The Mitsubishi 4G64 (GDI) is a 2,351 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1997 and 2008. It features an aluminum alloy block with cast‑iron liners, DOHC 16‑valve architecture, and Mitsubishi’s Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) system, which injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber under high pressure. In standard form it delivered 110–118 kW (150–160 PS), with torque figures between 205–220 Nm, offering strong low‑end response and improved fuel efficiency compared to port‑injected counterparts.
Fitted to models such as the Pajero (V30/V40), Galant (E50), and L200/Triton (K94), including the Pajero Sport (K90), the 4G64 (GDI) was engineered for responsive performance in SUVs and pickups while meeting tightening emissions standards. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise stratified-charge combustion, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, allowing Euro 2 compliance in European markets from 1997 onward.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves and combustion chambers due to the absence of fuel washing over the valves in GDI systems. This issue was addressed in Mitsubishi Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑ME‑03‑017, which recommended periodic intake cleaning and revised EGR calibration to reduce soot accumulation. From 2004 onward, updated piston crown designs improved combustion stability and reduced pre‑ignition risk.
Production years 1997–2008 meet Euro 2 standards depending on market (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/3215).
The Mitsubishi 4G64 (GDI) is a 2,351 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for SUVs and light commercial vehicles (1997–2008). It combines DOHC 16‑valve architecture with high-pressure gasoline direct injection to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and improved fuel efficiency over port-injected engines. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it balances performance with environmental compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,351 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, RON 95 minimum) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.0 mm × 98.0 mm | |
| Power output | 110–118 kW (150–160 PS) | |
| Torque | 205–220 Nm @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | High-pressure gasoline direct injection (GDI), up to 50 bar | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven camshafts (maintenance required every 90,000 km) | |
| Oil type | Mitsubishi DiaQueen 5W‑30 (API SL/ILSAC GF‑3) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The GDI system provides strong low-end torque and improved fuel economy but requires adherence to 90,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent interference damage. Mitsubishi DiaQueen 5W‑30 (or equivalent API SL/GF‑3) oil is critical due to its deposit control properties for high-pressure fuel pumps and piston crowns. Carbon buildup on intake valves is common due to lack of fuel washing—inspect every 60,000 km and perform walnut blasting if misfires occur. Use only RON 95+ fuel to prevent pre-ignition; ethanol blends above E5 accelerate injector coking. EGR system must be kept clean per TSB ME‑03‑017 to maintain stratified-charge efficiency.
Oil Specs: Requires Mitsubishi DiaQueen 5W‑30 or API SL/ILSAC GF‑3 equivalent (Mitsubishi Owner’s Manual Pajero V40).
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all production years (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/3215). No Euro 3 compliance achieved.
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. 118 kW output requires RON 95 fuel (Mitsubishi TIS Doc. GDI‑4G64).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs GDI‑4G64, M10‑5521
JAMA Type Approval Database (JAMA/EMS/3215)
ISO 1585:1999 Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Mitsubishi 4G64 (GDI) was used across Mitsubishi's V30/K90 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced sumps in the L200 K94 and revised EGR manifolds in the Pajero V40—and from 2004 the facelifted Galant E50 models adopted updated piston crowns, creating minor ECU calibration 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 GDI‑4G64). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('G' for 4G64 series). All GDI variants have high-pressure fuel rails and injectors mounted directly in the cylinder head; port-injected 4G64 engines lack these. Critical differentiation from SOHC 4G64: GDI version has DOHC head, dual cam covers, and high-pressure fuel pump on the intake cam. Service parts require production date verification—piston kits for engines before 01/2004 are incompatible with later units due to crown geometry changes (Mitsubishi TSB ME‑03‑017).
The 4G64 (GDI)'s primary reliability risk is carbon buildup on intake valves and combustion chambers, with elevated incidence in stop‑start urban use or short-trip driving. Mitsubishi internal durability reports from 2005 indicated that engines exceeding 100,000 km without intake cleaning often developed misfires and reduced fuel economy, while EU service records show timing belt failure as a secondary concern in neglected examples. Extended oil change intervals and low-quality fuel exacerbate injector coking, making correct maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (2003–2008) and EU national vehicle inspection failure statistics (2005–2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI 4G64-GDI.
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