[DaveMac]

Hi all,
I purchased a V6 3.0 LWB 1997 Pajero two years ago and absolutely love it
The car has done 240000km, so she does give problems sometimes but that’s part of having an old car.
I have to say that I have found your site very helpful, as I generally try to fix the car myself and your articles have helped me through the way
We have 4 children so the 7 seater works well for us. Because we like this car so much, we decided to purchase a second Pajero a few months ago. 1997 2.8 Diesel LWB. Unfortunately the engine has failed on us and the heads are blown. This job I would say is a bit too big for me to fix myself. I spoke to a mechanic and he suggested the engine would cost R30000 to fix!! As you are all experienced Pajero people, do you think that that is an appropriate price to pay for an engine overall? Would it not be cheaper to put in a different engine? What is your experience with these types of issues?
Best regards
Dave

[4ePikanini]

Firstly : Welcome to the forum! Hope you enjoy it here as much as we do.

It depends on the damage but sub assemblies can be had for less than that so get a second and third opinion.

If it is just the head that has cracked/blown then you can have it sorted for as little as R8k - R9k

Do it right the first time and

get an AMC head
replace thermostat and radiator cap with genuine - dealers are cheaper than pirate in most cases anyway
replace all coolant hoses - I paid just over R1000 for all my hoses from the dealer about a year ago.
new coolant and antifreeze

install an EGT gauge and coolant loss alarm

By doing the above the risk drastically reduced that you will ever blow that motor again.

Those motors are not badly made but blow easy if the cooling system is not operating 100% - I have yet to hear of a blown engine that wasn't traced back to bad cooling system problems.

Before you make any decisions I would search around on this forum and elsewhere on the net as well
These are good sites as well.
pocuk.com
pajeroclub.com.au
4x4wire.com

Learn about 4m40 motor and the causes relating to the head failure. Then get some quotes from different workshops - speaking to them will then give you a good indication whether they want to milk you for money or help you out for real.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[4ePajero]

My son has the 2.8 diesel Pajero. When a hose burst, it cost him a new head.
A local workshop did it for ±R9000. Had we done it ourselves, it would have been ±R6000.

Get a grade A AMC head, with a Mitsu gasket.

R30k is robbery! (if it is the head only)