[4ePajero]

You related your problem here, and got good responses posted.
Sledging the Pajero (and 4m40 engine) will not endear yourself to the semi-fanatics on this forum, because .......

Let's look at a few excerpts from your posts:

I know about petrol and old basic diesel engines......this hectic & complicated Pajero Turbo diesel engine is an entirely new animal for me!

• You did not know enough to do the head re-build properly, and then blame the manufacturer?
• The 4m40 engine is relatively simple. You want complicated, look at the 4m41 common rail (or any modern ECU-controlled TD)

OK so some mistakes were made in the re-build which cost over R25,000 so far....likely another R15,00 to do most of it again!

... and still you blame the manufacturer?

The whole vehicle is a totally too <censored> complicated nitemare....why did they do that?.....just rather get a Toyota and rest easy!

• Complicated? I don't think!
• I agree, a Toyota might just be better for you. Just don't touch the likes of a D4-D, because they are way more complicated than a 4m40.

My 1998 Pajero's market value is less than R30,00....am i a nutter to spend so much fixing this pile of junk?....You bet!

• A proper head fix, should have done it. The rest was your doing.
• Pile of junk? that is not the way to get this forum's support. We are all aware of the older 4m40 head problems, but that barely makes the Pajero a "pile of junk"

WTF is going on with Mitsubishi Pajero's?

99% of them give excellent service! (When maintained and fixed by knowledgeable people).

1. the Turbo is not kicking in!? Is it maybe that little vacuum switch at the bulk-head which I know has something to do with the Turbo.....I tried switching the pipes over....did not help....could the unit be faulty or the vacuum itself?

Switching control features on an ad-hoc basis is surely not the way to do it?

2. The solenoid switch to the heat-plugs is not disengaging after starting (probably what burned my heat-plugs out last time?)....is it a faulty unit or am I missing a wire to a sensor some-where?

Get the info to fix it (wiring diagrams), or have it repaired by a good mechanic.

3. There is a rubber 'overflow' pipe at the diesel pump that goes no-where....what is it and where should it go?...I have just blocked it....is that a problem?

Why change it? It was working properly before your "rebuild".

One of my best moves was installing an independent temperature gauge....it work fine while the original registers almost nothing......how my engine over-heated last time!

The head failure could have been cooling system / coolant failure, but it might have been high EGT's which your independent temp gauge will not pick up either.

[Grant4u]

Ok....so Admin has advised that some of my posts and comments have been inappropriate, negative or down rite offensive to some members....for this I sincerely apologize!

In executing my first Paj engine re-build I admit I made a bunch of mistakes and learned a lot...the hard way....but mostly how to do it properly next time with sound advice and tips from members here.... gratefully received and followed.
Indeed I am not a qualified Pajero mechanic....not even close....and none of the Back-yard mechanics helping me here are either!!!....the nearest competent Pajero mechanics are in Kimberley or Bloemfontein....300kms away and there is no practical way to get my vehicle there!
I do believe I have properly acknowledged all those who have posted advice, comments and tips and I posted positive up-dates too:
"Thanks for all the advice from members....I followed it all very carefully this time. The engine is done now and started first kick....idles quietly, smoke free and smoothly.....hardly seems the same engine!!!"

So yes....I am an angry old man now who just wants to drive his Paj.....repaired and trouble-free!

I have always believed there is nothing I can't fix my self!...my 1937 Chevy, 1950 Bentley, 1958 Mercedes, 1957 Norton bike, 1968 Alfa Spider, 1973 Ford F250 V8, 1956 Messcerschmitt bubble-car, 1970 Zephyr and many more....!....so yes indeed....the challenge my Paj has given me has been difficult....a complex modern vehicle....and I have vented my frustrations here.

Please believe I truly love the Pajero driving experience....most of my problems are of my own making I admit....added to by the previous installation of a "Just plain Bad replacement engine" by the previous deceased owner.

To all who read this....please accept my gratitude for all the advice given thus far.....and my apologies for any negative / offensive comments I have posted in the process!

kind regards....Grant

[4ePikanini]

Wow. Takes a real man to apologize like that. Well done and glad to see your baby is running smoothly now.

Sent via iPad & Forum Runner

[Cobvs]

Hey Grant

I feel for your frustrations man. It sometimes gets very frustrating if you spend hours trying to fix things and struggle to make headway

Quite a collection of cars you had in your life and an experience it must have been driving them all.

I am likewise also a Backyard mechie who sometimes gets very upset with Pajero's and Colts, mostly due to a lack of knowledge ...

Hope you get it sorted

[Grant4u]

Good news for Christmas! My Pajero has been running for three weeks now.....and after a few tweaks running beautifully....better than she ever did....hardly feels like the same vehicle! After a year in the work-shop I had also forgotten how comfortable and smooth it is (having air-con now fixed for the first time is a blessing in the Karoo heat!).....and the 4x4 option is awesome on our local muddy dirt roads as the rains thankfully arrive!....so smooth & powerful I hardly notice we are off-road!

