Maintenance Requirements for Delica

[tinykiss]

hello
I have done a search but can't seem to find a list of things that should be done and when for maintenance on a 93 Delica. I have of course changed the timing belt, water pump and thermostat and oil changes of course, but what other fluids, changes, belts etc.. should be done and when?

Any info or if someone already knows where this info is on the forum would be much appreciated...

Also I am on the hunt for another Delica (94 or 95 L400) and have been doing some searching and some say the gas version is better, easier to maintain, etc.. I am in no way mechanically inclined but my first thought is a Diesel is the better way to go. Any thoughts on that would be appreciated as well.

Thank you kindly
TK

[Mbryant]

Not sure if this is what you are looking for but I found this in the Wiki section
https://www.socialtext.net/delica/index ... red_delica

[jessef]

If you are looking for an L400, get the diesel 2.8 4M40. It is by far and large, a more reliable engine with better fuel economy/power and longevity than the 4/6cyl gas models.

Whoever told you that the gas is more reliable is out to lunch.

The diesel has a timing chain/sprokets instead of a timing belt/pulleys on the gas.

The gas engine will require more maintenance and will have a shorter lifespan without an engine rebuild. This is old news as we have had both the 4cyl and 6cyl gas engines found in the L400 in North American Mitsubishi's since the 90's.

The two things you would have going for you if you chose the gas engine over the diesel is low purchase cost (the gas should be a few thousand less than equivalent L400 with diesel) and parts availability.

Although it seems that many dealers are selling gas models for the same as diesel or close and for parts availability for the engine alone, your maintenance on the 2.8L diesel 4M40 is minimal. Providing your glow plugs are good and injection pump is good, the only thing you really have to do is oil changes every 5,000km. Other than that, just drive it.

The gas engines are more complicated and require frequent interval maintenance.

Personally, I would never pick a gas model over diesel. Even if I was up in the Yukon. A properly operating 4M40 with a strong battery and solid cable between the battery/solenoid/glowplugs will start just like a gas engine, if not better.

[nxski]

I wasn't aware that the L400 Diesel had a timing chain rather than a belt. Is it at all possible to modify the L300 engine to use a chain rather than a belt or would that be far too involved?

[jessef]

I wasn't aware that the L400 Diesel had a timing chain rather than a belt. Is it at all possible to modify the L300 engine to use a chain rather than a belt or would that be far too involved?

No.

You can however put in a different engine.

[nxski]

nxski wrote:
I wasn't aware that the L400 Diesel had a timing chain rather than a belt. Is it at all possible to modify the L300 engine to use a chain rather than a belt or would that be far too involved?


No.

You can however put in a different engine.

That may be an option a a few years, or at least when this one gets a decent amount of miles on it.

[tinykiss]

Not sure if this is what you are looking for but I found this in the Wiki section
https://www.socialtext.net/delica/index ... red_delica

Thank you. That definately gives me a good place to start. I know I need to do some re-greasing on some of the joints. Hopefully they will last out the winter. I am in Nova Scotia and no one here has any idea or even wants to look at this beast for me.

[tinykiss]

If you are looking for an L400, get the diesel 2.8 4M40. It is by far and large, a more reliable engine with better fuel economy/power and longevity than the 4/6cyl gas models.

Whoever told you that the gas is more reliable is out to lunch.

The diesel has a timing chain/sprokets instead of a timing belt/pulleys on the gas.

The gas engine will require more maintenance and will have a shorter lifespan without an engine rebuild. This is old news as we have had both the 4cyl and 6cyl gas engines found in the L400 in North American Mitsubishi's since the 90's.

The two things you would have going for you if you chose the gas engine over the diesel is low purchase cost (the gas should be a few thousand less than equivalent L400 with diesel) and parts availability.

Although it seems that many dealers are selling gas models for the same as diesel or close and for parts availability for the engine alone, your maintenance on the 2.8L diesel 4M40 is minimal. Providing your glow plugs are good and injection pump is good, the only thing you really have to do is oil changes every 5,000km. Other than that, just drive it.

The gas engines are more complicated and require frequent interval maintenance.

Personally, I would never pick a gas model over diesel. Even if I was up in the Yukon. A properly operating 4M40 with a strong battery and solid cable between the battery/solenoid/glowplugs will start just like a gas engine, if not better.

Thanks for this info. That was my thoughts as well but like I said I am not mechanically inclined at all.

TK

[madmazda]

buy a grease gun and some good grease and make sure your drive shaft yolk bearings have a good amount of grease I grease all of mine about twice a month plus I bought a grease needle from canadian tire to grease the ball joints and any other twisty bit on the suspension that has grease in it....