Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Radiator

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero Radiator

Yes, a radiator is absolutely fitted to the 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero. This is confirmed by the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Workshop Manual (1983–1991, Cooling System section), the Haynes Mitsubishi Pajero & Montero Repair Manual (1983–1996), and the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue, which lists multiple radiator assemblies, caps, and hoses for the 1987 model year across petrol and diesel engines. Trade catalogues from OEM suppliers like Denso and Adrad also catalogue direct-fit radiators for this model.

On a 1987 Pajero, the radiator is the heart of the cooling system, shedding heat from the engine coolant so the old bus can keep hauling on hot Aussie or Kiwi days, up the beach or through the back blocks. Coolant flows from the engine to the radiator, gets cooled by airflow and the fan, then cycles back in. That keeps temps stable, protects gaskets and alloy surfaces, and stops boil-overs when towing or crawling in low range.

Servicing the radiator on these older rigs is smart maintenance. A proper flush and refill every 2 years or around 40,000 km with the correct glycol-based coolant (mixed with demineralised water) helps prevent corrosion and scale. Under the bonnet, check for green crust around seams, staining on tanks, soft or cracked hoses, and a perished cap seal. Make sure the viscous fan clutch and shroud are intact, both matter hugely for airflow at low speed.

When replacing, choose a quality copper/brass or upgraded core that suits your climate and load. Auto models often run an in-tank transmission cooler—inspect the fittings and never mix ATF with coolant. It’s worth fitting new hoses, clamps, and a fresh 0.9 bar cap at the same time. After install, fill via the radiator (not just the overflow), set the heater to hot, and bleed patiently at idle until the thermostat opens and air is purged. A quick pressure test will confirm there are no leaks.

• Watch for creeping temps, sweet coolant smells, or steam after a hill climb.
• Keep fins clean—bugs, grass seeds, and mud kill airflow fast.
• If the coolant is rusty or milky, don’t just top up—flush and investigate.
• Pair the job with a new thermostat and a water pump check for long-haul reliability.

What coolant should be used and how much does it hold?

Use an ethylene-glycol coolant suitable for mixed-metal engines, mixed with demineralised water. Capacity varies by engine and radiator, typically in the 7–9 litre range. Always confirm for your specific engine (e.g., 4D56 diesel vs 4G54 petrol) and fill via the radiator while bleeding air with the heater on hot.

Older systems do best with regular 2-year changes, as conventional coolants don’t have the extended life of newer formulations. If unsure what’s in there, drain, flush, and start fresh.

How can someone tell if their 1987 Pajero radiator needs replacing?

Common clues are overheating under load, visible leaks or green crust at the seams, swollen or brittle hoses, and discoloured coolant. Repeated coolant loss with no obvious puddles can point to pinhole leaks or a weak cap. A pressure test will quickly reveal a tired core or tank seams starting to let go.

If it’s the original unit, upgrading to a new core or higher-capacity radiator is cheap insurance, especially for towing or outback travel.

Do automatic 1987 Pajeros use the radiator to cool the transmission?

Many auto-equipped models have an integrated transmission cooler in the radiator’s side tank. Keep those fittings sound and never cross-contaminate ATF and coolant. If you tow often or hit long sand tracks, consider a supplementary external trans cooler in addition to the in-tank unit for extra thermal margin.