2.5 L 4D56 I4 (t/c diesel)
3.0 L 6G72 V6 (gasoline/petrol)
Engines 4G32 4G33 4G63 G63B 4G64 4D56
transmission KM131 KM135 AW372L 4 speed manaul and 5 speed manual
Panel van, Mini-bus high roof, window van
4 door 5 door
Clutch
Cooling system
Engine electrical
Front axle
Fuel injection
Inlet exhaust
Oil system
Clutch
Wiring
Mitsubishi Delica L300 factory workshop and repair manual Download
- Safety first
- Wear eye protection, mechanic gloves, and durable clothing.
- Work on a flat surface, use wheel chocks, and never rely on a hydraulic jack alone — always use rated axle stands.
- If you are unsure at any point, stop and consult a professional — the transfer case and driveline are heavy and mistakes can cause injury or vehicle damage.
- What the viscous coupling (VC) is and why you might service it
- The VC is a sealed unit inside the transfer case/center differential that transfers torque between front and rear axles using a viscous silicone fluid and internal plates.
- Common symptoms of a failing VC: binding or shudder in turns, permanent-ish 4WD engagement where it shouldn’t be, slipping under load, loud noise/rumble from transfer case, or visible fluid contamination/heating.
- Many VC units are sealed and not serviceable — they are replaced as assemblies. If the unit is damaged, leaking, or internally burnt/blocked, replacement is required. If the unit appears intact but contaminated, replacement is still usually the correct fix.
- Tools you likely already have (detailed descriptions and how to use them)
- Metric socket set (8–22 mm) with ratchet
- Description: sockets and ratchet to remove bolts. Use the correct size socket, apply steady force; avoid rounding bolts by using quality sockets.
- Combination wrench set (metric)
- Description: open-end and box-end wrenches for areas a socket won’t reach. Use the box end where possible for better grip.
- Torque wrench (click‑type, 5–200 Nm range)
- Description: ensures bolts are tightened to the correct torque to avoid leaks or stripped threads. Set required torque, tighten until the wrench clicks.
- Hydraulic floor jack and rated axle stands
- Description: jack lifts the vehicle; stands support it safely. Place stands under manufacturer-specified lift points and lower the vehicle onto stands — never work under a car supported only by a jack.
- Wheel chocks
- Description: wedges placed against wheels to prevent rolling.
- Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
- Description: remove small screws, pry off clips and covers. Use a wide screwdriver for light prying; protect surfaces with a rag if needed.
- Pliers (slip-joint, needle-nose)
- Description: grip and remove clips, hoses, and wires.
- Circlip/snap-ring pliers (internal and external)
- Description: used to remove/install retaining snap rings that hold the VC or bearings in place. Match internal vs external type to the ring being handled.
- Drain pan
- Description: catches gear oil when you drain the transfer case.
- Pry bar (medium)
- Description: separate mating halves or carefully lever components. Use gentle, even pressure and protect mating surfaces.
- Rubber/soft-faced mallet
- Description: tap parts free without damaging them.
- Seal puller and seal driver set
- Description: remove old output seals and install new ones squarely to avoid leaks.
- Gasket scraper and cleaning rags
- Description: remove old gasket material and clean mating surfaces before reassembly.
- Brake cleaner or parts solvent
- Description: degreases parts for inspection and assembly.
- Threadlocker (medium strength) and RTV gasket maker (if required)
- Description: sealers for bolts or sealing surfaces per manual directions.
- Work light
- Description: illuminates the undercarriage for safe, accurate work.
- Extra/specialty tools you may need and why
- Transmission/transfer-case jack or strong gearbox support
- Why: transfer case is heavy and awkward; you need controlled support when lowering or raising it.
- Bearing/gear puller or slide hammer
- Why: some VC assemblies use interference fit bearings or splines that require a puller to remove without damage.
- Impact wrench or long breaker bar
- Why: some bolts (prop shafts, transfer case mounts) can be very tight or seized; use controlled force and penetrating oil first.
- Service manual (factory or Haynes/Chilton)
- Why: gives torque specs, bolt patterns, disassembly order, and model-specific diagrams — essential for correct reassembly.
- Dial caliper or inspection tools
- Why: measure runs or check bearing play if you suspect additional damage.
- Typical parts you will likely need to buy (what and why)
- Replacement viscous coupling assembly (VC) specific to Mitsubishi Delica L300/transfer case model
- Why: most VC units are sealed and replaced as a unit.
- How to source: supply VIN, year, engine/drive type to parts supplier; choose OEM if possible or a known aftermarket equivalent.
- Transfer case gasket or RTV sealant
- Why: the case must seal after opening — old gasket should be replaced or surfaces sealed with recommended RTV.
- Output seals / axle seals (transfer-case seals)
- Why: seals are often disturbed during removal and should be replaced to prevent leaks.
- Transfer case/gear oil (correct grade and quantity per manual)
- Why: drained during the job and must be refilled to spec.
