro 2 applies to 1997–2005 builds (EU Certificate of Conformity 2007/46/EC). Pre-1993 variants have no EU emissions certification.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output varies by ECU calibration and market (Mitsubishi PT‑2019).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M1064, M1096, SB‑95‑0033
EU Certificate of Conformity 2007/46/EC
ISO 1585:1999 Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Mitsubishi 4G64 (8V) was used across Mitsubishi's V20/V30, L300/L400, and K74/K84 platforms with longitudinal mounting and co-developed for global markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced sump in the L200 for off‑road clearance and revised cooling in the Pajero V30—and from 1998 the tensioner upgrade created minor service part interchange limits. Partnerships enabled shared use in Hyundai Galloper and Dodge Ram 50 with identical mechanical architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the cylinder block near the oil filter (Mitsubishi TIS M1071). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('4' for 4G64 series). All 8V units feature a single camshaft with 8-valve rocker arms and no turbocharger; differentiate from 16V 4G64 by valve cover shape and cam drive layout. Critical differentiation from 4G63: 4G64 has 87.0 mm bore (vs 85.0 mm) and unique intake manifold casting number 'MD225678'. Service parts require production date verification—tensioner pulleys before 06/1998 use a non-sealed bearing prone to failure (Mitsubishi SB‑95‑0033).
The 4G64 (8V)'s primary reliability risk is timing belt tensioner pulley failure in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-ambient-temperature or high-load applications. Mitsubishi internal data from 1996 indicated a notable share of pre‑1998 engines requiring tensioner replacement before 120,000 km, while EU RAR data links a measurable portion of timing-related failures to pulley bearing wear. Extended oil intervals and high under-hood temperatures increase failure risk, making timely belt service and correct tensioner specification critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (1995–2002) and EU RAR failure statistics (2000–2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI 4G64-8V.
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