If you’re looking for a Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale, your Pajero, Delica or Canter is probably sitting still. Maybe it overheated on a long hill and now it’s pushing coolant out of the overflow. Maybe it’s smoking, knocking or just lost so much compression it won’t start on a cold morning. These engines are old now, and a lot of them have done huge distances. The good news is that the trucks they sit in are usually worth keeping, and a good replacement engine brings them straight back to work.
We’re NJ Global Auto Parts. We sell used and rebuilt engines and ship them all over the world, and the 4M40 is one of the older diesels we still get asked about every week. This page is what we’d tell you if you rang us about a Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale: what the engine is, the full specs, which vehicles take it, what we check, what goes wrong, what it costs, how shipping works and what your mechanic should do on the day it goes in.
No fluff. Just what matters before you spend your money.
What You’re Buying With a Mitsubishi 4M40 Engine for Sale
The 4M40 is Mitsubishi’s 2.8 litre four cylinder diesel from the 1990s. Most of them are turbocharged, and you’ll often see them called the 4M40T. It’s a simple, heavy, cast iron engine with a single overhead cam, two valves per cylinder and indirect injection. There’s no common rail, no complicated electronics on most versions and nothing fancy to go wrong. That’s a big part of why people still want one.
It was built to pull. Torque comes in low, it idles all day without complaining and it will drag a loaded Pajero through mud and sand for years if you keep it cool. The weak spot is heat, and we’ll get to that, but a healthy 4M40 is a very reliable engine. That’s why buyers keep searching for a Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale rather than converting to something else.
If you want the background on the whole family, the Mitsubishi 4M4 engine page covers the 4M40 and its bigger brother, the 4M41. For buying, though, the engine number on your block and your chassis code tell you far more.
Mitsubishi 4M40 Engine for Sale: Full Specifications
These are the figures buyers and mechanics ask for most when they enquire about a Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale. Output varied by year, market and whether the engine had an intercooler, so treat these as close guides.
| Engine code | 4M40 / 4M40T |
| Layout | Inline 4 cylinder diesel |
| Displacement | 2,835 cc (2.8 litres) |
| Bore x stroke | 95 mm x 100 mm |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, 8 valves (2 per cylinder) |
| Compression ratio | Around 21:1 |
| Fuel system | Indirect injection, rotary injection pump (electronically controlled on some late engines) |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged, with or without intercooler depending on model |
| Power | Around 85 to 92 kW (115 to 125 PS) on most versions |
| Torque | Around 274 to 294 Nm at about 2,000 rpm |
| Block | Cast iron |
| Cylinder head | Aluminium |
| Cam drive | Timing chain |
| Production | Early 1990s to around 2000 in most markets |
Those numbers don’t sound big next to a modern diesel, but they don’t tell you how the engine feels. It’s a lugger. It pulls from just off idle and doesn’t mind working hard at low revs, which is exactly what you want off-road or towing.
Which Vehicles Take the 4M40
The 4M40 went into a handful of Mitsubishi models. The common ones are:
- Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero / Shogun, second generation (V2#, V4#), roughly 1993 to 1999
- Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear and L400 diesel in some markets
- Mitsubishi Pajero Sport / Challenger / Montero Sport, early versions in certain markets
- Mitsubishi Fuso Canter, some light-truck versions
You can read more about the truck most people own on the Mitsubishi Pajero page.
Sumps, mounts, turbo plumbing and pumps can differ between these vehicles. When you ask us about a Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale, give us your chassis code or VIN, and tell us whether your engine has an intercooler and a mechanical or electronic pump. That saves a lot of back and forth.
Mechanical Pump or Electronic Pump?
This catches people out. Most 4M40 engines use a mechanical rotary injection pump. Some later engines, especially late second generation Pajeros, have an electronically controlled pump with its own computer and sensors.
The two are not swap-and-go. An electronic engine needs its ECU and wiring. A mechanical engine doesn’t. If you’re replacing like with like, it’s easy. If you want to put a mechanical engine into a truck that had an electronic one, or the other way around, it can be done, but plan the throttle, wiring and gauges first.
Many owners actually prefer the mechanical version because it’s simpler to fix in remote places. If that’s what you want, tell us and we’ll find a mechanical Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale to match.
Used, Rebuilt or Long Block: Which One Do You Need?
There are three ways to buy a Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale, and each suits a different buyer.
Used engine
A used engine comes out of a running vehicle, usually a Japanese import. It’s the cheapest way to get moving again. We test it before it leaves, but it still has original internals. It suits buyers who want value and are happy to change seals and service parts during fitting.
Rebuilt engine
A rebuilt 4M40 has been stripped, measured and put back together with new bearings, rings, gaskets and seals, plus a checked or reconditioned head. Since cracked heads are the classic 4M40 problem, a rebuilt engine with a pressure-tested head is a smart buy if the truck is a keeper.
Long block or complete
A long block is the block, crank, pistons and head. A complete engine includes more bolt-on parts like the injection pump, turbo and manifolds. If your old pump and turbo are healthy, a long block saves money. If you’re not sure, go complete. Our guide on rebuilt vs used engines explains more.