- Any damaged bolts, dowels, or mounting hardware
- Why: bolts can stretch or corrode; replace if damaged or if specified as one-time-use in the manual.
- Optional: bearings, shims, or internal gaskets (if inspection shows wear)
- Why: if internal bearings or shims show wear, replace to avoid future failure.
- High-level procedure (concise, for a beginner to follow safely)
- Raise and secure vehicle on stands after chocking wheels; disconnect negative battery terminal.
- Drain transfer case oil into a drain pan; keep a note of oil condition (metal particles, smell).
- Remove prop shafts (front and/or rear as required) and label orientations for reassembly.
- Support the transfer case with a transmission jack or support.
- Unbolt mounts, linkages, and electrical connectors attached to the transfer case.
- Lower the transfer case enough to access the VC housing or separate the transfer case halves as required by the model.
- Clean mating surfaces before opening; gently pry apart if needed using pry bar and mallet.
- Locate the viscous coupling assembly; remove any circlips or retaining plates with snap-ring pliers, then pull the VC out (use a puller if it’s tight).
- Inspect the removed VC: look for burned fluid, metal particles, heavy discoloration, or mechanical seizure — replace if any of these present.
- Clean the interior of the transfer case and inspect bearings, gears, and seals; replace any damaged seals or bearings.
- Fit new VC assembly (or re-install if serviceable and clean) ensuring correct orientation and engagement with splines; install new snap rings and seals.
- Reassemble transfer case halves with new gasket or RTV, torque bolts to factory specs.
- Reinstall transfer case, prop shafts, linkages and connectors; torque mount bolts as per manual.
- Refill with correct transfer case oil to specified level.
- Lower vehicle, reconnect battery, test drive carefully to verify normal operation (listen for noises, check for leaks).
- How to use the tools safely and effectively (brief, essential tips)
- Socket set/ratchet: use the largest socket that fits; pull rather than push when possible; keep ratchet teeth clean.
- Torque wrench: always start bolts by hand, snug them in a crisscross pattern, then apply torque in steps to final setting.
- Jack and stands: lift at manufacturer jacking points; set stands on solid ground; give the vehicle a test shove before working under it to confirm stability.
- Pry bar/mallet: protect mating surfaces with wood or rag; apply gradual force to avoid snapping parts.
- Snap-ring pliers: choose internal vs external; ensure tips seat fully in the ring holes before spreading/compressing.
- Pullers/slide hammer: center puller correctly, use steady strokes to avoid sudden part release.
- Final checks and common gotchas
- Always replace seals and gaskets you disturb; leaks lead to early failure.
- If the VC was contaminated or burnt, the transfer case internal surfaces may be contaminated — clean thoroughly.
- Use the correct oil type and fill level — wrong oil affects VC performance.
- Keep torque specs and recheck fasteners after a short break-in drive (e.g., 50–100 km).
- If you find internal bearing damage or gear wear, do not reuse — replace those components or the entire transfer case as necessary.
- Quick summary of when replacement is required
- Replace the VC if it’s seized, burnt, leaking, producing metal contamination, or the vehicle shows the symptoms described above.
- Replace accompanying seals, gaskets and possibly bearings if they show wear to prevent repeat failures.
- Where to get the parts
- OEM Mitsubishi dealer with VIN, specialist 4x4 parts supplier, or reputable online retailers listing Delica L300 transfer case/VC parts. Match by model year and drive type.
- Final note
- This job can be moderately to highly difficult depending on rust and access; if you lack a transmission jack, pullers, or confidence in press-fit removals, plan for professional help or rental of the specialty tools listed. rteeqp73
Mitsubishi Delica L300 4D56 Engine Run Parting out a Mitsubishi Delica L300 with a 4D56 Turbo Diesel engine swap.
Delica L300 Rear Brake Adjustment & Fuel Gauge Repair Having a non working fuel gauge is very annoying.. but having a non functional park brake can be dangerous. Today we tackle ...
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1) Purpose & theory — what the timing cover is and why you work on it
- The timing cover is a protective housing over the front of the engine that encloses the timing belt/chain, cam/crank seals, and sometimes the water pump and front crank seal.
- It keeps dirt and debris out, contains oil/splash, and provides mounting/locating surfaces for seals and timing components. A leaking/damaged cover or worn seals causes oil leaks; a warped or loose cover can let contaminants into the belt area or allow seal distortion that causes leaks. Accessing the cover is also required to inspect/replace belt, tensioner, water pump and to set/verify timing marks.
- Repairing the cover or replacing its gasket/seals restores proper sealing, prevents oil from contaminating the belt (which weakens it and can lead to slip/failure), and ensures timing components remain correctly located and protected.
2) Preparations (theory + why)
- Tools: basic metric socket set, breaker bar, torque wrench, crank pulley puller, belt tools, jack and stands, drain pan, gasket scraper, RTV or new gasket, new crank/cam seals if needed.
