Mitsubishi Pajero Problems

I WOULD like to be able to confirm that the problem with the 3-litre turbodiesel engine has been fixed, but I can't. My attempts to get Nissan to own up to a fix have been a dismal failure. All it would tell me is it would take care of owners of any Patrol that had an engine problem. Read into that what you will.

YOU'VE done 70,000km without any problem, which is enough for any problem to surface, so I'd leave it. I've heard of some issues with engines blowing up on these systems, but it's because drivers take full advantage of the power boost and drive their vehicles harder, instead of easing off on the throttle and getting full advantage of the fuel-cost savings.

USE a quality head gasket, like a factory spare, and you should have no trouble. When you've got the heads off, inspect for cracks and warping. Consider having the heads faced to make sure they're flat when they go back on, and certainly grind the valves.

THE rotten egg smell is usually a sign of a problem with the catalytic converter. Take it to a mechanic and have it checked.

THE Jackaroo should be OK, but I'd look at a Pajero, which I think would be a better choice. As for the Falcon, the cars you are looking at have to be seen in isolation because of their age and kilometres. The Falcons are generally tough, but are known to have problems with radiators and head gaskets. At that number of kilometres I'd have the auto transmission carefully checked, particularly if you intend to tow.

LOOK at the fuel system. It's usually the cause of the problem. It could be a number of things, from a faulty fuel pump to a faulty fuel pressure regulator and dirty injectors. The temperature in the engine bay builds up after you turn the engine off and can cause the fuel in the fuel lines to vaporise. When you come to restart the engine, there isn't enough fuel getting through to fire up. It's not until the temperature comes down again and enough fuel can get through for the engine to start. Take it to a Mitsubishi specialist and have them go through the fuel system for you.

MODERN engines are designed to be driven away from a cold start with no warming up, so doing that doesn't damage the engine. Your problem is probably the carburettor or the supply of warm air. Warm air is normally piped into the carburettor in the first few minutes of driving, and this is often dumped when the engine is worked on later in life. It could also be wear in the carburettor or simply an incorrect adjustment of the carburettor or choke. Have the carburettor settings checked, and check it for wear.