New owner in love with a '96 L400 diesel: San Diego, CA

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james@darla.com
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Aug 09, 2021 5:56 pm
Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
Vehicle: '96 L400, LWB, Super Exceed, Diesel
Location: San Diego, CA

New owner in love with a '96 L400 diesel: San Diego, CA

Post by james@darla.com »

Hi guys,

I've lucked out and acquired a clean '96 L400 diesel, LWB with only 136 km. I did this from Hawaii. Had my cousin in Seattle check it out (he wasn't keen on it). Though it was the cleanest, lowest mileage example I'd seen in research since the beginning of 2021 (Been researching since before L400 became importable due to US 25 year imposed wait). Three weeks ago I flew Kona to Seattle, picked the vehicle and found it in far better condition than expected. Knew I was at risk because I when with dealer's mechanic to do fluids and filters + tell me it it needed something... Drove Seattle to San Diego with no trouble other than having to start slow from stop. If I press the pedal too hard it pings and smokes (only once warm). It stops, pinging and smoking (mostly) at 38+ km. It's just fine at hwy speed but not as strong as I would expect up hills (I just dunno what normal is). Anyway, it's a super clean machine. I'm hoping someone here can say definitively what the issue may be. I've heard, air leak, fuel pump, injectors, valve seal. What to do first? I've owned nine '60s and '70's bugs and buses and six '63-'65 Plymouth Valiants/Dodge Darts and I've worked on them extensively, however, that is the extent of my experience and diesel is new to me. I am, however, most willing to learn and do it all myself. I have a big garage and a beauty of a Delica I I would like to keep forever. Also, first two local diesel shops I called this morning were friendly but said they won't touch it cause they're too busy and completely unfamiliar. Called the local Mitsubishi dealership and asked if I could bring it in for a full check and service. Was told the vehicle did not exist in their system and they would call back with an answer after they consulted their older mechanics to see if they could do they work... I may have to become the regional Delica specialist now but I'll need some guidance.

Thanks!
James
sck_nogas
Posts: 9
Joined: Tue Sep 04, 2018 7:43 am
Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
Vehicle: 1991 L300 Delica Super Exceed
Location: San Diego, CA

Re: New owner in love with a '96 L400 diesel: San Diego, CA

Post by sck_nogas »

I'd give the guys at F&M Diesel (Off Miramar Rd) in San Diego. They currently have my L300 in for an engine swap and the owner used to drive an L400. They've worked on my old L400 as well... Tell them Scott sent you!
GreyDC
Posts: 35
Joined: Wed May 19, 2021 1:13 am
Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
Vehicle: L400
Location: Quebec

Re: New owner in love with a '96 L400 diesel: San Diego, CA

Post by GreyDC »

Welcome, James! Did the dealer accept your van for a service?
VanVonVan
Posts: 124
Joined: Mon Oct 22, 2007 8:42 pm
Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
Vehicle: 1994 L400 SWB
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Re: New owner in love with a '96 L400 diesel: San Diego, CA

Post by VanVonVan »

Hiya James!

Welcome to the wonderful world of Delicas. This forum is definitely not as lively as it used to be but still has a lot of good info and great members. For a large amount of deep diving to do anything, the UK forum and Australia forum are full of great info. They get 5 and 10 year imports so they've dealt with most issues you might have.

As for your pinging and smoke issue, in my 8 years of diesel ownership my '94 L400 only smoked when I rough started it at -20 C or colder when not plugged in. Being where you are it should never have that issue. These vans are really slow and will never go anywhere fast. hahaha But have great low end torque. What kind of smoke is coming out? Blue, grey, white?

A regular problem for stalling or rough running is the IP seal, for a series 1 its all labor to change and time. I did mine over a weekend and part of a week. The series 2 may be more complicated as its all electronic controlled.

Cheers,
Russell
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