Its been a difficult fix but with lots of help and encouragement here from kind members....it all feels worth it!

My only problem now is to get my Lesotho-imported Paj registered in SA....another story I know....I got the police clearances for body and new engine done so far....and continue to drive on Temp plates!....Wish me luck.....I am going to need it!
Hope all members have a wonderful and adventure-full festive season!....Grant

[4ePajero]

Glad to hear it is sorted.
Yes, they are very nice to drive.

My only problem now is to get my Lesotho-imported Paj registered in SA....another story I know....I got the police clearances for body and new engine done so far....and continue to drive on Temp plates!....Wish me luck.....I am going to need it!
Hope all members have a wonderful and adventure-full festive season!....Grant

I don't want to P on your brand new Willard, but this could become a MAJOR problem.
If you can't produce both export and import permits, there is a real chance of your vehicle being confiscated.

The law has changed in such a way that it is virtually impossible to import second hand vehicles from the neighboring countries.

Returning expats can bring vehicles in, but importing ...

You could contact ITAC (Directorate: Import and Export Control) at 0861 843 384 for advice, but that might just wake a sleeping bear!

If SARS latches onto you, they won't let go.

My advice?
Unless you have the permits, go sell it in Lesotho and buy local.

(How do I know?
1. I imported a Gen1 from Swaziland, when it was still legal. Unfortunately I left the registration until after the law had changed. It took SWAMBO's (considerable) tact and tenacity as well as a clued-up contact to prevent SARS from confiscating the vehicle.

2. By brother did the same (at the same time), but left the registration to late. he eventually sold the Pajero as scrap, while it was in 100% condition. )

[Grant4u]

Thanks for the Import problem advice....all so right!
I am hoping I have a jump on some of the problems....following police investigation on my vehicle...its complicated!

No....I do not have any papers for the vehicle....all lost (if there were any ever) when the previous owner died! ( I inherited it from the estate) but know what he told me.....the vehicle was legally imported as scrap without an engine....a replacement engine was bought in South Africa....so that was fine. Later the vehicle got stolen in Gauteng the police records tell us....it was recovered and confirmed as scrap again....and returned to the owner...effectively confirming legal ownership rite?
My late friend David Theron then bought and put in another local import engine legally registered here.... the police have confirmed this.
The principle on which I am now registering the vehicle (as my late friend, David, intended) is as a new "Built-up' vehicle from scrap / scratch. So far our local authority says its all ok.....but we have waited a year for this to get sorted in Kimberley!
My next move is to go personally to Kimberley with the vehicle and get it sorted there direct.....a mega risk as you so rightly say....but I am going to try!
Thanks for your advice, info and ideas....lets see what I can do.....maybe it will help other import Paj owners facing the same probs....and there seem to be quite a lot!

Cheers....Grant

[MorneDJ]

Hi all. I recently bought a 2003 Pajero 3.2 Gls from a dealer in Pretoria. Being carefull I had it checked at SAC in Centurion. They found that the injectors were worn which I replaced. I also fitted a Madman unit.

The gearbox had an issue (possible my mistake) and I had it towed to a Mitsu mech where I had that resolved and a few other things. I have now driven about 2000 with this vehicle since I got it 2 weeks ago so I am not really familiar with the vehicle.

The mech checked the car out and tells me that it is in a very good condition for its age and kms. I think so too and love it already.

However yesterday I towed my 4x4 trailer from Pta to Stilfontein but with alot of frustration. Never evident before the car warns of overheating constantly when towing up a hill. It started about 30 minutes after leaving Pta and I had to drive at about 70 km at times to get the heat down from 120 (Madman gauge). The paj gauge also showed a high

[MorneDJ]

level with the needle just below the white mark indicating the highest level. So I have driven in granny mode for the last 200km but even so the paj overheated. The ttraction control lights also starts shining but likely an electrical fault as it dissappears as the temp drop below 115C.

It made the whole towing experience horrible. I have read a number of topics and have an idea what to do / check (radiator efficiency/thermostat/etc) when I get back but after spending more than 10% of the original purchase price on fixes I will be taking it to the dealer next week for him to fix in terms of his warrentee/consumer protection act.

Being an older car I expected to spend a few rands in ensuring it will last but at this rate I could have paid the installment on a new car (2 months new paj).

For my records, when towing a heavy trailer uphill what should the coolant temp be idially.

Sorry for the two posts. Sitting in my paj at 2 am searxhing the net on my phone

[RoelfleRoux]

I could have paid the installment on a new car (2 months new paj).
Morne,
Unfortunately does one pay more than two month's worth of installments on a new Pajero

You cooling problems:
1)Do you lose coolant when the temp goes up?
2)Are you convinced you have genuine Mitsu coolant at the correct mix in your car?

Rising heat under load can be caused by poor water circulation (thermostat, water pump, collapsing hoses or blocked radiator) or poor airflow through the radiator (dirty or clogged by mud and seeds, damaged cooling fins, bull bar, extra lights or winch).

If you lose coolant then it could be a leak, a poor radiator cap or a blown head gasket.