The Mitsubishi 6A12 2.0-liter V6 engine was assembled by a Japanese company from 1992 to 2010 and was first installed on a number of its mass models, and after 2000 only on Proton cars. This power unit existed in SOHC, DOHC, DOHC-MIVEC and twin-turbo modifications.
6A1 family: 6A10, 6A11, 6A12, 6A12TT, 6A13, 6A13TT.
Specifications
| Production years | 1992-2010 |
| Displacement, cc | 1998 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 145 – 150 (MPI SOHC) 170 – 180 (MPI DOHC) 200 (MPI DOHC-MIVEC) |
| Torque output, Nm | 180 (MPI SOHC) 190 (MPI DOHC) 200 (MPI DOHC-MIVEC) |
| Cylinder block | cast iron V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 78.4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 69 |
| Compression ratio | 9.5 – 10.4 (MPI SOHC) 10.0 (MPI DOHC) 10.0 (MPI DOHC-MIVEC) |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no (MPI SOHC) no (MPI DOHC) MIVEC (MPI DOHC-MIVEC) |
| Turbocharging | no (except for 6A12TT, for which a separate article) |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.2 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2/3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mitsubishi FTO 1998) — city — highway — combined |
10.7 6.1 8.3 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~250 000 |
| Weight, kg | 170 |
The engine was installed on:
- Mitsubishi Diamante F10 in 1992 – 1994;
- Mitsubishi FTO in 1994 – 2000;
- Mitsubishi Galant E50 in 1992 – 1998, Galant EA in 1996 – 2000;
- Proton Waja Chancellor in 2005 – 2010;
- Proton Perdana in 1998 – 2010.
Disadvantages of the Mitsubishi 6A12 engine
- A very dense layout of the engine compartment complicates the maintenance of the engine;
- The timing belt is designed for 90,000 km, but it can burst earlier and bend the valves;
- Quite often, the idle speed controller fails and the car simply starts to stall;
- Due to poor oil, hydraulic lifters wear out quickly and begin to knock;
- Even with a slight drop in oil pressure, the liners can turn here.
Frequently asked questions about the Mitsubishi 6A12
How much power does the Mitsubishi 6A12 make?
Power output of the Mitsubishi 6A12, hp: 145 - 150 (MPI SOHC); 170 - 180 (MPI DOHC); 200 (MPI DOHC-MIVEC). Torque, Nm: 180 (MPI SOHC); 190 (MPI DOHC); 200 (MPI DOHC-MIVEC).
How much oil does the Mitsubishi 6A12 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.2 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-40.
Does the Mitsubishi 6A12 have a timing belt or chain?
The Mitsubishi 6A12 uses a timing belt.
Is the Mitsubishi 6A12 turbocharged?
Yes, the Mitsubishi 6A12 is turbocharged (no (except for 6A12TT, for which a separate article)).
Does the Mitsubishi 6A12 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Mitsubishi 6A12 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Mitsubishi 6A12 last?
The typical lifespan of the Mitsubishi 6A12 is ~250 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Mitsubishi 6A12?
Mitsubishi FTO 1998: city 10.7, highway 6.1, combined 8.3 L/100 km.
What cars was the Mitsubishi 6A12 installed on?
Mitsubishi Diamante F10 in 1992 - 1994; Mitsubishi FTO in 1994 - 2000; Mitsubishi Galant E50 in 1992 - 1998, Galant EA in 1996 - 2000; Proton Waja Chancellor in 2005 - 2010; Proton Perdana in 1998 - 2010.
What are the common problems of the Mitsubishi 6A12?
A very dense layout of the engine compartment complicates the maintenance of the engine. The timing belt is designed for 90,000 km, but it can burst earlier and bend the valves. All known problems.
A good general overview of this power plant. I’m in New Zealand, and bought a 1995 imported FTO Gpx. Mivec with 63000 kms on the clock, in 2002, she ran like clock work, now, in 2023 , I still own her, and with proper regular maintenance, she’s as good as gold.
I’ve just had the cam belt, water pump and all other components replaced, along with new Bosch platinum plugs fitted, I had this done back in 2008, and have never had any problems. I change the oil every 8000 kms and only use genuine Mitsubishi filters and Valvoline 5W30 oil , no big secret, regular oil and filter changes pay off in the long term.
She goes like shit of a shovel, and gives modern cars a run for their money. They are a great little car, not the cheapest to run, I’m single,so 2 seats is not a problem.
Fuck the fuel consumption, I would rather push my FTO than have an electric vehicle, anytime,its FUN and takes 10 minutes to fill up.
😊😊😊😊😊😊👌