Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Fuel cap

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero fuel cap — purpose, care, and replacement

Based on technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1983–1991 workshop manual (Fuel System section), contemporary Mitsubishi owner’s handbooks for the 1987 model year, and OEM parts catalogues for first‑generation Pajero, this vehicle is designed with a sealing fuel‑filler cap. Australian Design Rules of the era (ADR 37/00 for petrol emissions control) also necessitated a sealed filler system. So yes, a fuel cap is fitted and relevant on the 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero.

On a 1987 Pajero, the fuel cap does more than plug the hole. It seals the tank to keep dust, water and road grime out, helps manage tank pressure via built‑in relief valves, and reduces petrol odours around the vehicle. For markets with evaporative emissions control, the cap forms part of a sealed system that routes vapours to a charcoal canister rather than the open air. Whether it’s the 2.6‑litre petrol or the diesel variant, a good cap protects the tank and keeps the Pajero compliant with local regs.

When servicing this Pajero, the fuel cap deserves a quick once‑over. A cap that doesn’t seal properly can cause strong fuel smells, a faint mist around the filler on rough tracks, or a dramatic “whoosh” when opening if the vent is sticking. Long term, a dud seal can let moisture in, leading to corrosion or microbial growth—especially in diesel tanks.

• Inspect the rubber gasket for cracks, flattening or hardening.
• Check the ratchet “clicks” when tightening, replace if it free‑spins or binds.
• Confirm the tether or lock (if fitted) works smoothly.
• Look for rust or damage on the filler neck lip that could compromise sealing.

Replacement is simple: choose an OEM‑equivalent pressure‑vacuum cap matched to the vehicle’s market and fuel type. Many 1987 petrol Pajeros use a non‑vented cap that relies on the EVAP system, avoid universal “vented” caps unless the vehicle was originally supplied without EVAP. Locking caps are fine as long as the seal and valve specs match the original. Fit by turning until the ratchet clicks several times—hand‑tight only.

As a rule of thumb, inspect the cap at each service or every 10,000 km. If there’s fuel odour after parking, the cap won’t click tight, or the gasket looks tired, it’s time to replace. It’s a cheap fix that saves headaches on long Kiwi or Aussie drives, from corrugated outback roads to salty coastal carparks.

Popular questions

What type of fuel cap fits a 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero?
An OEM‑style pressure‑vacuum cap is recommended. For petrol models in ADR/EVAP markets, use a non‑vented cap compatible with the charcoal canister system. Diesel models typically use a sealing cap with appropriate valve calibration. Choose lockable or non‑locking to taste, but match the original sealing spec.

How can someone tell the fuel cap needs replacing?
Look for a cracked or flattened gasket, a cap that won’t “click” tight, fuel odours around the rear quarter, or visible corrosion on the cap. Excessive vacuum or pressure “whoosh” when opening can also point to a sticking relief valve inside the cap.

Is it safe to drive without the fuel cap?
Not recommended. Without a cap, dust, water and fumes can move freely, increasing fire risk and the chance of contamination. Petrol models can lose volatile vapours quickly, diesel is less volatile but still vulnerable to contamination. Fit a proper cap before driving.