Parts for your 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero-Exhaust gasket

2001 Mitsubishi Pajero exhaust gasket: what it does and when to replace it

Based on technical references, the 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero (V60/V70 series) does use exhaust gaskets. The Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero 2001–2006 Workshop Manual (Engine and Exhaust System sections) specifies exhaust manifold gaskets between the cylinder head and manifold, as well as flange and ring (donut) gaskets at the manifold-to-front pipe and other joints. Mitsubishi’s ASA Electronic Parts Catalogue for the 6G74 petrol V6 and 4M41 3.2 Di‑D diesel likewise lists multiple exhaust gaskets for this model, confirming they’re fitted and serviceable items.

On a 2001 Pajero, the exhaust gasket’s job is simple but crucial: it seals hot gases as they leave the engine, preventing leaks at the manifold and across the exhaust joints. That tight seal helps keep the engine quiet, maintains correct oxygen sensor readings for proper fuelling, and protects nearby components from heat and fumes. When a gasket gets tired, it can cause a sharp ticking on cold start, a sooty trace around a flange, or that unmistakable exhaust whiff under the bonnet or near the floorpan.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to check for leaks around the manifold and flanges. Look for black carbon marks, listen for a ticking that speeds up with revs, and keep an eye on fuel use if it suddenly worsens. Any time the exhaust is pulled apart—say, to swap a muffler, front pipe, turbo (on diesel), or to access the clutch or gearbox—fresh gaskets should go in. Reusing crushed or heat-cycled gaskets is false economy, they often won’t reseal once disturbed.

• Manifold joints: Use new manifold gaskets and follow the factory tightening pattern and torque, working from the centre out on a stone-cold engine.
• Flange and donut joints: Replace ring and flat gaskets when separating pipes. Check studs and springs, replace if corroded or weak.
• After fitting: Run the engine, check for any ticking or hiss, and inspect for soot tracks after a few heat cycles.

If there’s a persistent leak, don’t ignore it. Apart from the noise, leaks can skew oxygen sensor data, stress the catalytic converter on petrol models, and let fumes creep into the cabin. A fresh set of quality gaskets and correctly torqued fasteners usually sorts it, keeping the Pajero pulling cleanly and quietly for many more kilometres.

Popular questions about 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero exhaust gaskets

Where are the exhaust gaskets located on a 2001 Pajero?
They’re at the cylinder head-to-exhaust manifold interface, and at the pipe joints downstream—typically the manifold-to-front pipe (often a donut gasket), catalytic converter flanges (petrol), and various muffler/resonator flanges. Each joint that bolts together will generally have a sealing gasket.

What are the signs of a blown exhaust gasket on this model?
Common clues include a ticking or puffing sound on cold start that lessens as it warms up, a faint exhaust smell near the engine bay or beneath the cabin, sooty deposits around a flange, and sometimes a drop in fuel economy. On petrol models, a pre-cat leak can trigger poor sensor readings and rougher running.

Can it be driven with a leaking exhaust gasket?
It might still drive, but it’s not ideal. Exhaust leaks can allow fumes into the cabin, increase noise, and on petrol versions upset oxygen sensor feedback, which can harm the catalytic converter over time. Best bet: schedule a repair and replace the affected gasket and any tired studs or springs.