Parts for your 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero-Fuel pump

1997 Mitsubishi Pajero fuel pump — what it does and how to look after it

Yes, the 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero uses a fuel pump. On petrol V6 models (e.g., 6G72 3.0L and 6G74 3.5L), it’s an electric in-tank pump feeding the EFI rail. On the 2.8L 4M40 turbo-diesel, fuel delivery is handled by a Bosch/Zexel VE-type rotary injection pump with an integral low-pressure (transfer) stage and a hand primer on the filter head, rather than an electric in-tank lift pump. This setup is documented in Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 1997 Workshop Manual (Group 13A Fuel—Petrol and Group 13B Diesel Fuel System), the Mitsubishi 4M40 Engine Workshop Manual, and the Haynes Montero/Pajero 1992–99 manual.

For petrol Pajeros, the in-tank electric pump’s job is simple but critical: pull fuel through the strainer, pressurise it to roughly EFI spec, and keep the rail supplied under all driving conditions. For the diesel 4M40, the VE injection pump precisely meters and pressurises fuel for each injector while its internal transfer stage draws fuel from the tank—no need for a separate electric pump.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to care for the pump by looking after what feeds it. Fresh, clean fuel and an on-time filter change help the pump live a long life. If the vehicle sits for ages, stale fuel can varnish the pump or gum the strainer, so try to keep the tank topped with quality fuel and run it regularly.

• Petrol models: listen for the brief prime “whirr” at key-on