Engine 4G18: specifications, replacement, repair, recommended oil

Japanese cars are considered reliable and unpretentious in service. Take, for example, solaris, which thousands work in a taxi. This at least speaks of the reliability of the car. It is clear that much depends on the motor, which is the heart of the car. Let's look at the 4G18 engine, its specifications, strengths and weaknesses. Already, one thing is for sure - it's a very good power unit, which is installed on a lot of cars.

Some general information

The engines of the Japanese company Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, founded in 1985, are now considered to be among the best in their price range. The Japanese relied on reliability and durability, and they did not fail. A special place among all the powertrains is occupied by Orion - it's a line of ICE 4G1. These engines were mass-produced in the 1970s, and the release continues in our time.

Specifically, the engine 4G18, the characteristics of which we will consider, is produced since 1978. It is noteworthy that this type of motor is equipped with three types of cylinder heads. Therefore, the gas distribution mechanisms are different. Engine power, depending on the cylinder head, can be as follows:

• SOCH - 86-92 l. from.;
• DOCH - 73-110 liters. from.;
• TURBO - 163-180 at 6,000 rpm.

Similarly, depending on the type of cylinder head, the power system also differs. For example, for SOCH, it can be carburettor or injector, for DOCH - GDI or Mivec, and for TURBO - Mivec + turbine.

Description of the engine 4G18

In general, this power unit can be described as a classic. This is a row-four with a lower camshaft arrangement. Although the camshaft is also placed on top of the cylinder head of the SOCH. The use of the head with the DOCH gas distribution mechanism implies the use of two camshafts at the bottom.

Timing belt on this car belt type. Its service life is usually about 100,000 kilometers. But in severe operating conditions it is recommended to change it every 70-80 thousand kilometers.

Cooling system is classical, closed type with forced circulation of cooling liquid. Electronic control unit of Delphi, model MT20U2. The first engines, produced by the Japanese, were equipped with the 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 noting that there was also 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 system for changing the timing of the gas distribution MIVEC, it had a unit with oil nozzles, as well as a turbo. The power of this motor was about 180 horsepower. Very good at 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:

• Regulate idling speed;
• Control the fuel injection system;
• Follow the ignition timing;
• Perform self-diagnosis.

After 2004, Mitsubishi began to produce a newer 4A91 instead of 4G18.

Engine 4G18: characteristics, recommended oil and maintenance

This motor model is considered one of the most durable. Around 1997, a record mileage was recorded on a Mitsubishi Mirage car, which amounted to about 1.6 million kilometers. These figures speak of the quality of the motor better than any advertisement.

With careful operation and gentle modes, the performance characteristics of the engine as it worsens practically do not deteriorate. Planned repair of the engine 4G18 is usually performed through 250 thousand kilometers. For this simple reason, routine maintenance turns into a routine replacement of consumables and liquids by car. But it is advisable to follow the deadlines prescribed by the manufacturer:

• Replacement of oil in the engine - every 8-10 thousand kilometers;
• GRM, rollers and oil seals - 90 thousand kilometers;
• Replacement of antifreeze - 25 thousand kilometers.

The manufacturer recommends that synthetic motor oils corresponding to the ACEA class A3, A5 be poured into the system. Among them: VALVOLINE, SHELL and many others. Currently, many manufacturers of motor oils make a lubricant suitable for the Japanese engine, so this should not be a problem.

Typical malfunctions

As noted at the outset, 4G18 belongs to the 4G1 family, and it is characterized by all the weak points of this line. Let's look at the main problems of this engine and how to eliminate them. The first thing that owners of this engine usually face is the increased oil consumption after a run of 200,000 kilometers. In most cases, this is due to the critical wear of the piston rings, which must be replaced.

When the valves start to knock in the engine, then, most likely, it's a matter of poor-quality, unsuitable oil or non-observance of the replacement interval. The general planting of ICE can also contribute to the appearance of a knock. To correct the problem, it is necessary to clean the valves and cylinder head first. Then replace the oil with a quality and tested. Also do not delay with the replacement.

Some more popular problems

Many motorists are faced with the fact that at some point the engine start is significantly hampered. This happens for several reasons. First, it is peculiar to the given motor at start in the big frost. The manufacturer recommends not to use the car at high negative temperatures.

Also can fill candles, again at start-up in a frost. And one more reason - the "dying" petrol pump. In this case it is recommended to simply replace it. It is possible that the time limits for replacing fuel filters were not observed, because of this, there may also be problems with starting the engine.

Another typical problem is vibration at idle. Unfortunately, this defect was not eliminated by designers. Usually, small vibrations are quite normal. But in any case, it is worth checking the condition of the engine cushions. It is possible that they have worn out and require replacement.

Improvement 4G18

Very often this motor is subjected to tuning. Improvements can concern 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 4G63 or similar.

The simplest option is to order a Greddy E-ManaGe turbo kit, which is installed directly on a regular piston engine. But nevertheless it is recommended to replace the injectors with more efficient ones and put them from the 4G64 model.

If the owner decided to achieve a power of up to 350 horsepower, it would be necessary to replace the regular pistons with forged ones and the installation of H-shaped connecting rods. In this case, change the crankshaft to a lightweight one and put oilers on the block. In this scenario, the cost of tuning will be impressive, so many experts recommend installing the engine 4G63 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 more than 20 years and is fully researched. In fact, this is a modification of 4G13, or rather, its boring version. The Japanese took the block from the engine in volume of 1,3 liters with the piston of 71 mm and lavished it under the piston 75,5 mm. As for the 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 morally obsolete.

The manufacturer recommends not to neglect the scheduled timing of the timing change. This is due to the fact that the valve bends when it breaks, and this immediately entails costs of about 40,000 rubles for overhaul. Despite the fact that this engine can not be called whimsical, it must be regularly serviced and used by high-quality consumables. Only in this case it is possible to count on long uninterrupted operation of the power unit.

Interesting details

Among motorists, the technical characteristics of the 4G18 engine and its reliability level are evaluated on a solid four. Yet this is not the most reliable and unpretentious powerplant from the Japanese. To make it work for a long time and properly, it is necessary to use high-quality oil, change it in time, choose sparing operating modes.

Many advise when buying cars, for which these power units are installed, give preference to other models. Whatever one may say, development does not stand still, this also applies to ICE. Modern engines are manufactured using other technologies. The use of various materials and alloys makes it possible to increase the strength and life of the parts. For example, the motor 4G18 does not have hydraulic compensators, therefore every 15 thousand kilometers of run it is necessary to perform valve adjustment. These are additional costs and are not always small.

Finally

Contract engine 4G18 with a mileage of 50-80 thousand kilometers will cost about 60 000 rubles. If you start more or less serious tuning, then it's about the same or even more. In total, this engine will take about 120 thousand rubles. If you take 4G63 without a turbine, it will cost no more than 45 000 rubles, the turbo version together with the attached equipment will cost up to 70-75 thousand. Add here a minimal alteration for the installation of the power unit, and will total about 100,000 or even less. 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 buy a car with such an engine. But they do not come across so often. And most Mitsubishi owners with a "one and a half" after a while think about increasing the power and dynamics of the car. In general, 4G18 can not be called bad. This is really a high-quality motor, which in its time deserved recognition. But progress does not stand still, every year there are more and more progressive technologies. And if you compare the 4G18 with the ICEs that the Japanese are doing today, it's heaven and earth.