The 2.4-liter Mitsubishi 4B12 engine has been produced at the Japanese plant since 2006 and is installed on the group’s most popular models, such as Outlander, Lancer and Delica. This unit was created as part of a single alliance and is similar to the Chrysler ED3, Hyundai G4KC and G4KE.
In 2002, the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance was created from Hyundai-Kia, Mitsubishi and Chrysler. The first units were introduced in 2004, but the series went into production only two years later. The 2.4-liter 4B12 gasoline engine is similar in design to the Chrysler ED3 and Hyundai G4KC: there is distributed fuel injection, an aluminum 16-valve cylinder head without hydraulic lifters, an aluminum cylinder block with an open jacket and cast-iron liners, a timing chain drive and a MIVEC phase control system: there are versions with a phase regulator on the intake shaft and both. To reduce vibrations, a block of balancing shafts combined with an oil pump is used.
Further modernization of this unit resulted in the creation of a new engine under the symbol 4J12.
The 4B1 family also includes engines: 4B10, 4B11 and 4B11T.
The engine was installed on:
- Mitsubishi Delica 5 (CV) since 2007;
- Mitsubishi Lancer 10 (CY) in 2007 – 2017;
- Mitsubishi Outlander 2 (CW) in 2006 – 2012;
- Mitsubishi Outlander 3 (GF) since 2012;
- Citroen C-Crosser I (EP) in 2007 – 2012;
- Peugeot 4007 I (I3) in 2007 – 2012.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2006 |
| Displacement, cc | 2359 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 165 – 170 |
| Torque output, Nm | 222 – 232 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 88 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 97 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | MIVEC |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.2 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4/5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mitsubishi Outlander 2008) — city — highway — combined |
12.6 7.6 9.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 136 |
Disadvantages of the Mitsubishi 4B12 engine
- This is a practically trouble-free motor, but at high mileage it is prone to oil burn due to severe wear on the seats and valve guides or the occurrence of piston rings. Also here is an aluminum block with an open jacket and the cylinders simply go in an ellipse.
- Another common problem is timing chain stretching after 150,000 km. The replacement procedure is simple and inexpensive, but quite often you can encounter severe wear on the phase regulator sprockets, but they are quite expensive.
- On specialized forums, owners often complain about noisy engine operation, lubricant leaks, regular burnout of the exhaust pipe ring, or cracking of the exhaust manifold. Also, do not forget to adjust the valve clearances, since there are no hydraulic lifters here.
