The Mitsubishi 4G36 is a 1,597 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1978 and 1992. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8 valves, and initially used a carburettor before adopting throttle — body injection in later variants. In standard form it delivered 55–72 kW (75–98 PS) with torque between 118–135 Nm, offering responsive low‑end performance for compact sedans and hatchbacks.
Fitted to models such as the Lancer (A172/A174), M…
Production years 1978–1985 meet Japanese 1978 emissions standards; 1986–1992 export models may meet limited Euro 1 equivalence depending on market (Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Type Approval #JAMA/4G36/1987).
The Mitsubishi 4G36 is a 1,597 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and sedans (1978–1992). It combines SOHC architecture with 8-valve layout and, from 1986, throttle-body fuel injection to deliver frugal urban performance. Designed to meet Japanese 1978 standards and limited Euro 1 equivalence in export markets, it prioritizes reliability over high output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,597 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 77.0 mm × 85.8 mm | |
Power output | 55–72 kW (75–98 PS) | |
Torque | 118–135 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Carburettor (1978–1985); throttle-body injection (TBI) (1986–1992) | |
Emissions standard | Japanese 1978 standard; limited Euro 1 (export, 1986–1992) | |
Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Belt (front‑mounted, service interval 60,000 km) | |
Oil type | Mitsubishi Genuine 10W‑30 (API SF/SG) | |
Dry weight | 102 kg |
The Mitsubishi 4G36 was used across Mitsubishi's A152/A172 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—simplified intake manifolds in the Mirage and reinforced mounts in the Lancer—and from 1986 the facelifted Colt models adopted throttle-body injection, creating minor ECU interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (1984–1992) and EU national vehicle inspection data (1990–2000). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
Yes, with disciplined maintenance. The 4G36 is mechanically simple and robust. Pre-1986 carburetted models had distributor gear wear issues, resolved with electronic ignition from 1986. Regular timing belt changes every 60,000 km and oil changes with 10W-30 API SF/SG oil ensure longevity beyond 250,000 km.
Distributor gear wear (pre-1986), timing belt failure beyond service interval, carburettor flooding (pre-1986), and coolant leaks from water pump housing. Most issues are preventable with correct oil, fuel quality, and service intervals. Documented in Mitsubishi TSBs ENG‑84‑002 and ECU‑90‑001.
The 4G36 powered the Lancer (1978–1992), Mirage (1978–1988), Colt (1978–1988), and Tredia (1982–1988). All are 1.6L petrol variants. No cross-manufacturer licensing occurred. The 4G36 is distinct from the smaller 4G33 and larger 4G63.
Limited potential. The SOHC 8-valve head restricts airflow; bolt-on cams and headers yield +5–7 kW. The block is durable, but head gasket and fuel system upgrades are recommended beyond 75 kW. Tuning should use 95 RON fuel and retain OEM ignition timing for drivability.
In a Lancer 1.6 GL (55 kW), expect ~8.2 L/100km city and ~6.0 L/100km highway, or ~39 mpg UK combined. Mirage models average 8.0 L/100km due to lighter weight. Real-world mixed driving typically yields 36–42 mpg UK. Economy suffers if carburettor or ignition timing degrade.
No. The 4G36 is a non-interference engine. If the timing belt fails, pistons will not contact valves, preventing catastrophic internal damage. This enhances long-term reliability, though belt replacement remains critical for restart capability.
Mitsubishi specifies 10W-30 mineral oil meeting API SF or SG standards. ACEA A2 is acceptable. Change every 10,000 km or 12 months. Correct oil is critical for distributor gear lubrication in early models and general engine protection.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.