Mitsubishi Pajero / L200 / L300 2.5td 4D56 engine
R32,500.00
The Mitsubishi 4D56 2.5 TD is a highly durable inline 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine belonging to the Mitsubishi Astron engine family. Introduced in the mid-1980s, it became one of the most widely manufactured and longest-running diesel powertrains in automotive history due to its simple, robust design and high low-end torque.
Core Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Inline 4-cylinder |
| Displacement | 2,477 cc (2.5 Litres) |
| Bore x Stroke | 91.1 mm × 95.0 mm |
| Valvetrain | SOHC (8 valves) or DOHC (16 valves) on later versions |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (Later models use Intercoolers and VGT) |
| Compression Ratio | 21.0:1 (Older IDI) down to ~17.0:1 (Modern DI-D) |
| Power Output | 74 hp to 178 hp (Version dependant) |
| Torque Output | 150 Nm up to 400 Nm (Version dependant) |
Engine Overview & Generations
The 4D56 evolved through three major technological setups during its production lifespan:
- Indirect Injection (IDI): The earliest versions used a mechanical injection pump and a pre-chamber/swirl combustion system. These variations produce roughly 74 to 99 horsepower and are heavily reliant on basic mechanical simplicity.
- First Generation Common Rail (DI-D): Transitioned from standard mechanical pumps to electronic Common Rail Direct Injection (DI-D). This significantly smoothed out engine idle vibrations, increased fuel efficiency, and raised power to around 115–134 hp.
- Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT): The peak evolution of the 4D56 utilized a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) arrangement paired with electronic VGT systems. These high-output variants push power to 178 hp (133 kW) and 400 Nm of torque.
Notable Vehicle Applications
This motor has been standard layout across global utility vehicle lines, commercial vans, and heavy off-roaders:
- Mitsubishi Triton / L200 (Generations 1 through 4)
- Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero & Pajero Sport
- Mitsubishi L300 / Delica Space Gear
- Licensed Builds: Also utilized extensively in early Hyundai commercial trucks (e.g., Hyundai H-100 / Starex) using the licensed D4BA/D4BH engine block designations.
Maintenance & Known Quirks
- Timing Belt Changes: The engine relies on a dual timing belt setup (one for the main valvetrain, one for the balance shafts). It is critical to replace these exactly every 90,000 to 100,000 km to avoid catastrophic valve-to-piston collisions.
- Overheating: Early IDI versions are notorious for developing hair-line cylinder head cracks if subjected to severe overheating or towing over heavy mountain inclines. Keep the cooling system pristine.
- Intake Clogging: Modern common-rail variants can suffer from heavy carbon build-up in the intake manifold due to the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve. Periodic cleaning maintains factory power thresholds.