The 4G13 engine from the Mitsubishi Orion family is a 1.3-liter engine known for its simplicity and durability. It was primarily used in smaller Mitsubishi vehicles such as the Colt, Carisma, Lancer, and Mirage, particularly in their more basic versions. Here are some key features of the 4G13 engine:
Characteristics of the Mitsubishi 4G13 engine
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mizushima Plant |
| Also Called | Orion 4G1 |
| Production | 1983-2007 |
| Cylinder Block Alloy | Cast Iron |
| Configuration | Inline-4 |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 (SOHC) / 4 (4 valves per cylinder) |
| Piston Stroke, mm (inch) | 82 (3.23) |
| Cylinder Bore, mm (inch) | 71 (2.8) |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5; 10.0 |
| Displacement | 1299 cc (79.3 cu in) |
| Power Output | 55 kW (75 HP) at 6,000 rpm; 62.5 kW (85 HP) at 6,000 rpm; 68.5 kW (93 HP) at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque Output | 108 Nm (80 lb·ft) at 4,000 rpm; 108 Nm (80 lb·ft) at 4,500 rpm; 113 Nm (83 lb·ft) at 4,500 rpm |
| Redline | 6,500 |
| HP per Liter | 58; 65; 72 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Weight, kg (lbs) | 113 (249) |
| Fuel Consumption, L/100 km (mpg) | City: 9.1 (25.8); Highway: 5.4 (43.4); Combined: 6.9 (34.1) |
| Turbocharger | Naturally aspirated |
| Oil Consumption, L/1000 km (qt. per miles) | Up to 1.0 (1 qt. per 600 miles) |
| Recommended Engine Oil | 5W-20; 5W-30; 10W-40 |
| Engine Oil Capacity, L (qt.) | 3.3 (3.5) |
| Oil Change Interval, km (miles) | 5,000-10,000 (3,000-6,000) |
| Normal Engine Operating Temperature, °C (F) | — |
| Engine Lifespan, km (miles) | Official Information: —; Real: 250,000 – 300,000 (150,000 – 180,000) |
| Tuning, HP | Max HP: 100+; No Lifespan Loss: n.a. |
| The Engine is Installed In | Mitsubishi Carisma, Mitsubishi Mirage, Mitsubishi Lancer, Mitsubishi Dingo, Mitsubishi Space Star, Hyundai Excel, CMC Veryca, Proton Saga, Proton Satria, Brilliance BS2, Emgrand EC7, Emgrand GL, Heyue Tongyue, Zotye Nomad |
4G13 Engine Specifications
- Displacement: The 4G13 engine has a displacement of 1.3 liters.
- Cylinder Head: The engine features a cast-iron cylinder block with a cylinder head equipped with either 12 or 16 valves. It employs a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) to operate all its valves.
- Valve Clearances: Valve clearances in the 4G13 engine need to be manually adjusted, with intake valve clearances set at 0.15 mm and exhaust valve clearances at 0.25 mm when hot. When cold, the intake valves should be set to 0.07 mm and the exhaust valves to 0.17 mm.
- Timing Belt: The engine utilizes a timing belt for the valve train, and it is crucial to change the timing belt at regular intervals (approximately every 90,000 km) to prevent valve damage in case of a belt failure.
- Fuel System: The power supply system for early versions of the 4G13 engine is carbureted. However, in later versions, the engine transitioned to fuel injection.
Replacement and Successor
- The 4G13 engine had a “larger-volume” counterpart, the 1.5-liter 4G15 engine. Later, it was succeeded by the 1.6-liter 4G18 engine, and in 2004, the 4G1 (Orion) series engines were gradually replaced by the new line of 4A9 engines.
What kind of oil should I use?
Selecting the right engine oil is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of your vehicle’s engine, including the Mitsubishi 4G13 engine. The recommended oil viscosity and type for the 4G13 engine, as you’ve mentioned, includes:
- 5W-20: This oil is known for its ability to maintain its properties under various conditions, including cold starts. It can help reduce natural wear on the engine and clean components from carbon deposits.
- 5W-30: This is a synthetic oil recommended for engines with high mileage. It is designed to maintain its properties across a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for city driving. It includes additives that enhance wear resistance and protect engine parts from oxidative processes.
- 10W-40: This all-season oil can be used in both diesel and gasoline engines. It offers effective protection against premature wear, remains stable at various temperatures, resists oxidation, and prevents soot buildup on engine components.
When selecting the right oil for your vehicle, it’s essential to consider factors such as the climate in your region, your driving habits, and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult the manufacturer to ensure you are using the appropriate oil grade and type for your specific engine.
Regular oil changes at the recommended intervals are also important to maintain engine health and performance. Using the correct oil and adhering to the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines will help keep your Mitsubishi 4G13 engine running smoothly.
4G13 engine Common Issues and Solutions
- Increased Idle and Floating Speed: A common problem in Orion engines, particularly the 4G13, is a higher, fluctuating idle speed. This issue is often related to wear in the throttle valve. Solutions include purchasing a new original throttle assembly or a modified assembly from third-party manufacturers.
- Vibrations: Vibration problems can occur in Orion engines, and while there’s no single clear solution, it’s essential to check the condition of engine mounts.
- Starting Difficulty: When the 4G15 engine is difficult to start or doesn’t start, it may be related to the fuel pump or flooded spark plugs, especially in cold weather conditions.
- Oil Consumption: High oil consumption is sometimes seen in engines with higher mileage (around or over 200,000 km). It can be addressed by replacing piston rings or considering an engine overhaul.
In summary, the 4G13 engine is of moderate reliability but is not immune to breakdowns. While some issues, like those mentioned, are common, there are additional minor problems that may occur. Regular maintenance and the use of high-quality fuels and lubricants can help mitigate these issues. When purchasing a vehicle, it’s advisable to consider an engine from a different series if possible, such as the 4G63, known for its reliability and quality.
Tuning the 4G13 Engine
Tuning a small engine like the 4G13 is a specialized endeavor and is typically pursued by dedicated enthusiasts. Many of the tuning techniques applicable to the 1.5-liter 4G15 engine can be implemented on the 4G13, as they share similarities.
Another tuning option involves upgrading the 4G13 SOHC head to a 4G15 DOHC head with two camshafts, although this modification requires several components, including intake manifold, gasket, belt, spark plugs, distributor, thermostat, and exhaust manifold. The result is improved top-end power but slightly reduced low-end torque.
