Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Camshaft sensor

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero camshaft sensor — is it actually there?

Short answer: no, a separate camshaft position sensor isn’t used on a 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero. First‑generation Pajeros (L040 series) of that era ran old‑school systems that didn’t need a standalone cam sensor. Petrol models such as the 2.6‑litre 4G54 used a mechanical distributor for spark timing, and the diesels (4D55/4D56) used mechanically governed injection pumps. There’s no ECU demanding a cam phase signal for sequential injection or coil‑on‑plug ignition, so there’s nothing for a camshaft sensor to do.

Technical sources that detail this setup include the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual (1983–1991, Engine Electrical—Ignition), the Mitsubishi 4G54 engine workshop manual, the Mitsubishi 4D55/4D56 diesel engine service manuals (Fuel and Timing sections), and the Haynes Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1983–1996 Repair Manual. These all show distributor‑based ignition on petrol variants and fully mechanical diesel control, with no separate camshaft position sensor component or wiring.

What sometimes causes confusion is the magnetic pickup or Hall sensor inside the distributor on petrol models. It’s driven by the camshaft and provides an ignition trigger, but it’s part of the distributor assembly, not a standalone camshaft position sensor like you’d find on later EFI engines. Online listings can label that pickup as a “cam sensor”, but the factory documentation treats it as the distributor pickup/ignition trigger.

Why the 1987 Pajero doesn’t use a camshaft sensor:

• Distributor ignition handles spark timing without needing a cam phase input to an ECU.
• Carburettor (petrol) or mechanical injection pump (diesel) means no sequential fuel injection to time by cam position.
• Simpler engine management: fewer sensors, more mechanical control.

If someone’s chasing a “cam sensor” fault on a 1987 Pajero, they’ll have better luck checking the actual culprits for this generation:

• Distributor condition (pickup/igniter module, cap, rotor, shaft play) on petrol models.
• Base ignition timing and timing belt condition/alignment.
• For diesels, injection pump timing and glow system performance.
• Engine grounds, coil/ignition leads, and any retrofitted aftermarket ECU wiring if the vehicle’s been modified.

As part of regular servicing, it’s worth inspecting the distributor internals, verifying timing marks under the bonnet, and replacing the timing belt and tensioners at sensible intervals—especially if history’s unknown. That’ll keep the old Paj ticking along nicely without chasing a sensor it never had.

Does a 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero have a camshaft position sensor?

No. The 1987 model uses a distributor (petrol) or a mechanical diesel pump, so there’s no separate camshaft position sensor fitted. Factory manuals for the 1983–1991 Pajero/Montero show no CMP sensor or related wiring on these engines.

Why do some parts sites list a camshaft sensor for my 1987 Pajero?

Because the distributor’s internal pickup is sometimes mislabeled as a “cam sensor”. It’s actually part of the distributor assembly and isn’t a standalone camshaft position sensor like later EFI setups. Always cross‑check against the factory service manual when ordering.

What should be checked instead when there’s a misfire or no‑start?

On petrol models: inspect the distributor pickup/igniter, cap, rotor, coil, leads, engine grounds, and verify base timing and timing belt alignment. On diesels: confirm pump timing and glow circuits. If an aftermarket ECU has been fitted, confirm how it’s sensing engine position and whether any retrofit crank/cam triggers were installed.