Parts for your 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse cross-Exhaust gasket

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross exhaust gasket: what it does and when to replace it

Referencing the Mitsubishi Motors Electronic Parts Catalogue (ASA) for GK/GL Eclipse Cross (2018–), the official Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Workshop Manual (Group 15 – Exhaust), and common aftermarket catalogues (e.g., Walker/Bosal and Victor Reinz), the 2018 Eclipse Cross is fitted with exhaust gaskets. The catalogues and diagrams show sealing gaskets at key joints: a multi-layer steel gasket at the turbo/manifold-to-cylinder head, a conical “donut” ring at the front pipe, and flat flange gaskets further downstream near the centre and rear mufflers.

The exhaust gasket on the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is there to keep hot exhaust gases where they belong, maintain correct oxygen sensor readings, and stop fumes and noise from sneaking out under the car. On the 1.5L turbo model, heat cycles, vibration, and coastal corrosion can slowly harden or crush these seals, especially the donut ring at the front pipe and any flanged joints toward the rear.

Owners will usually notice a light ticking or chuffing on cold start if a gasket is leaking, a whiff of exhaust around the car, a dusting of black soot near a flange, or even fuel economy and performance going a bit off-song as the sensors read funny. Left too long, a small leak can get louder, throw a fault code, or let fumes into the cabin, which is never on.

As part of routine servicing, it makes sense to have a quick look under the Eclipse Cross for soot marks, loose spring bolts, and perished hangers. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, a check every 20,000–30,000 kilometres (or whenever tyres and brakes are off and the car’s up in the air) is a tidy habit. There’s no fixed replacement interval, gaskets are typically renewed when the exhaust is disturbed or if a leak is found.

When replacing:

• Always fit new gaskets and any specified spring bolts or nuts when a joint is opened.
• Clean the mating faces back to bright metal, don’t use sealants on turbo/manifold joints unless the workshop manual calls for it.
• Tighten evenly to the workshop torque spec, working from the centre out on multi-bolt flanges.
• If removing O2 sensors, use the correct socket and a high-temp anti-seize on the threads only, not on gasket faces.

For peace of mind, genuine-spec gaskets sized to the VIN are the go, because the turbo outlet and flange designs can vary. A well-sealed system keeps the Eclipse Cross quiet, efficient, and compliant with emissions—exactly how it rolled out of the factory.

FAQs

Does the 2018 Eclipse Cross use an exhaust manifold gasket or is it all one piece?
The 1.5L turbo Eclipse Cross uses a turbo/manifold assembly that seals to the cylinder head with a dedicated multi-layer steel gasket, and it also uses gasketed joints downstream (such as a donut ring at the front pipe). Exact gasket types can vary by VIN and market spec, which is why parts catalogues list multiple gasket positions for this model.

How often should the exhaust gaskets be replaced?
There isn’t a set interval. Gaskets are replaced when a joint is opened during repairs or when a leak is found. A quick inspection every service is smart—look for soot marks, a ticking sound on cold start, or any whiff of exhaust. In coastal AU/NZ areas, corrosion can nudge earlier replacement.

Can high-temp sealant be used instead of a proper exhaust gasket?
Not on turbo/manifold or donut-ring joints. The Eclipse Cross relies on formed metal gaskets and specific spring-bolt clamping to seal correctly. Sealant can interfere with fit-up, burn out, or contaminate sensors. Only use sealants where the workshop manual explicitly allows it for a given joint.