The Mitsubishi 4HN is a 3,200 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2003 and 2015. It features a cast‑iron block, aluminium cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), and 16 valves. In standard form it delivers 118–130 kW (160–177 PS) and 343–380 Nm of torque, offering strong low‑end pulling power for light commercial and passenger applications.
Fitted to models such as the Canter (FE/FG), L300 (L400 facelift), and Fuso Rosa, the 4HN was engineered for durability in commercial transport and fleet service. Emissions compliance was achieved through common‑rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging, and exhaust gas recirculation, allowing later variants to meet Euro 4 standards in European markets.
One documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump due to water contamination in diesel fuel, highlighted in Mitsubishi Fuso Service Bulletin SB‑07‑0024. This issue stems from marginal filtration in early fuel systems and is exacerbated by extended use of biodiesel blends above B5. From 2008, Mitsubishi revised the fuel filter assembly and added a water-in-fuel sensor to mitigate the risk.
Production years 2003–2006 meet Euro 3 standards; 2007–2015 variants meet Euro 4 (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/4521; EU Certificate of Conformity 2007/46/EC).
The Mitsubishi 4HN is a 3,200 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for light commercial vehicles and minibuses (2003–2015). It combines a robust cast‑iron block with DOHC 16‑valve architecture and common‑rail injection to deliver high torque at low rpm and reliable fleet performance. Designed to meet Euro 3–4 standards, it balances commercial durability with regulated emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,200 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged with variable geometry (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 100.0 mm × 102.0 mm | |
| Power output | 118–130 kW (160–177 PS) @ 3,200–3,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 343–380 Nm @ 1,600–2,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 (2003–2006); Euro 4 (2007–2015) | |
| Compression ratio | 17.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Mitsubishi TD05H VGT (variable geometry) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | API CJ-4 or ACEA E7 (SAE 10W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 295 kg |
The DOHC common-rail design provides high torque ideal for commercial loads but requires strict fuel quality control to protect the Bosch CP3 pump. Use of diesel with water contamination or biodiesel above B5 accelerates pump wear. Oil changes every 10,000 km with API CJ-4 or ACEA E7 oil are essential, especially in stop-start urban delivery cycles. The chain-driven valvetrain is durable but relies on consistent oil pressure; extended idling should be minimised. Post-2008 models include a water-in-fuel sensor that triggers a warning light—prompt filter drainage is critical to prevent pump seizure per SB‑07‑0024.
Oil Specs: Requires API CJ-4 or ACEA E7 (10W‑30) specification (Mitsubishi Fuso PT‑2020). Not compatible with passenger-car ACEA C-class oils.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to 2003–2006 models; Euro 4 applies to 2007–2015 builds (EU Certificate of Conformity 2007/46/EC).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output varies by ECU calibration and market (Mitsubishi Fuso PT‑2020).
Mitsubishi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs MF2045, MF2101, SB‑07‑0024
EU Certificate of Conformity 2007/46/EC
ISO 1585:1999 Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Mitsubishi 4HN was used across Mitsubishi Fuso's FE/FG and Rosa platforms with longitudinal mounting and co-developed for global commercial markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced sump in the Canter FE for urban durability and revised cooling in the Rosa LPG hybrid variants—and from 2008 the fuel filter upgrade created minor service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the cylinder block near the injection pump (Mitsubishi TIS MF2080). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('N' for 4HN series). All 4HN units feature a DOHC head with dual cam covers and a visible VGT turbocharger. Critical differentiation from 4M50: 4HN has 100.0 mm bore (vs 104.0 mm) and unique common-rail fuel rail casting number 'MF381234'. Service parts require production date verification—fuel filter assemblies before 03/2008 lack water-in-fuel sensors and are incompatible with later ECUs (Mitsubishi SB‑07‑0024).
The 4HN's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump failure due to water-contaminated diesel, with elevated incidence in regions with poor fuel quality or high biodiesel usage. Mitsubishi Fuso internal data from 2009 indicated a notable share of pre‑2008 engines requiring pump replacement before 150,000 km, while EU RAR data links a measurable portion of drivability complaints to fuel system faults. Extended use of B10+ biodiesel and infrequent filter drainage increase pump wear, making fuel quality and filtration critical.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi Fuso technical bulletins (2007–2013) and EU RAR failure statistics (2010–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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