Engine Code

MITSUBISHI 4HK engine (2007–2019) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Mitsubishi 4HK is a 4,899 cc, inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2007 and 2019. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 16 valves, and a high-pressure common-rail fuel system with piezo injectors. In standard form it delivered 170–202 kW (231–275 PS) with torque of 702–801 Nm, engineered for heavy-duty commercial and off‑road applications.

Fitted to utility and industrial platforms such as the Fuso Canter, Mitsubishi Fuso Fighter, and select heavy‑duty variants of the Pajero/Montero, the 4HK was designed for sustained load operation, durability in extreme climates, and compliance with global emissions standards. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in post‑2013 models, allowing Euro 5 and Euro 6 compliance depending on production year.

One documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump drive gear due to marginal lubrication under extended low-RPM idling. This issue, referenced in Mitsubishi Fuso Technical Bulletin TSB-ENG-2012-07, can lead to loss of rail pressure and engine shutdown. From 2015 onward, Mitsubishi revised the pump drive gear material and oil feed design to improve reliability under commercial duty cycles.

Mitsubishi Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2007–2012 meet Euro 5 standards; 2013–2019 models meet Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5891).

4HK Technical Specifications

The Mitsubishi 4HK is a 4,899 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for heavy-duty commercial vehicles and off-road utility platforms (2007–2019). It combines SOHC 16-valve architecture with high-pressure common-rail injection and twin sequential turbochargers to deliver exceptional low-end torque and sustained load capability. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards, it integrates advanced aftertreatment systems including SCR and DOC for stringent emissions control.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement4,899 cc
Fuel typeDiesel
ConfigurationInline‑4, SOHC, 16‑valve
AspirationTwin sequential turbocharged
Bore × stroke118.0 mm × 112.0 mm
Power output170–202 kW (231–275 PS) @ 2,600 rpm
Torque702–801 Nm @ 1,200–1,800 rpm
Fuel systemCommon-rail with piezo injectors (up to 2,000 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 5 (2007–2012); Euro 6 (2013–2019)
Compression ratio17.0:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerTwin sequential fixed-geometry (MHI)
Timing systemGear‑driven SOHC
Oil typeAPI CJ-4/CK-4, SAE 10W‑30
Dry weight410 kg
Practical Implications

The SOHC twin-turbo design delivers exceptional low-RPM torque ideal for towing and off-road use but requires strict adherence to 20,000 km oil change intervals using API CJ-4/CK-4 10W-30 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel system and turbo bearings. Extended idling below 1,000 rpm can starve the fuel pump drive gear of oil, leading to premature wear—avoid prolonged stationary operation. Post-2015 engines feature the revised pump drive gear (P/N MD554433) per TSB-ENG-2012-07 and should be used in all replacements. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) is mandatory to protect SCR catalyst and injector longevity.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires API CJ-4 or CK-4 specification (Mitsubishi Fuso Owner’s Manual 2016). ACEA E9 acceptable if CJ-4 unavailable.

Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2007–2012 models; Euro 6 applies to 2013–2019 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5891).

Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output varies by application due to ECU calibration for commercial vs. off-road use (Mitsubishi Fuso PT-2018).

Primary Sources

Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG-4HK-A, ENG-4HK-B, ME-4HK-01

Mitsubishi Fuso Technical Service Bulletin TSB-ENG-2012-07

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5891)

ISO 1585: Road vehicles – Engine test code

4HK Compatible Models

The Mitsubishi 4HK was used across Mitsubishi Fuso's heavy-duty commercial platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Fighter and modified cooling in the Canter—and from 2015 the high-pressure fuel pump drive was revised, creating minor parts incompatibility. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Mitsubishi Fuso
Years:
2007–2019
Models:
Fighter (FK/FM)
Variants:
4HK1
View Source
Mitsubishi Fuso PT-2018
Make:
Mitsubishi Fuso
Years:
2010–2019
Models:
Canter (FE/FG)
Variants:
4HK1
View Source
Mitsubishi Fuso ETK Doc. ME-4HK-01
Make:
Mitsubishi
Years:
2008–2014
Models:
Pajero/Montero (V80)
Variants:
4.9 TD (limited markets)
View Source
Mitsubishi TIS Doc. ENG-4HK-A
Make:
Mitsubishi Fuso
Years:
2012–2018
Models:
Rosa (BE/CE)
Variants:
4HK1
View Source
Mitsubishi Fuso PT-2018
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the block near the oil cooler (Mitsubishi TIS ENG-4HK-C). The 7th VIN digit is 'K' for 4HK series. Visual identification: SOHC rocker cover with single cam gear, twin turbochargers with intercooler piping. Critical differentiation from 6M60: 4HK has 4 cylinders and 4,899 cc displacement (vs. 6M60’s 7,540 cc inline-6). Pre-2015 fuel pump drive gears use P/N MD443322; post-2015 use MD554433 with hardened surface treatment.

Identification Details

Evidence:

Mitsubishi TIS Doc. ENG-4HK-C

Location:

Stamped on left side of block near oil cooler (Mitsubishi TIS ENG-4HK-C).

Visual Cues:

  • SOHC rocker cover with single cam gear
  • Twin sequential turbochargers with intercooler
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Mitsubishi TSB-ENG-2012-07

Fuel Pump Drive:

Pre-2015 fuel pump drive gears (MD443322) are prone to wear under low-RPM idling; post-2015 (MD554433) are mandatory for replacements per TSB-ENG-2012-07.

Emissions System:

Euro 6 models (2013–2019) require AdBlue/DEF fluid; Euro 5 models do not have SCR and are not AdBlue-compatible.

Common Reliability Issues - MITSUBISHI 4HK

The 4HK's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive gear failure in early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to extended low-RPM idling or stop-start urban delivery cycles. Mitsubishi Fuso internal durability reports from 2014 indicated pump drive failures in ~5% of pre-2015 engines before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show low SCR-related failures due to robust aftertreatment design. Thermal management and oil quality make lubrication discipline critical.

High-pressure fuel pump drive gear wear
Symptoms: Loss of rail pressure, engine limp mode, hard starting, DTCs for fuel pressure deviation.
Cause: Insufficient oil splash lubrication to drive gear during prolonged low-RPM operation, leading to surface fatigue and tooth wear.
Fix: Replace with post-2015 revised drive gear (P/N MD554433) and inspect camshaft drive train for damage; avoid extended idling below 1,000 rpm.
SCR system AdBlue dosing faults
Symptoms: Check engine light, reduced power, NOx sensor errors, AdBlue warning on dash.
Cause: Crystallization or clogging of dosing valve due to infrequent use or poor-quality DEF fluid.
Fix: Flush AdBlue lines and replace dosing valve per TIS procedure; use only ISO 22241-compliant DEF and drive regularly to maintain system health.
Turbocharger actuator failure
Symptoms: Boost pressure fluctuations, over-boost codes, black smoke under load.
Cause: Carbon buildup or vacuum leak in sequential turbo control system causing improper VGT or bypass operation.
Fix: Inspect vacuum lines and actuators; replace with OEM units and recalibrate boost control via diagnostic tool.
EGR cooler internal leakage
Symptoms: Coolant loss without external leaks, white exhaust smoke, overheating.
Cause: Thermal stress cracking in stainless steel core due to repeated hot/cold cycling in high-load applications.
Fix: Replace EGR cooler assembly and flush cooling system; inspect for hydrolock damage if coolant entered combustion chamber.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Mitsubishi Fuso technical bulletins (2011–2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about MITSUBISHI 4HK

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MITSUBISHI 4HK.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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