Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Timing belt kit

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero timing-belt-kit — what applies and when

Based on technical references including the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1983–1991 Workshop Manual, Gates AU/NZ Timing Belt Guide, Dayco Product Finder, and Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogues, a timing-belt-kit is relevant to most 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero engines except the 2.6 litre 4G54 petrol, which uses a timing chain (with a separate balance shaft chain) rather than a belt. The 2.0 litre 4G63 petrol and the 2.3/2.5 litre 4D55/4D56 diesels are belt-driven and take a timing-belt-kit. For owners of the 2.6 4G54, a timing-belt-kit isn’t applicable because there’s no cam belt to replace.

For 1987 Pajeros fitted with a belt-driven engine, the timing-belt-kit keeps the camshaft and crankshaft perfectly in sync so the engine breathes as it should. On these classics, the kit is a smart, all-in-one way to refresh wear items in one go and dodge repeat labour under the bonnet.

A complete kit typically includes:

• Timing belt (and a balance shaft belt on 4D55/4D56 and many 4G63 variants)
• Tensioner and idler pulleys
• Recommended extras while you’re in there: water pump and cam/crank seals

Replacement timing is best done by kilometres or time, whichever arrives first. For Australia and New Zealand conditions, most professional schedules and belt manufacturers recommend around 100,000 km or 5 years for the main belt, with earlier change-outs (60,000–80,000 km) if the vehicle sees heavy towing, lots of dust, or big temperature swings. Always replace the balance shaft belt at the same time as the main cam belt on engines so equipped—if the small belt fails it can take the main belt with it.

Why bother? A fresh kit restores correct belt tension and tracking, quietens the front of the motor, and reduces the risk of a sudden belt failure. On interference engines, a broken belt can bend valves and ruin a good day, so preventative servicing is cheap insurance.

Good workshop practice for the 1987 Pajero is to fit quality branded components, confirm the engine code (4G63, 4D55/4D56, or 4G54), align all timing marks precisely, and hand-rotate the crank two full turns to recheck timing before first start. If coolant weep or pulley noise is present, bring the job forward rather than waiting for the next interval.

Technical references consulted: Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1983–1991 Workshop Manual, Gates AU/NZ Timing Belt Application Guide, Dayco Product Finder, Mitsubishi ASA Global Parts Catalogue.

Popular questions about 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero timing-belt-kit

How do I tell if my 1987 Pajero has a timing belt or a chain?
Check the engine code. The 2.6 litre 4G54 uses a timing chain (no timing-belt-kit). The 2.0 litre 4G63 petrol and the 2.3/2.5 litre 4D55/4D56 diesels use timing belts and do take a kit. The plastic front timing cover and scheduled belt replacement in the service book are further clues for belt engines.

What replacement interval suits Aussie and Kiwi conditions?
A practical target is every 100,000 km or 5 years for belt-equipped engines, whichever comes first. In dusty or hot regional use, or with frequent towing, many workshops recommend 60,000–80,000 km. Replace the balance shaft belt and tensioners at the same time.

Should the water pump be replaced with the timing belt?
It’s strongly recommended. The pump sits behind the belt, doing it with the kit saves repeat labour and reduces the risk of a weeping pump contaminating a fresh belt. Fit new seals if there’s any trace of oil around the cam or crank.