Coolant and head gaskets

[Vanislpajero]

As anyone here would know, buying one of these 4cyl diesel mitsu's can be slightly frightening. So I have some unanswered questions I'd like to put out there

1) my coolant slowly disappears but there is no sign of leaking in the coolant system and no sign of head gasket failure. Water pump maybe? Also. The top rad hose, when the vehicle is under normal operating temperatures, is rock hard. Is this normal too?

2) Headgasket life expectancy. Mine was replaced May 2011. How long should it last before I need to think of replacing it and what kind of driving style should I have to help last the longest. Don't worry I have am EGR blanking kit and pyro on the way.

[Luna-Sea]

Hey,
1) I would want to figure out your coolant loss for sure.
What year/engine is your Pajero?
Who replaced your head gasket?
What else was replaced at that time?
(Particularly in the cooling system)
Top Rad hose being firm when engine running is normal to a point ,
Wondering about the thermostat and whether the water pump
Is working properly.

2) A properly done head gasket should last many many km provided
It was done properly and head was is good shape.
The driving style question is one of past debate here but I would
Be relatively safe in saying go easy until it comes up to temperature.
The Pyro will help somewhat if you are going to hit the mountains
Or heavy head winds but a good temp gauge is helpful too.
Both are a good idea in my opinion.

If you are still up in Campbell river ,booking a check up at
CC Autos in Coombs would be a good idea before the
High summer temperatures come calling...

Right On!

[shealy]

Listen for a bubbling or running water sound after you shut your engine off after driving. If you hear it theres a fairly good chance that gasket needs re-doing.

[Firesong]

It's a tough one to diagnose sometimes.
While your vehicle is running what does the exhaust (haha) smell like
Sometimes you get the loss through the tailpipe. If it smells sweet
it could be going through there.

Headgasket should last a hell of a long time unless there is some failure.
Guessing when or how something like that could fail is too hard to tell.

FS

[Vanislpajero]

I don't think it's the head gasket. To be honest I wasn't really worried about it. No gurgling noises and no sweet smell...all though I do find the smell of diesel rather inspiring in the morning...means there's work about to be done. I think a quick drive up to Cc auto might be a good idea.

[MardyDelica]

hi,
owning this 4cyl mitsubishi is not freightening, i been using this 4cyl mitsubishi for the past 9 years and never have problem.
owning a car like this would need attention , care and maintain in good shape.
you mention the head was been done last 2011.
who ever did the engine service on your pajero will be a question mark.
not all mechanic do know the spec, torque or techique with this engine as they are not used to it.
if the mechanic who do replace the head or gasket on your pajero.
maybe hes lucking some fine tuning or spec on the engine.
not all mechanic know how to work on this even i have a friend who is a mechanic here for 25 yrs still
cannot make it right. as they are not used to this engine. we can say engine is engine,
but the reality is that everybody has there own expertise.
in your case maybe its cyl head who knows, or maybe gasket hard to predict.
i have some cases lose water the gasket is gone. maybe have a gasket failure.
too many things to consider.
bring your pajero to those shop who really works on this not just a mechanic so you can feel better that your car is fix in good hand wihtout any problem.
hope this help:
Cheers;
mardy