- Safety/theory: disconnect the battery to avoid accidental cranking. Support the vehicle securely and support the engine if an engine mount is removed; allowing the engine position to change will alter alignment and timing. Draining coolant/oil when required prevents mess and allows safe removal of water-pump/cover components.
3) Put engine at TDC on #1 compression stroke (order + theory)
- Rotate the crankshaft to the engine’s Top Dead Center (TDC) for cylinder #1 on its compression stroke, aligning the crank and cam timing marks per the factory marks.
- Theory: locking the crank and cam at TDC prevents relative rotation when you remove the belt; on an interference engine (like many Delica L300 variants) incorrect timing or rotation can cause valves to contact pistons, bending valves or worse. Setting TDC ensures you can reassemble to exact timing geometry.
4) Remove accessory drive components and crank pulley (order + theory)
- Remove serpentine/accessory belts, alternator/power steering/AC brackets as needed. Remove the crankshaft pulley/harmonic balancer (use puller if required).
- Theory: these components block the timing cover and must be removed to access its mounting bolts and seals. The crank pulley must come off to allow removal of the lower cover and to access the crankshaft seal.
5) Lock cam(s) and release belt tension, remove timing belt (order + theory)
- Lock cams and/or use tensioner tool to release belt tension, then remove timing belt. If replacing belt or working on water pump/tensioner, remove those items now.
- Theory: removing the belt is necessary to remove the cover in many engines and to inspect/treat components. Inspect the belt for oil contamination, glazing or tooth wear — oil on the belt indicates seal or cover failure. Replacing contaminated belts eliminates the risk of slip or tooth jump.
6) Remove timing cover (order + theory)
- Remove all cover bolts and lift off the timing cover; some L300 engines use an upper and lower cover—remove both. Clean gasket surfaces carefully. Inspect cover for cracks, warped flanges, or damage.
- Theory: the cover’s mating face and bolt pattern locate seals. Damage or distortion allows leaks; removing the cover lets you replace seals and gaskets and inspect alignment surfaces for wear or distortion.
7) Inspect and replace seals/gasket and related components (order + theory)
- Replace front crankshaft seal, cam seals (if accessible), timing cover gasket or use proper RTV where specified. Replace the water pump and tensioner if worn. Clean surfaces, apply gasket/RTV per spec, press new seals squarely into place.
- Theory: seals are the primary oil barriers. Old seals harden and leak; a leaking crank seal or cam seal will allow oil into the timing bay and onto the belt. Replacing them restores the sealing surface so oil no longer migrates along shafts. Replacing worn tensioner/water pump prevents future failures that could cause timing belt failure and engine damage.
8) Reinstall timing cover, align and torque bolts (order + theory)
- Fit the cover with the new gasket/RTV, make sure locating dowels align, and thread bolts finger-tight. Torque bolts to factory sequence and values. Reinstall any engine mounts removed.
- Theory: even clamping and correct torque crushes the gasket correctly and holds the cover true to the block. Proper torque prevents distortion that would stress seals or create leaks and ensures the cover continues to locate timing components correctly.
9) Refit timing belt and set tension, verify timing (order + theory)
- Reinstall the timing belt, align timing marks exactly, set correct tension (per spec) using the tensioner, and then rotate the engine by hand two full revolutions and recheck marks.
- Theory: correct alignment and tension ensures cam and crank phase relationship stays fixed. Under- or over-tension can cause belt skipping or premature wear. Rotating and rechecking confirms no interference and that everything is stable.
10) Reassemble accessories, fluids, and test (order + theory)
- Refit crank pulley, accessory components, belts, refill drained coolant/oil, reconnect battery. Start engine and inspect for leaks, listen for abnormal noise, and verify idle and running timing where applicable. Inspect for oil seepage around seals after a short run and after a cold/hot cycle.
- Theory: running and visual tests verify the repair sealed the leaks, that timing is correct (no misfire or odd noises), and that no new leaks or distortions occurred during reassembly.
How each repair action fixes common faults
- Replacing the timing cover gasket or surface repair: closes capillary gaps and restores clamping so oil can’t wick out; stops oil leaking onto belt and accessories.
- Replacing crank/cam seals: restores the dynamic seals where rotating shafts pass through the cover; stops oil throw onto the belt and external drips.
- Replacing timing belt/tensioner/water pump: removes a belt weakened by oil or age and replaces worn tensioning/suspension parts so the belt stays at correct tension and won’t skip or fail. This prevents timing errors that can bend valves or cause catastrophic failure.
- Correct alignment and torqueing of the cover and components: keeps parts in their designed positions so seals compress evenly and timing geometry stays correct.
Key cautions (brief)
- Always set TDC properly and do not rotate the engine against a loose/removed belt without locking cams/crank on interference engines.
- Use correct seals, gaskets, and torque values. Improper torque or warped cover causes repeat leaks or premature seal failure.
- After reassembly, verify no oil contamination on the belt and that timing marks hold after a couple of engine revolutions.
That is the ordered procedure with the underlying theory and how each repair step addresses the fault. rteeqp73