1998 MITSUBISHI PAJERO MINI

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: loud ticking or tapping at idle that worsens when hot, rough cold starts, loss of power under boost, check engine light with misfire codes

Fix: Lifters fail due to marginal oil flow in the tiny 4A30T. Full fix requires head removal, lifter replacement (all 12), and camshaft inspection—often the cam lobes show pitting. Budget 8-10 hours labor for head R&R, lifter swap, and valve adjustment. If cam needs replacement, add 2 hours and parts cost doubles.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,400

Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: white smoke from exhaust on startup, coolant loss with no visible leaks, oil milkshake on dipstick, overheating in traffic or climbing grades

Fix: The turbo kei engines run hot and the cooling system is undersized. Head gaskets blow between cylinders or into the water jacket. Requires head removal, resurfacing (almost always warped 0.003-0.008 inches), new gasket set, and timing belt while you're in there. 10-12 hours labor. Test compression and consider valve stem seals if mileage is high.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: pink or milky ATF on dipstick, transmission slipping or delayed engagement, visible ATF leaks under engine bay near radiator, overheating transmission on highway runs

Fix: The small auxiliary oil cooler lines rust through or the internal radiator cooler leaks, mixing coolant into ATF. Replacement involves new lines, external cooler (if not already installed), and complete fluid flush—sometimes multiple flushes. If caught early, 3-4 hours labor. If contamination damaged clutches, expect transmission rebuild or replacement.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200 (lines/cooler only), $2,500-4,000 (if rebuild needed)

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: vibration at idle that smooths out at higher RPM, squealing or chirping from accessory belt area, visible wobble on crank pulley, timing marks misaligned

Fix: The rubber damper ring separates from the pulley hub, causing harmonic imbalance that can damage the crank snout or timing components. Replace balancer and inspect crank keyway for damage. 2-3 hours labor, straightforward bolt-on but timing must be verified afterward.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi

Symptoms: blue smoke on acceleration, high-pitched whine or grinding under boost, loss of turbo pressure, oil consumption over 1 quart per 1,000 miles

Fix: Small oil feed line clogs or the turbo bearings starve due to infrequent oil changes. Rebuild or replace turbo, clean oil feed/return lines, replace banjo bolt filters. If owner neglected oil changes, inspect oil pump pickup screen. 4-6 hours labor for turbo swap, plus cleaning ancillaries.

Estimated cost: $800-1,600

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: clunking when shifting from park to drive, excessive engine movement visible from engine bay, vibration through shifter or floor at idle, misaligned shift linkage feel

Fix: The rubber transmission mount degrades quickly due to heat from the tight engine bay. Simple replacement, 1-2 hours labor. Often done alongside engine mounts if all are original. Check for contact between exhaust and body while mount is collapsed.

Estimated cost: $200-400