Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Head gasket

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero Head Gasket — Purpose, Fitment, and Service Advice

Yes, a head gasket is absolutely used on the 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero. Technical sources including the Mitsubishi factory service manual for the first‑gen Pajero (L040 series), the Mitsubishi 4G54 (2.6L petrol) and 4D55/4D56 (2.3/2.5L diesel) engine workshop manuals, and reputable gasket catalogues from OEM and aftermarket suppliers list a cylinder head gasket for all these engines. That makes the head gasket relevant for every 1987 Pajero variant sold across Australia and New Zealand.

On this model, the head gasket sits between the engine block and the alloy head, sealing combustion pressures while keeping coolant and oil in their own passages. It’s the unsung hero that lets the old girl tow the boat, crawl fire trails, and knock over big kilometres without mixing oil with coolant or losing compression.

Because these engines are now classics, keeping the cooling system spot‑on is the best way to protect the head gasket—and the head itself. Overheating is the number one killer, especially on turbo‑diesel 4D56s. A healthy radiator, correct thermostat, proper coolant mix (typically 50/50 ethylene glycol with corrosion inhibitors), and a good cap are non‑negotiable.

If a replacement is on the cards, the mechanic should follow the FSM torque sequence and specs to the letter. Clean mating faces, check head and block for flatness, and use new head bolts if specified (some builds are stretch‑type). Composite gaskets were common in period