7 Checks We Make on Every Mitsubishi 4M40 Engine for Sale
- Compression test on all four cylinders. We want strong, even readings. One low cylinder is a red flag.
- Head check. We look for signs of overheating, coolant in the oil and pressure in the cooling system.
- Oil condition. Milky oil, metal or a burnt smell all tell a story.
- Turbo shaft play. Too much movement or oil in the intake means the turbo needs work.
- Timing chain noise and tensioner. A rattle at start-up can mean a tired tensioner.
- External leaks. Rear main, sump, rocker cover and around the injection pump.
- Engine number and photos. You see the actual engine and its number before you pay.
If an engine fails any of these, we don’t list it as a Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale. Simple as that.
Common 4M40 Problems Worth Knowing About
Cracked cylinder head and overheating
This is the big one. The 4M40 doesn’t like heat. Run it hot, especially towing in summer, and the head can crack. Signs are white smoke, coolant loss with no visible leak, bubbles in the radiator and pressure in the top hose. A good radiator, a working fan clutch and an aftermarket temperature gauge are worth every cent.
Head gasket failure
Often goes hand in hand with overheating. If the head has been hot enough to blow the gasket, check it for cracks before refitting.
Timing chain tensioner
Tensioners wear and the chain can get noisy. Catch it early and it’s a simple repair.
Injection pump wear
High-mileage pumps can lose power, leak or make starting hard. On electronic pumps, sensor and wiring faults show up too.
Turbo and intercooler leaks
Split hoses and worn turbo seals cut power and raise exhaust temperature, which makes heat problems worse.
For a related engine with similar habits, see our Mitsubishi 4D56 turbo engine guide.
How to Tell Your Old Engine Is Done
Before you start shopping for a Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale, make sure the old one really is finished. Not every sick engine needs replacing. These signs usually mean it’s time:
- Low compression on two or more cylinders
- Heavy blow-by from the breather
- Knocking from the bottom end
- Coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant
- A cracked head and a worn block at the same time
- Repeated overheating even after a new gasket
If two or more are true, rebuilding your old engine can easily cost more than a good replacement. Get both quotes before you decide.
What Comes With a Mitsubishi 4M40 Engine for Sale From Us
- Photos and the engine number of the actual engine
- Compression results
- A clear list of what’s attached and what isn’t
- Mileage information where we have it
- Written warranty terms
- Secure crating or palletising for shipping
You can also go straight to our product page for the Mitsubishi 4M40 engine and request a quote there.
Questions to Ask Before You Pay
- Can I see photos of this exact engine? With the engine number visible.
- What were the compression readings? All four numbers.
- Has the head been checked or pressure tested? On a 4M40, this matters more than anything.
- Mechanical or electronic pump?
- Is the turbo included, and with or without intercooler pipework?
- What does the warranty cover?
- How will it be packed and shipped?
Anyone selling a Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale online should answer every one of these without fuss.
A Quick Word for Workshops and Fleet Buyers
A lot of our 4M40 orders come from workshops, tour operators, farms and aid groups still running fleets of old Pajeros and Delicas. If that’s you, tell us how many engines you need and how often. We can watch for good units, keep the specs consistent across your fleet and ship several together to cut freight. Workshops that buy a Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale from us regularly also get faster quotes because we already know their spec and delivery point.
Japanese Import Engines: What the Kilometres Really Mean
A lot of 4M40 engines on the market come out of Japanese vehicles. People often assume they’ve done very low kilometres because Japanese roadworthy rules push cars off the road early. Sometimes that’s true. But a 4M40 is now 25 to 30 years old, and plenty of them did hard work in delivery vans, farm trucks and rental fleets before they were exported.
That’s why we don’t sell on claimed kilometres alone. Compression, oil condition, head condition and leaks tell you more than a number on a sticker. When we describe a Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale, we tell you what we know and what we don’t. If we have the donor vehicle’s history, we say so. If we don’t, we say that too.
Even a good low-kilometre engine of this age will need seals and service parts. Budget for them and you won’t be caught out.
Where to Find Your Engine Number
On most 4M40 engines the engine number is stamped on the block on the driver’s side, near the front, below the injection pump area. It starts with 4M40 followed by a serial. It’s often covered in grime, so a wire brush and a torch help. A clear photo of it helps us match the right Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale to your truck.
Running Costs After the Swap
A healthy replacement 4M40 resets a lot of the costs that pile up around a tired one. Fuel use usually drops, because an engine with low compression and a weak pump burns more. Oil top-ups stop. Starting is easier in the cold. Most importantly, you stop worrying about the next long trip.
Spend a little extra while the engine is out on mounts, hoses, the water pump and the fan clutch. They’re cheap now and a pain later.
How Much Does a Mitsubishi 4M40 Engine for Sale Cost?
Prices move with supply and condition, so we don’t post fixed numbers. What decides the price:
- Used or rebuilt. A rebuilt engine with a checked head costs more but removes the biggest risk.
- Complete or long block. The pump and turbo add value.
- Mechanical or electronic pump.
