Japanese cars are considered reliable and unpretentious in maintenance. Take, for example, Solaris, which thousands work in a taxi. This at least indicates the reliability of the car. It is clear that a lot depends on the motor, which is the heart of the car. Let's look at the 4G18 engine, its technical characteristics, strengths and weaknesses. Already, one thing is certain - this is a very good power unit, which is installed on many cars.
Some general information
The engines of the Japanese company Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, founded in 1985, are now considered one of the best in their price range. The Japanese relied on reliability and durability, and did not fail. Orion occupies a special place among all power units - this is the 4G1 ICE line. These engines began to be mass-produced in the 1970s, production continues in our time.
Specifically, the 4G18 engine, the characteristics of which we will consider, has been produced since 1978. It is noteworthy that three types of cylinder heads are installed on this motor . Therefore, gas distribution mechanisms are different. Engine power, depending on the cylinder head, can be as follows:
- SOCH - 86-92 liters. from.;
- DOCH - 73-110 liters. from.;
- TURBO - 163-180 at 6,000 rpm.
In the same way, depending on the type of cylinder head, the power system is different. For example, for SOCH it can be carburetor or injector, for DOCH - GDI or Mivec, and for TURBO - Mivec + turbine.
4G18 engine description
In general, this power unit can be described as classic. This is a straight four with a lower camshaft. Although the camshaft is placed on top of the cylinder head SOCH. Using a DOCH gas distribution head means using two camshafts at the bottom.
The timing on this car is a belt type. Its service life is usually around 100,000 kilometers. But in severe operating conditions it is recommended to change it every 70-80 thousand kilometers.
The cooling system is classic, closed type with forced circulation of the coolant. Delphi electronic control unit, model MT20U2. The first engines manufactured by the Japanese were equipped with a gas distribution mechanism SOCH 12V. There were 12 valves and one camshaft. In 1993, a more promising and new American DOCH system appeared. There were already two camshafts and 16 valves.
Sport version of the engine
It is worth paying your attention to the fact that there was a turbocharged version of the 4G18 engine, a photo of which you can see in this article. In addition to the fact that such a power unit was equipped with a MIVEC variable valve timing system, it had a unit with oil nozzles, as well as a turbocharger. The power of such a motor was about 180 horsepower. Very good with a volume of 1.5 liters.
This modification of the engine required a clear and fast operation from the control unit. The ECU had to cope with the following tasks:
- adjust idle speed;
- control the fuel injection system;
- monitor the ignition timing;
- perform self-diagnosis.
After 2004, the Mitsubishi company began to produce instead of 4G18 a newer engine - 4A91.
4G18 engine: performance, recommended oil and service
This motor model is considered one of the most durable. Around 1997, a record mileage was recorded on the Mitsubishi Mirage, which amounted to about 1.6 million kilometers. These numbers speak better about the quality of the engine than any advertisement.
With careful operation and gentle conditions, the operational characteristics of the motor practically do not deteriorate as it deteriorates. Scheduled repairs to the 4G18 engine are usually completed after 250 thousand kilometers. For this simple reason, routine maintenance turns into the usual replacement of supplies and fluids on a car. But it is advisable to comply with the regulatory deadlines prescribed by the manufacturer:
- engine oil change - every 8-10 thousand kilometers;
- Timing, rollers and oil seals - 90 thousand kilometers;
- antifreeze replacement - 25 thousand kilometers.
The manufacturer recommends pouring synthetic engine oils in accordance with ACEA A3, A5 class into the system. Among them: VALVOLINE, SHELL and many others. Currently, many manufacturers of motor oils make lubricants suitable for the Japanese motor, so there should be no problem with this.
Typical malfunctions
As noted at the very beginning, 4G18 belongs to the 4G1 family, and it is characterized by all the weaknesses of this line. Let's look at the main problems of this motor and how to solve them. The first thing that owners of this engine usually encounter is increased oil consumption after a mileage of 200,000 kilometers. In most cases, this is due to critical wear on the piston rings, which must be replaced.
