Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

OK, this should be interesting. I would like some opinions and recommendations, please keep them coming. Here is some background:

Bought the Gen2 diesel 4 years ago and it had a good service record. For the last 110000kms, all services were done in time with Delo400, 2stroke for clean burning, and an EGT gauge with an alarm for those unwanted temp oopsies... Currently the odo is standing on 290000kms. And I drive it sedately like a diesel, never above 3000rpm on the open road, keeping EGT's absolutely below 650'C, normally running at 350-450'C.

Noticed last week the temp gauge to find normal running temp within 1 km driving home from work (4km trip). That is odd, I thought, having driven around the Cape two weeks prior on holiday break (1200kms odd). Next day, same thing, but then saw the temp gauge rising to 2/3 500m from home, EGT showing normal 250-300'C. Check oil, OK. Check water, bottle OK. Check radiator, takes 500ml. Drive around the block, temp gauge on 2/3 again, water coming from bottle overflow, engine missing slightly and a white puff around the last corner? Check all fluids again, find no mixing, however, I park it dreading the worst and try and enjoy new years eve. Took it to local mac for pressure test yesterday, white smoke on startup... Mac confirms top gasket gone, and car now has absolute miss after pressure testing.

From all I can find on the net, it seems the head should be replaced now that the gasket is blown. And here is the rub. Since NO overheating (egt and water temps confirm this) took place for the last 50000kms since I had it, why would I therefore expect the head to be damaged at all? All indications are the the gasket simply blew because of age - what is your take/advice?

PS. If having to replace the head on my millage, I would rather invest in either an import as replacement, or a lexus conversion from the start - but let me first tackle the question posted....

You did all you could to prolong the head's life.
You don't say what anti-freeze / erosion protection you used, though.
(I firmly believe in Castrol Extended Life Coolant)

Don't change the engine! You looked after it so well!

I would

• Buy an AMC head
• Genuine Mitsu head gasket
• Genuine Mitsu thermostat
• New head bolts
• Have radiator serviced by a professional
• Flush the cooling system
• Replace ALL coolant hoses (remember the one between the radiator and the overflow bottle)
• Fill with good coolant (water is not)

She should last a loooong time!

OK, head is coming off today and getting pressure tested. Shopping list to start off with, includes thermostat and radiator cap, new coolants and normal service parts, it is due in 500km anyway. Will also get gasket set from Mitsu. Will have the injectors tested whilst the head is off. No timing chain required as it was replaced 30000km ago. Any other suggestions?

Let's all hold thumbs that the head is not cracked!

Any further news?

larry007 wrote:OK, head is coming off today and getting pressure tested. Shopping list to start off with, includes thermostat and radiator cap, new coolants and normal service parts, it is due in 500km anyway. Will also get gasket set from Mitsu. Will have the injectors tested whilst the head is off. No timing chain required as it was replaced 30000km ago. Any other suggestions?

Hi
I dont see radiator overhaul.... Sorry, but dont save on this. Having driven Mitsu diesels and having been in similar situations like you are in albeit with a Colt and having read a great deal about this, the radiator most always will have a blockage or at least will need a proper flush, something you and me cant do without the relevant tools.

Dont be penny wise, pound foolish

Sorry for not posting any sooner, but the Pajero only got attention on Monday due to waiting lists.... HeadZone phoned this morning and requested that I pay them a visit. Some 'good' news is that the gasket didn't blow, the head itself created the problem. Anyway, some grooves are evident on the sleeves, thus equaling in a complete rebuilt - EINAAAA!!!

They will send me an estimate for everything;
- big ends, sleeves and rings (keeping standard)
- test injectors
- test diesel pump
- turbo has some play (no testing required)
- test radiator and pipes
- check clutch

Considering all of the above, I suspect that at the end this will be way more than the R21500 for a replacement Pajero 4M40. At what price point should I rather seriously consider a replacement, and ditto for a Lexus conversion?

PS All the money is coming out of my house bond savings for a planned braairoom extension due to start in a month, so SWAMBO won't take kindly to high numbers....

OK, worst fears answered...

Complete rebuilt on the cards, quoted R46000 for cover all potential work/replacements

That I can't do. It is on par with a professional Lexus conversion.

Another option is to chance an import, or sell as is/scrap.

Last option could be a different engine altogether, i.e. Honda B20B (110kw) @ R5000.

I am open to suggestions. Neither are really great choices due to the forceful nature of the decision....

I've slept over it. I think I am willing to go the Lexus route, even if it costs R10k more. Drive it for some time and scratch that itch. Once scratched and it no longer appeals, or turns out not to our liking, I can sell it off again. The 2.8's aren't in high demand anyway because of their reputation, so reselling odds could actually improve. I will visit a few workshops over the next few days and see what is what

Regardless of what anybody tells you, if the Lexus conversion costs less than the 4m40 rebuild, I will be very surprised.

(Have you thought of buying the 3,2 Di-D out of my Gen1? It is virtually new, runs 100% and it is a very simple transplant. The engine block and peripherals are identical).