Parts for your 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero-Manifold gasket

2000 Mitsubishi Pajero manifold gasket — what it does and when to replace it

Yes, a manifold gasket is absolutely used on the 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero. Factory technical literature such as the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero NM–NP Workshop Manual (2000–2006) lists intake and exhaust manifold gaskets for both the 6G74 V6 petrol and 4M41 3.2 DI‑D diesel engines, and the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue shows these gaskets as serviceable items. Independent manuals (e.g., Gregory’s/Haynes for Pajero/Montero) also cover inspection and replacement procedures.

The manifold gasket’s job is simple but vital: it seals the join between the manifold and the cylinder head. On the intake side it keeps unmetered air out, so the engine doesn’t run lean, idle rough, or throw engine light codes. On the exhaust side it keeps hot gases in the runners, preventing that cold-start “tick”, loss of torque, soot staining, and fumes in the cabin. On 4M41 diesels, EGR-related soot and heat cycling can stress both the gasket and studs, on 6G74 V6s, age, heat, and prior disassembly are common triggers for leaks.

There’s no fixed kilometre interval for manifold gasket replacement on a 2000 Pajero, but it’s smart to:

• Replace the gasket any time the manifold is removed.
• Inspect for leaks at each major service, especially after overheating, heavy towing, or beach work.
• Check for ticking on cold starts, exhaust smell under the bonnet, hissing, high fuel use, or idle issues.

When fitting, clean both mating faces until they’re spotless, check manifold flatness with a straightedge, and replace any tired studs or distorted washers. Use a quality OEM‑equivalent gasket (multi‑layer steel or graphite/steel as specified), follow the factory tightening sequence from the centre out, and torque to the spec listed in the workshop manual. Don’t use RTV on exhaust flanges, on intake joins, only use sealant if the manual explicitly calls for it. After a heat cycle, recheck fasteners if the manual recommends.

Good practice on these Pajeros is to pair an intake manifold gasket with any EGR/intake clean, and to renew exhaust gaskets when chasing a tick or swapping a manifold. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions—salt air, corrugations, and dust—keeping hardware fresh and surfaces clean is cheap insurance for smooth running and tidy emissions.

Popular questions

Does the 2000 Pajero have both intake and exhaust manifold gaskets?
It does. Both the petrol 6G74 and diesel 4M41 engines use dedicated intake and exhaust manifold gaskets, listed in the Mitsubishi workshop manual and parts catalogue. They’re serviceable items and should be renewed whenever the respective manifold is removed.

What are the signs of a failing manifold gasket on a 2000 Pajero?
Common clues include a ticking sound on cold start (exhaust), soot marks around the flange, exhaust smell under the bonnet, rough idle or lean codes (intake), and higher fuel use. Visual checks and a smoke test or soapy-water test (intake) help confirm a leak.

Should the gasket be replaced every time the manifold comes off?
Yes—best practice is to fit a new gasket each time. Clean mating faces, follow the factory torque sequence and spec, and renew any fatigued studs or nuts to avoid warping or repeat leaks.