Mitsubishi Motors makes engines that you can trust. The automotive subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Motors, has a legacy of excellence in automobile and engine production spanning over a century. Their engines can and often do accumulate hundreds of thousands of kilometers without much problem, making their heavier-duty vehicles like SUVs, pickups, and commercial trucks the choice of drivers everywhere.
The engine is one of the most important parts of your vehicle, so as an owner of one that uses a Mitsubishi engine, keep reading to learn where to source replacement Mitsubishi engines, about the different Mitsubishi engines and a few notable ones, and how to take care of your Mitsubishi engine to ensure it performs at its best for as long as possible.
Sourcing Mitsubishi Engines (OEM vs. Aftermarket)
When you purchase a brand new Mitsubishi, it comes with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) engine made by Mitsubishi Motors—engines made by third-party manufacturers and usable in Mitsubishi automobiles fall under the "Aftermarket" parts category.
Unless your Mitsubishi engine is out of production and impossible to find, we recommend investing in an original Mitsubishi engine to return your car to its original level of performance. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get more use out of an OEM replacement. Aftermarket engines might not only not be covered by Mitsubishi's warranty, but they could also void the warranty and even damage your vehicle when installed. Moreover, they might not even fit into your Mitsubishi's engine bay properly. When it comes to an expensive part like the engine, it's prudent to avoid taking chances and to go with the original.
Types of Mitsubishi Engines
Gasoline Engines
Gasoline engines are lighter, higher revving, quieter, and require less maintenance. This makes them the ideal candidate to power the vast majority of automobiles.
Mitsubishi's GDI Gasoline Direct Injection engines run in three distinct air-fuel mixture modes. They can achieve more power, higher maximum torque, lower noise levels at all speeds, and greater fuel efficiency than diesel engines of comparable sizes.
Diesel Engines
Diesel engines offer better acceleration, fuel efficiency, and hauling potential. As such, in addition to being used in passenger cars, they see widespread usage in heavy vehicles.
Mitsubishi's diesel engines are famous for their indestructibility and low fuel consumption. Their newer diesel engines, such as the 2.2L Common Rail DI-D Direct Injection Clean Diesel engine, are powerful and capable of high torque levels. At the same time, they offer exceptional fuel efficiency and low emissions thanks to the SCR Selective Catalytic Reduction system.
Engines Used in Hybrid Cars
The main advantages of hybrids are cleaner emissions and greater fuel efficiency.
The Mitsubishi hybrid system uses and alternates between a powerful gasoline combustion engine and an electric motor to maximize energy usage, reduce emissions, and deliver performance and a thrilling driving experience.
Notable Mitsubishi Engine Series
MIVEC Engines
Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control, or MIVEC, is Mitsubishi's variable valve timing engine technology found in many Mitsubishi engines from 1992 onwards. Adjusting the timing of the intake and exhaust camshafts leads to increased power and torque output across a wide range of engine speeds. Moreover, the turbocharger can be spooled more accurately and quickly, resulting in better fuel efficiency and improved performance.
Orion Family (4G1)
The Orion series, or 4G1, is a family of inline four-cylinder gasoline engines released in 1977 with displacements between 1.2L and 1.6L. So reliable is the Orion series that, besides seeing usage in Mitsubishis like the Colt, Mirage, and Lancer, they had been adopted by other brands like Proton, Hyundai, and Dodge and remained in production for several decades.
Saturn Family (4G3)
Mitsubishi's inline four-cylinder Saturn engine, the 4G3, was produced from 1966 to 1999. The engines ranged from 1.2L to 1.8L and were used in the Mitsubishi Celeste, Galant, Mirage, Lancer, Dodge Colt, and Hyundai Pony, among many others.
Neptune Family (4G4)
The Neptune family of inline four-cylinder engines saw production between 1970 and 1979. It is made up of the 4G41 and 4G42 that were used in the Galant, Lancer, and Delica.
Astron Family (4G5)
The Astron 4G5 1.8 to 2.6L inline four-cylinder engines have been produced since 1972 and are featured in many vehicles from Mitsubishi and other car brands. The Astron family includes the 4D55 and 4D56, the latter of which is regarded as one of Mitsubishi's most reliable diesel engines, with a life expectancy of more than 480,000 km before needing significant repairs.
Sirius Family (4G6)
Among Mitsubishi's four-cylinder engines, which included the Astron, Orion, and Saturn, the Sirius family was often considered the engine of choice for performance models. The Sirius 4G6 engine ranged in size between 1.6L and 2.4L and was used in standard passenger cars alongside the high-performance Mitsubishi Lancer Ex and Evo.
Maintenance & Care of Your Mitsubishi Engine
Here are some simple maintenance tasks that you can do yourself to keep your vehicle in good condition:
1. Regularly change the engine oil to keep the parts lubricated.
2. Check and maintain the coolant levels.
3. Be aware of any leaks and address them promptly.
4. Replace the spark plugs, wires, and fuel filters when necessary.
Common Issues & How to Address Them
You might encounter these common engine issues while you own your Mitsubishi. One might be engine overheating, which can be due to a leak in the cooling system, a bad radiator fan, a faulty water pump, a faulty thermostat, or low engine oil levels. Another is engine noises due to anything from a bearing to a timing shaft problem. Fixes for these will involve repairing or replacing the necessary parts or topping up engine oil. If significant damage to the engine has already occurred, you may need to replace the entire unit.
Are Mitsubishi Engines Expensive?
If your Mitsubishi engine ever needs replacing, rest assured that they are relatively affordable.
Where to Buy Genuine Mitsubishi Engines Online
Brand-new OEM crate engines can be purchased directly from your country's Mitsubishi and OEM parts retailers. On the other hand, second-hand Mitsubishi engines can be a cost-effective alternative. These are in great condition and at affordable prices here at BE FORWARD Auto Parts.
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