Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Asx-Head gasket

2017 Mitsubishi ASX head gasket — what it is, why it matters, and when to act

Yes, the 2017 Mitsubishi ASX uses a head gasket. This is confirmed in Mitsubishi’s factory literature for the ASX/RVR/Outlander Sport platform — see the Mitsubishi Motors Service Manual (Engine – Cylinder Head section) and the 4B11/4B12 (2.0L petrol) and 4N14 (2.2L diesel) engine workshop manuals. Those manuals detail the cylinder head, multi-layer steel head gasket, and torque-to-yield head bolts, so it’s absolutely a fitted component on this model.

On the 2017 ASX, the head gasket sits between the cylinder head and engine block, sealing three critical pathways at once: combustion pressure in each cylinder, coolant channels, and engine oil galleries. It’s typically a multi-layer steel (MLS) design that copes with daily thermal cycling, pressure spikes, and the clamping load from the head bolts. When it’s healthy, the engine runs crisp, keeps its coolant and oil where they belong, and maintains good compression.

Owners won’t usually “service” a head gasket like a filter or belt, but smart maintenance protects it. Keeping the cooling system in top nick is the big one: stick with Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (the correct spec and mix), change it on schedule, and make sure the radiator, fans, cap, thermostat, and water pump are behaving. Overheating is the fastest way to shorten a gasket’s life. Under the bonnet, look out for early clues such as unexplained coolant loss, pressurised hoses when cold, white exhaust steam after warm-up, rough starts, or milky residue under the oil cap. Any of those warrant a proper pressure test and combustion-leak check.

If the gasket does need replacing, it’s a precision job. The cylinder head should be measured for flatness and, if needed, lightly resurfaced to the spec in the Mitsubishi manual. New torque-to-yield head bolts are a must, and the bolt tightening sequence and angle steps should be followed exactly. Good workshops will also fit a quality MLS gasket, renew the thermostat, check the timing chain guides (petrol 4B11), and bleed the cooling system carefully to prevent airlocks.

Quick fixes or sealants might get someone home, but they’re not a lasting solution for the ASX. A correct, by-the-book repair restores compression, keeps fluids separate, and lets the 2.0 petrol or 2.2 diesel get back to reliable, economical motoring.

• Use the correct coolant and replace it on time.
• Investigate any overheating, misfire, or coolant loss promptly.
• For replacement: machine checks, new TTY bolts, genuine-spec MLS gasket, and proper torque procedure.

Does the 2017 Mitsubishi ASX have a head gasket?

It does. Both the 2.0L petrol (4B11) and the 2.2L diesel (4N14) engines in the 2017 ASX use an MLS head gasket, as outlined in Mitsubishi’s service and engine workshop manuals covering the cylinder head and fastener procedures.

What are common signs of a head gasket issue on an ASX?

Watch for overheating, coolant loss with no visible leak, white exhaust steam when warm, rough cold starts or misfires, chocolate-milk-like oil, or hard upper radiator hoses when the engine’s cold. Any of these call for cooling-system and combustion-leak tests.

Can it be driven with a blown head gasket?

Best not. Continued driving risks major damage — warped head, contaminated bearings, catalytic converter harm, or full engine failure. If it must be moved, keep trips short and temperature closely watched, then organise a proper repair.