Parts for your 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Head gasket

2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross head gasket: what it does and when to sort it

Yes, the 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross uses a head gasket. This is confirmed in Mitsubishi Motors’ workshop information for the Eclipse Cross (GK/GL platform) under Engine Mechanical—Cylinder Head sections, which detail cylinder head removal and gasket replacement procedures, and in the Mitsubishi ASA electronic parts catalogue listing for the 4B40 1.5L MIVEC turbo and market-specific 2.2L diesel, both showing a dedicated cylinder head gasket. Mitsubishi technical training materials for the 4B40 also describe an alloy head and block sealed by a multi-layer steel (MLS) gasket.

On the 2017 Eclipse Cross, the head gasket sits sandwiched between the cylinder head and engine block. Its job is to keep high-compression combustion sealed in the cylinders while also keeping engine oil and coolant in their own passages without mixing. Given the Eclipse Cross’s direct-injected 1.5-litre turbo petrol (and some markets’ 2.2 diesel), the gasket has to cope with decent cylinder pressures and heat, which is why Mitsubishi specifies an MLS-style gasket and torque-to-yield head bolts.

It’s not a routine “service item” like oil or filters, but it benefits from good servicing habits. Keeping the cooling system healthy—fresh coolant to the logbook schedule, a clean radiator, and a thermostat and water pump that do their job—helps protect the gasket from thermal stress. Using the correct coolant type and a quality oil of the specified grade matters as well, especially in Aussie and Kiwi conditions with big temperature swings and long highway stints.

If replacement is ever needed, it’s a heads-off job and best left to a workshop that follows Mitsubishi’s torque sequence and angle specs. Expect new head bolts, gasket surfaces checked and cleaned properly, and a cooling system bleed. While they’re in there, many shops will assess the water pump, timing components, and spark plugs or injectors (as applicable) to avoid doing the labour twice.

• Watch for tell-tales: unexplained coolant loss, sweet-smelling white exhaust on warm-up, overheating, pressurised hoses when cold, milky oil, or a rough cold start.
• Don’t ignore a creeping temp gauge—overheating is the quickest way to stress an MLS gasket.
• Stick to factory coolant and service intervals, scan for misfires and keep the turbo breathing clean with timely air filter changes.

Technical sources referenced: Mitsubishi Motors Eclipse Cross Workshop Manual (GK/GL) – Engine Mechanical (Cylinder Head/Gasket procedures), Mitsubishi ASA Electronic Parts Catalogue – Cylinder Head Gasket listings for 4B40/2.2D, Mitsubishi 4B40 Engine Technical Description and Training materials.

Q: What are common signs of a blown head gasket on a 2017 Eclipse Cross?

Look for coolant disappearing with no obvious leak, white vapour from the exhaust after warm-up, overheating, bubbles in the overflow tank, oil that looks milky, or misfires on cold start. A cooling system pressure test and a combustion leak (“block”) test can quickly narrow it down.

Q: Can a sealer fix the head gasket on an Eclipse Cross?

Sealants are a temporary bandaid at best and can clog radiators and heater cores. For a lasting repair on the 1.5T or 2.2D, proper diagnosis and a heads-off gasket replacement with new head bolts to Mitsubishi specs is the right way to go.

Q: How much does head gasket replacement cost in Australia or NZ?

It varies with engine, damage, and workshop rates, but a typical range is in the low-to-mid thousands (AUD/NZD) including parts, machining if required, and around 10–16 hours of labour. Get an itemised quote that includes head bolts, fluids, and machining checks.