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Mitsubishi 6G72 engine: known problems

Used in 3 guides · 2972cc petrol · 9 known problems

Displacement
2972cc
Layout
V6 NA
Fuel
petrol

Known problems9

Everything our guides list for the variants with this engine: the engine itself plus the gearbox and ancillaries it's paired with. Each shows which cars it's listed for.

High
Timing belt failure (interference engine)
The 6G72 is belt-driven and interference; a snapped or skipped belt bends valves and damages the heads. History is often patchy on cars this old.
Fix: Replace timing belt, tensioner and water pump on interval (~90,000km or by age); always confirm history before buying.
Any overdue belt · ~$500-1000 service / $3000+ if it snaps
Listed for: Mitsubishi Pajero NA-NG / NH-NL
High
Timing belt snap (interference engine)
6G72 is a strict interference design. Past 100,000km without belt service risks total valvetrain damage on belt failure.
Fix: Heads off, machine, replace valves, full timing kit. Don't skip belt service.
From 100k+ km if neglected · ~$1200-2500
Listed for: Mitsubishi Triton ME / MF / MG / MH / MJ
Medium
Timing belt service interval
The 6G72 is a belt-driven engine; an overdue or unknown-history timing belt is a real risk on these now-old vehicles, and a failure can cause valve damage.
Fix: Replace the timing belt with tensioner and water pump on interval; confirm written history before buying.
~100k km · ~$500-1000
Listed for: Mitsubishi Challenger PA / PB-PC
Medium
Worn engine / oil burning at high km
Hard-worked, high-km V6s smoke on acceleration and burn oil from worn valve stem seals/rings, especially if servicing was skipped.
Fix: Compression/leak-down test pre-purchase; valve stem seals or engine refresh as needed.
From 200k+ km · ~$2000-5000
Listed for: Mitsubishi Challenger PA / PB-PC
Medium
Cooling system age (radiator, hoses, thermostat)
Original radiators, hoses and thermostats are well past their life on PA-era cars; neglect leads to overheating and head-gasket risk.
Fix: Refresh the cooling system as part of buying; keep coolant fresh.
Any (age) · ~$300-1200
Listed for: Mitsubishi Challenger PA / PB-PC
Medium
Overheating from neglected cooling
Tired radiators, hoses and a failing water pump can overheat the V6, risking head/gasket damage.
Fix: Refresh radiator, hoses, thermostat and water pump (do the pump with the timing belt).
From 150k+ km · ~$400-1500
Listed for: Mitsubishi Pajero NA-NG / NH-NL
Medium
Valve stem seal oil consumption
Rubber valve stem seals dry and crack, allowing oil to pool in cylinders. Symptoms: blue smoke on startup or after long idle.
Fix: Replace stem seals with viton items - heads can usually stay fitted (spring compressor through plug holes).
From 150k+ km · ~$800-1500
Listed for: Mitsubishi Triton ME / MF / MG / MH / MJ
Low
Ageing EFI sensors and idle issues
Idle speed control, coolant temp sensors and vacuum lines are decades old and cause rough idle or stalling.
Fix: Diagnose and replace failing sensors; refresh vacuum and ignition components.
Any (age) · ~$200-800
Listed for: Mitsubishi Pajero NA-NG / NH-NL
Low
Intake manifold gasket leak
Upper plenum and runner gaskets harden and leak - vacuum leaks cause rough idle and fault codes.
Fix: Replace intake gaskets with updated multi-layer sets.
From 150k+ km · ~$300-500
Listed for: Mitsubishi Triton ME / MF / MG / MH / MJ

Cars with the 6G723

Mitsubishi Challenger PA / PB-PC
1998-2015 · 3.0L 6G72 V6 petrol (PA)
Value
Mitsubishi Pajero NA-NG / NH-NL (1st-2nd gen)
1983-2000 · 3.0L 6G72 V6 petrol
Value
Mitsubishi Triton ME / MF / MG / MH / MJ
1986-1996 · 3.0L 6G72 V6 petrol
Caution

From the FlamingCars guides for these cars. Specs are shown only where the guides agree and the value is verified.