When the valves in the engine begin to knock , then, most likely, the matter is in poor-quality, improper oil or failure to observe the replacement interval. The general planting of ICE can also contribute to the appearance of knocking. To fix the problem, you must first clean the valves and cylinder head. Then replace the oil with a quality and proven one. Also, do not delay the replacement.
Some more popular issues
Many motorists are faced with the fact that at some point the start of the engine is significantly difficult. This happens for several reasons. Firstly, it is peculiar to this motor when starting in great frost. The manufacturer recommends not to operate the car at high freezing temperatures.
It can also fill candles, again when starting in cold weather. And one more reason - the "dying" gasoline pump. In this case, it is recommended to simply replace it. It is possible that the deadlines for replacing fuel filters were not respected, because of this, problems may also arise when starting the engine.
Another typical problem is idle vibration. Unfortunately, the designers failed to eliminate this defect. Usually small vibrations are quite normal. But in any case, it is worth checking the condition of the engine mountings. It is possible that they have worn out and require replacement.
Upgrade 4G18
Very often, this motor is subjected to tuning. Improvements can relate to many systems in the car, but without improving the engine it is unlikely to achieve the desired results. Someone does not bother and just replaces the 4G18 engine with a 4G63 or similar.
The easiest option is to order the Greddy E-ManaGe turbokit kit, which is installed directly on a regular piston motor. But still it is recommended to replace the nozzles with more efficient ones and put them with the 4G64 model.
If the owner decided to achieve power up to 350 horsepower, then it will be necessary to replace regular pistons with forged ones and install H-shaped connecting rods. In this case, change the crankshaft to lightweight and put the oil nozzles on the block. In this situation, the cost of tuning will be impressive, so many experts recommend installing a 4G63 engine instead of 4G18, whose power is 280 liters. from.
A little more about the motor
In a narrow circle of motorists, this motor is called simply - "one and a half". It has been produced for over 20 years and is fully researched. In fact, this is a modification of 4G13, or rather, its bored version. The Japanese took a block from a 1.3-liter engine with a 71 mm piston and squandered it under a 75.5 mm piston. As for gas distribution systems, we have already dealt with this, but I would like to note that the two-shaft American DOCH is considered the most reliable and most suitable for tuning. After all, SOCH is already outdated.
The manufacturer recommends not to neglect the timing of replacement timing. This is due to the fact that during a break, the valves are bent, and this immediately entails costs of about 40,000 rubles for major repairs. Despite the fact that this engine can not be called whimsical, it needs to be regularly maintained and use high-quality consumables. Only in this case can we count on long uninterrupted operation of the power unit.
Interesting details
Among motorists, the technical characteristics of the 4G18 engine and its level of reliability are evaluated on a solid four. Nevertheless, this is not the most reliable and unpretentious power unit from the Japanese. In order for it to work for a long time and in good condition, it is necessary to use high-quality oil, change it in time, choose gentle operating modes.
Many advise when buying cars on which these power units are installed, give preference to other models. Like it or not, but development does not stand still, this also applies to ICE. Modern engines are manufactured using other technologies. The use of various materials and alloys allows to increase the strength and resource of parts. For example, there are no hydraulic lifters on the 4G18 motor, so it is necessary to adjust the valves every 15 thousand kilometers. This is an additional cost and not always small.
Finally
The contract 4G18 engine with a mileage of 50-80 thousand kilometers will cost about 60,000 rubles. If you start a more or less serious tuning, then this is about the same or even more. In total, such a motor will take about 120 thousand rubles. If you take 4G63 without a turbine, then it will cost no more than 45,000 rubles, a turbocharged version with attachments will cost up to 70-75 thousand. Add minimal alterations here for installing the power unit, and in total about 100,000 or even less will come out. If we take into account that this is a more reliable motor, then the expediency of such a procedure is obvious.
Of course, it is much easier to immediately buy a car with such an engine. But they come across not so often. Yes, and most owners of Mitsubishi with a one and a half car, after a while, think about increasing the power and dynamics of the car. In general, 4G18 can not be called bad. This is a really high-quality motor, which at one time earned recognition. But progress does not stand still, more and more advanced technologies appear every year. And if you compare 4G18 with those ICEs that the Japanese are doing today, then this is heaven and earth.