- Mileage and history.
- Shipping destination.
A good used 4M40 is still cheaper than rebuilding a badly damaged one, and far cheaper than replacing the truck. Send us your details and we’ll quote a Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale, delivered.
Shipping a Mitsubishi 4M40 Engine for Sale Worldwide
We ship engines to North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. Every Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale we send is drained, sealed, strapped to a pallet or crated, and labelled. Most buyers choose sea freight to the nearest port because it costs less. Air freight is there when time matters more.
Import duty and local taxes depend on your country. The World Customs Organization has general background on how parts are classified, but your local broker will give you the real figures. Our shipping policy covers the rest.
Fitting Advice for Your Mechanic
- Fix the cooling system first. Radiator, fan clutch, thermostat, hoses and cap. A new engine in an old cooling system is how the next head cracks.
- Replace the rear main seal and front crank seal while they’re easy to reach.
- Check the timing chain tensioner and listen for rattle on first start.
- Flush the intercooler and pipes if fitted. Old oil and debris can damage a fresh turbo.
- Prime the oil system before the first start.
- Fit new fuel filters and bleed the system properly.
- Check boost hoses and clamps before the test drive.
- Fit a proper temperature gauge if the truck doesn’t have one.
Keeping Your New 4M40 Healthy
Buying a Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale is only half the job. A few habits make it last:
- Watch the temperature gauge. Back off when it climbs, especially towing.
- Change the oil on time with a good diesel-rated oil.
- Let it idle for a minute after a hard run so the turbo cools down.
- Keep the air filter clean, especially on dusty roads.
- Change the coolant regularly. Old coolant doesn’t protect the head.
- Buy fuel from busy stations and change fuel filters often.
Most 4M40 failures we see come from overheating, not from the engine wearing out. Keep it cool and it’ll keep going. If you drive in hot country or tow often, a bigger radiator and an engine oil cooler check are money well spent. Some owners also fit an EGT gauge so they can see when the engine is working too hard and ease off before damage is done.
4M40 vs 4M41: Can You Upgrade?
The 4M41 is the 3.2 litre common rail diesel that replaced the 4M40 in the third generation Pajero. It makes more power and torque, but it’s a different engine with different electronics, mounts and fuel system. Swapping a 4M41 into a second generation Pajero is possible but involved. For most owners, the sensible fix is another 4M40.
If you’re looking at bigger Mitsubishi diesels for trucks, our guides to the Mitsubishi 4M50 and Mitsubishi 4M51 are worth a look.
How to Order a Mitsubishi 4M40 Engine for Sale
- Send us your chassis code or VIN, pump type and delivery country through our contact page.
- We match you to a Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale that suits your vehicle and send photos, the engine number and a delivered quote.
- You confirm and pay following our billing terms.
- We crate the engine and send tracking details.
- Your mechanic fits it using the advice above.
More Mitsubishi Engines From NJ Global Auto Parts
Browse our full range of Mitsubishi engines or the whole used engine catalogue. A few related engines:
- Mitsubishi 4D56 turbo engine
- Mitsubishi 6G74 V6 engine
- Mitsubishi 4M50 engine
- Mitsubishi 4M51 engine
- 4M40T turbo diesel engine guide
Why Buy From Us
We know what 4M40 buyers worry about: getting an engine with a cracked head, getting the wrong pump type and paying for something that never arrives. So you see the actual engine, get its number and compression figures, a written warranty and tracked shipping. If something isn’t right, you speak to a real person. Read more about us or check our refund and returns policy.
When you’re comparing every Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale you can find, look at what’s included and how the head was checked, not just the headline price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 4M40 a reliable engine?
Yes, if it’s kept cool. Most failures come from overheating. A well looked after 4M40 can go a very long way.
Is the 4M40 an interference engine?
It uses a timing chain rather than a belt, so sudden failure is less common. Still, a badly worn chain or tensioner can cause serious damage, so don’t ignore rattles.
Do you ship a Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale to my country?
Almost certainly. We ship worldwide by sea and air. Send us your location for a quote.
Will a Canter 4M40 fit my Pajero?
The core engine is similar, but sumps, mounts and accessories may differ. Ask us before you buy.
Does the engine come with a warranty?
Yes. Terms depend on whether it’s used or rebuilt, and we put them in writing before you pay.
How long does shipping take?
It depends on your country and whether you choose sea or air freight. We give you an estimate with every Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale quote and send tracking once it ships.
Can I fit an intercooled engine to a truck that didn’t have one?
Yes, but you’ll need the intercooler, pipework and somewhere to mount it. It’s a worthwhile upgrade if you tow, because cooler intake air helps keep exhaust and engine temperatures down.
Can I buy just the head?
Sometimes. Ask us. But if the block has also been hot, a complete engine is usually the better buy.
Get Your Mitsubishi 4M40 Engine for Sale Quote Today
Every week your truck sits costs you. Send us your chassis code, pump type and country, and we’ll come back with photos, the engine number and a delivered price on a Mitsubishi 4M40 engine for sale that fits. Contact us here or browse the shop.