The 0.5-liter 3-cylinder Mitsubishi 3G81 engine was produced only from 1987 to 1993 and was installed on such popular kei cars of the Japanese concern as Minica, Minicab and Bravo. There are five versions of the unit, many were equipped with a cylinder head with five valves per cylinder.
3G8 family: 3G81, 3G83.
Specifications
| Production years | 1987-1993 |
| Displacement, cc | 548 |
| Fuel system | carburetor (3G81K-6v, 3G81TK, 3G81K-15v) injector (3G81, 3G81T) |
| Power output, hp | 30 – 32 (3G81K-6v) 46 – 50 (3G81TK) 38 (3G81K-15v) 46 (3G81) 64 (3G81T) |
| Torque output, Nm | 41 – 43 (3G81K-6v) 59 – 66 (3G81TK) 43 (3G81K-15v) 46 (3G81) 75 (3G81T) |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R3 |
| Block head | aluminum 6v (3G81K-6v, 3G81TK) aluminum 15v (3G81K-15v, 3G81, 3G81T) |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 62.3 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 60 |
| Compression ratio | 9.8 (3G81K-6v) 8.5 (3G81TK) 10.0 (3G81K-15v) 10.0 (3G81) 8.5 (3G81T) |
| Features | SOHC (3G81K-6v, 3G81TK) DOHC (3G81K-15v, 3G81, 3G81T) |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no (3G81K-6v, 3G81K-15v, 3G81) yes (3G81TK, 3G81T) |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.0 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 1 (3G81K-6v, 3G81TK, 3G81K-15v) EURO 2 (3G81, 3G81T) |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mitsubishi Minica 1990) — city — highway — combined |
5.7 3.9 4.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~150 000 |
| Weight, kg | 87 without attachment |
- 3G81K-6v – Atmospheric SOHC version with carburetor.
- 3G81TK – Supercharged SOHC version with carburetor.
- 3G81K-15v – Atmospheric DOHC version with carburetor.
- 3G81 – Atmospheric DOHC version with injector.
- 3G81T – Supercharged DOHC version with injector.
The engine was installed on:
- Mitsubishi Bravo 1 (U14) in 1989 – 1991;
- Mitsubishi Minicab 4 (U11) in 1987 – 1991;
- Mitsubishi Minica 5 (H11) in 1987 – 1989, Minica 6 (H21) in 1989 – 1993.
Disadvantages of the Mitsubishi 3G81 engine
- Many versions of the engine are equipped with a Mikuni carburetor, and you need to be able to tune it.
- Owners on specialized forums most often complain about lubricant consumption due to the occurrence of rings.
- Even from a short drive with a low oil level, it turns the crankshaft liners.
- Watch the cooling system, the cylinder head gasket breaks here from any overheating.
- Also check the condition of the timing belt, as when it breaks, the valves always bend.
Frequently asked questions about the Mitsubishi 3G81
How much power does the Mitsubishi 3G81 make?
Power output of the Mitsubishi 3G81, hp: 30 - 32 (3G81K-6v); 46 - 50 (3G81TK); 38 (3G81K-15v); 46 (3G81); 64 (3G81T). Torque, Nm: 41 - 43 (3G81K-6v); 59 - 66 (3G81TK); 43 (3G81K-15v); 46 (3G81); 75 (3G81T).
How much oil does the Mitsubishi 3G81 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.0 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Mitsubishi 3G81 have a timing belt or chain?
The Mitsubishi 3G81 uses a timing belt.
Is the Mitsubishi 3G81 turbocharged?
Yes, the Mitsubishi 3G81 is turbocharged (no (3G81K-6v, 3G81K-15v, 3G81); yes (3G81TK, 3G81T)).
Does the Mitsubishi 3G81 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Mitsubishi 3G81 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Mitsubishi 3G81 last?
The typical lifespan of the Mitsubishi 3G81 is ~150 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Mitsubishi 3G81?
Mitsubishi Minica 1990: city 5.7, highway 3.9, combined 4.9 L/100 km.
What cars was the Mitsubishi 3G81 installed on?
Mitsubishi Bravo 1 (U14) in 1989 - 1991; Mitsubishi Minicab 4 (U11) in 1987 - 1991; Mitsubishi Minica 5 (H11) in 1987 - 1989, Minica 6 (H21) in 1989 - 1993.
What are the common problems of the Mitsubishi 3G81?
Many versions of the engine are equipped with a Mikuni carburetor, and you need to be able to tune it. Owners on specialized forums most often complain about lubricant consumption due to the occurrence of rings. All known problems.
What engines are related to the Mitsubishi 3G81?
3G8 family: 3G83.
