Mitsubishi Pajero V80

Strong 3.2-litre diesel with common-rail injection. The main Pajero engine across three generations. Timing chain is long-lived, but EGR and DPF issues with short-trip use. Check injectors above 200,000 km.

• !! Timing chain guide worn from 120,000 km

  The upper plastic timing chain guide wears and breaks up. Metal debris enters the oil system. With incorrect engine rotation direction the chain tensioner can jump out and destroy the engine.

  Symptoms: Rattling from the timing chain area on cold start, rough running, in the worst case engine failure
  800–5,700 $
  Ad timing chain 4M41Steuerchain tensioner Pajero 3.2Gleitschiene timing chain Pajero V60
• !! Injectors blocked or failed from 150,000 km

  Common-rail injectors tend to build up deposits and wear at higher mileages. Failed injectors can cause piston damage, documented in forums at 103,000–109,000 km.

  Symptoms: Rough idle, smoke clouds on start, power loss, increased fuel consumption
  600–2,500 $
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• !! EGR valve fouled and failed from 150,000 km

  The EGR valve and EGR cooler block with soot deposits. Removal is very labour-intensive — the cooling system, drive belt, alternator, and turbo hoses all have to come off first.

  Symptoms: Power loss, rough idle, increased fuel consumption, check engine light
  300–900 $
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+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Long-lived 3.0-litre V6 naturally aspirated engine with timing belt drive. Solid construction; check for cylinder head cracks at high mileage. Replace timing belt and water pump every 90,000 km or 6 years — mandatory interval as it is an interference engine.

• !! Cylinder head cracks from 250,000 km

  At high mileages the aluminium cylinder heads can crack between the valves. Water gets into the oil and compression drops. A new OEM head costs around 1,600 EUR per unit.

  Symptoms: Whitish oil sludge on the cam cover, fine water mist on cranking, compression drop
  1,200–3,500 $
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• !! Timing belt — mandatory interval from 90,000 km

  Interference engine: if the timing belt breaks valves hit pistons — total engine failure. Must replace every 90,000 km or 6 years; always replace the water pump at the same time.

  Symptoms: Engine won't start or runs roughly after belt failure; no warning sign beforehand
  675–985 $
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• ! Ignition system sensitive to moisture from 120,000 km

  Moisture on the distributor cap, ignition leads, and ignition coil causes tracking currents and cold-start problems. Particularly in wet weather. Preventable with regular maintenance.

  Symptoms: Poor cold-start performance, engine hunts when starting, runs normally afterwards
  80–250 $
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Mature 3.8-litre V6 with MIVEC variable valve lift. No GDI direct injection — significantly less problematic than the 6G74. Replace timing belt and water pump every 100,000 km or 5 years.

• !! Timing belt — mandatory interval from 100,000 km

  Interference engine with timing belt. Replacement interval of 100,000 km or 5 years — missing it means total engine failure risk. Cost: 675–985 EUR including water pump.

  Symptoms: No warning before failure; occasional rattling on cold start when belt begins to stretch
  675–985 $
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• !! Oil consumption from valve stem seals from 200,000 km

  At higher mileages the valve stem seals on the 6G75 tend to harden, leading to elevated oil consumption. Above 300 ml/1,000 km is considered in need of repair.

  Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start or under throttle, elevated oil consumption above 0.3 l/1,000 km
  400–900 $
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