[Wilddog]

Hi Guys,
Im busy replacing the head gasket on my 3.2 DID. I have a few questions in order to clarify some of the info in the technical manual.

Page 11B-16-2 caution 1 states "The cylinder head bolt 12,13 is tightened to the plastic area."
Anyone know what plastic area the manual refers to?it is referred to on page 11B-16-9 too

Page 11B-16-10 refers to applying threebond 1211 or equivalent

• what would be the equivalent?
  if incorrectly applied could it cause the oil and water to mix?

I am replacing the gasket for the second time the first time was for overheating, after that job the oil and water started to mix so im obviously anxious to determine what has caused the problem.

thanks in adavance

[4ePajero]

I would guess that the reference to 'plastic area' alludes to the fact that they are stretch bolts.

A few pointers:

1. Stretch bolts are to be used once only! Buy a complete set of head bolts.
2. The top of the block and the head's surfaces should be spotlessly clean (as in a near mirror finish).
3. Use the best gasket you can find. I would use only original Mitsu parts for this.
4. Use a good quality, callibrated torque wrench.
5. Follow the torque-down instructions to the T.
6. Never rotate the engine in the wrong direction, it will ruin the chain tensioner.

From a Google search, it seems as if ThreeBond 1211 is a high temperate, high pressure RTV (such as Permetex RTV). Their web site calls it "White Silicone Liquid Gasket".

Where are you supposed to use this?

[Wilddog]

From a Google search, it seems as if ThreeBond 1211 is a high temperate, high pressure RTV (such as Permetex RTV). Their web site calls it "White Silicone Liquid Gasket".

Where are you supposed to use this?

Yes you are supposed to use it, I used an alternative high temp automotive gasket maker and to be honest its the only area on the removed head gasket that i can identify a possible problem. Ive had the head pressure tested a second time and there are no issues.

I reused the head bolts! the manual says its OK if the required amount of dot punches have not been exceeded. They have now been used the maximum amount of times so I will need to get new ones anyway.

I have decided to check the seals on the oil cooler while ive got the head and exhaust manaifold off, maybe I find more issues there.

[4ePajero]

Yes you are supposed to use it,

Where?
Surely not on the head gasket?

[Wilddog]

You put it on top of the joins where the timming cover meets the block according to the manual.

[4ePajero]

You put it on top of the joins where the timming cover meets the block according to the manual.

Ok, that makes sense.
Make sure you don't get any of it on the head gasket.

[Wilddog]

the head gasket lies over the timming cover join so it definetley comes into contact with the sealant. I have a suspision thats what caused the oil and water to mix.