The 1.3-liter Mitsubishi 4G13 engine was produced by an enterprise in Japan from 1985 to 2012 and was installed on such popular concern models as Colt, Lancer, Mirage, Dingo or Space Star. Since the mid-2000s, the motor has been produced in China, where it is installed on local models.
The 1.3-litre Orion engine made its debut in the mid-80s on the Mirage. And it was a typical carburetor engine for its time with a cast-iron cylinder block, an aluminum 8-valve cylinder head without hydraulic lifters, a distributor and a timing belt drive. Soon there was a modification with a 12-valve head, then fuel injection, and the latest versions had ignition coils, a 16-valve SOHC cylinder head and hydraulic lifters.
4G1 (Orion) family: 4G12, 4G13, 4G15, 4G15T, 4G18, 4G19.
Specifications
| Production years | 1985-2012 |
| Displacement, cc | 1298 |
| Fuel system | carburetor (carburetor 8v) carburetor (carburetor 12v) distributed injection (injector 12v) distributed injection (injector 16v) |
| Power output, hp | 60 – 69 (carburetor 8v) 70 – 75 (carburetor 12v) 75 (injector 12v) 82 – 86 (injector 16v) |
| Torque output, Nm | 96 – 102 (carburetor 8v) 102 – 106 (carburetor 12v) 108 (injector 12v) 115 – 120 (injector 16v) |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 8v (carburetor 8v) aluminum 12v (carburetor 12v) aluminum 12v (injector 12v) aluminum 16v (injector 16v) |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 71 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 82 |
| Compression ratio | 9.0 (carburetor 8v) 9.5 (carburetor 12v) 9.5 (injector 12v) 10.0 (injector 16v) |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.6 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 1 (carburetor 8v) EURO 1 (carburetor 12v) EURO 2/3 (injector 12v) EURO 3/4 (injector 16v) |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mitsubishi Lancer 1997) — city — highway — combined |
8.4 5.2 6.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 135 (with attachments) |
The engine was installed on:
- Mitsubishi Carisma 1 (DA) in 2001 – 2004;
- Mitsubishi Colt 3 (C5), Colt 4 (CA), Colt 5 (CJ) in 1987 – 2003;
- Mitsubishi Dingo 1 (CQ) in 1998 – 2003;
- Mitsubishi Lancer 6 (C6), Lancer 7 (CB), Lancer 8 (CK), Lancer 9 (CS) in 1988 – 2010;
- Mitsubishi Space Star 1 (DG) in 1998 – 2005;
- Proton Saga 1 in 1985 – 2008;
- Proton Satria 1 in 1994 – 2005;
- Proton Wira 1 in 1993 – 2009;
- Hyundai Excel 1 (X1), Excel 2 (X2) in 1985 – 1995.
Disadvantages of the Mitsubishi 4G13 engine
- The most famous problem of the Orion family of engines is increased or floating engine speed at idle due to strong backlash in the throttle assembly. There are several organizations that sell remanufactured dampers.
- A fairly significant part of the complaints on the specialized forums is related to the progressive oil consumption. The main reason for this is the wear of the valve stem seals or the occurrence of the rings. By 200,000 km, piston wear is added to them and overhaul becomes inevitable.
- According to the manual, the timing belt is designed for 90 thousand km and many change it on this run, however, on specialized forums you can find many cases when it breaks even earlier. The reports tell not only about bent valves, but even about cracked pistons.
- The weak points of this motor include a catalyst and not the most durable engine mounts. A lot of trouble is delivered by the components of the ignition system, in winter it often fills with candles. And do not forget about adjusting the valves, most versions do not have hydraulic lifters.
Frequently asked questions about the Mitsubishi 4G13
How much power does the Mitsubishi 4G13 make?
Power output of the Mitsubishi 4G13, hp: 60 - 69 (carburetor 8v); 70 - 75 (carburetor 12v); 75 (injector 12v); 82 - 86 (injector 16v). Torque, Nm: 96 - 102 (carburetor 8v); 102 - 106 (carburetor 12v); 108 (injector 12v); 115 - 120 (injector 16v).
How much oil does the Mitsubishi 4G13 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.6 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30, 5W-40.
Does the Mitsubishi 4G13 have a timing belt or chain?
The Mitsubishi 4G13 uses a timing belt.
Is the Mitsubishi 4G13 turbocharged?
No, the Mitsubishi 4G13 is naturally aspirated.
Does the Mitsubishi 4G13 need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Mitsubishi 4G13 last?
The typical lifespan of the Mitsubishi 4G13 is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Mitsubishi 4G13?
Mitsubishi Lancer 1997: city 8.4, highway 5.2, combined 6.4 L/100 km.
What cars was the Mitsubishi 4G13 installed on?
Mitsubishi Carisma 1 (DA) in 2001 - 2004; Mitsubishi Colt 3 (C5), Colt 4 (CA), Colt 5 (CJ) in 1987 - 2003; Mitsubishi Dingo 1 (CQ) in 1998 - 2003; Mitsubishi Lancer 6 (C6), Lancer 7 (CB), Lancer 8 (CK), Lancer 9 (CS) in 1988 - 2010; Mitsubishi Space Star 1 (DG) in 1998 - 2005; Proton Saga 1 in 1985 - 2008 and 3 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the Mitsubishi 4G13?
The most famous problem of the Orion family of engines is increased or floating engine speed at idle due to strong backlash in the throttle assembly. There are several organizations that sell remanufactured dampers. A fairly significant part of the complaints on the specialized forums is related to the progressive oil consumption. The main reason for this is the wear of the valve stem seals or the occurrence of the rings. By 200,000 km, piston wear is added to them and overhaul becomes inevitable. All known problems.
