Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Manifold gasket

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero manifold gasket — purpose and servicing

Yes, a manifold gasket is absolutely used on the 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero. Factory literature and parts systems confirm it: the Mitsubishi Motors Factory Service Manual for first‑gen Pajero/Montero (1983–1991), the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue, and AU/NZ gasket catalogues from brands like Permaseal all list both intake and exhaust manifold gaskets for the common 1987 engines (2.5‑litre 4D56 diesel/turbo‑diesel, 2.6‑litre 4G54 petrol, and market‑dependent 3.0‑litre 6G72 V6). Those manuals specify gasket replacement whenever a manifold is removed and include torque sequences for refitting.

The manifold gaskets do a quiet but vital job. On the intake side, the gasket seals the manifold to the cylinder head so the engine doesn’t suck unmetered air. That keeps idle smooth, mixtures correct, and on turbo‑diesel 4D56T models, helps the turbo build proper boost. Some variants also pass coolant near the intake flange, so the gasket prevents cross‑leaks. On the exhaust side, the gasket contains hot gases, protects the head and manifold faces, and stops that tell‑tale ticking and chuffing under load that robs power and can let fumes into the cabin.

While they’re not a scheduled replacement item, they deserve attention during servicing—especially on older Pajeros that have seen hard touring or towing. Telltales include a hissing intake leak, a metallic tick from the exhaust on cold start, soot traces at the flange, a whiff of exhaust in the cabin, or sluggish turbo response on a 4D56T.

• Use quality gaskets matched to the engine