Manual / Automatic Transmission

Does your Mitsubishi L300 make a strange noise? Need wheel alignment specs?
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Lapprentis
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Vehicle: Delica L300 StarWagon 1990
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Manual / Automatic Transmission

Post by Lapprentis »

I do have an Automatic Transmission and Like it. I was looking a an 1987 L300 for sale and it is equiped with a 5 Speed Manual Transmission. Would like to have inputs as for Reliability / Maintenance / Driving speed, etc.

Thanks

Lapprentis :M
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Growlerbearnz
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Re: Manual / Automatic Transmission

Post by Growlerbearnz »

The manuals are nice to drive (light clutch action and smooth gearchange), but they rev a bit higher than automatics as they have a higher diff ratio. I don't believe they're any less reliable than the automatics, but I've not owned one long-term.
Nothing says "poor workmanship" more than wrinkles in the duct tape.
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Lapprentis
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Vehicle: Delica L300 StarWagon 1990
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Re: Manual / Automatic Transmission

Post by Lapprentis »

Can I at least Drive 90KPH on the Highways ?

Anything particular I should asked about replacing so it is good to go for a long while (bearings, Clutch plate, etc.).

Thanks

Lapprentis :M
motorang
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Re: Manual / Automatic Transmission

Post by motorang »

Hi there,
the manual gearbox V5M21 aka KM145-B is by construction a 4-speed box. The 5th gear was added later for "overdrive" and is a weak spot.
4th gear is direct 1:1 and the reliable choice when going slight ascents like motorway climbs. 5th gear has only a very short extra shaft and should not work too hard for a long life.

The manual gearboxes last 200.000 km and more, my Diesel one has 240.000 km on the clock and never was overhauled. Petrol ones are less prone to fail with higher mileage as the petrol engine puts less torque through it and a bit more revs (same gearbox, reduction is done in the diffs).

Having it overhauled sets you back by 800-1000 Euro but can be done by a specialized shop. The shifting is not as accurate and easy as on other cars because the gear changes are operated by cables - which is the reason why you can not pop in a stick operated Montero or L200 gearbox as a replacement. 2WD L300 manual boxes should fit, or Hyundai L100 ones with some mods.

Two more important points:
1) Always use gearbox oil to Mitsubishi Specs or better, but beware of GL5 oils, they eat the synchro rings
Oils, tried and tested:
- Castrol SMX-S 75W85 GL 4
- Motorex Unisynth SF 75W85 GL4
- Shell Spirax GSX 75W80

Not recommended (too thin):
- Veedol MTF 18-2
- Castrol TAFX 75W90

2) If working on the clutch, be aware that there is another roller bearing in the middle of the flywheel which stabilizes the gearbox shaft ("pilot bearing"). Be sure that this bearing is OK or your gearbox will die soon. Change it when you change the clutch.

The manual gearbox requires a clutch naturally, which in newer models is hydraulically operated. The reservoir feeds from the brake fluid reservoir. I don't know about the 1987 model though.

My Diesel bus is rated at a top speed of 125 km/h and the Petrol one (114 HP, 2.4 l Multipoint Injection engine) does 140 km/h, both have manual gearboxes. I would not expect the top speed to be much different from the auto box models.
The 1987 Petrol engine is a different animal though, only having that older 2.0 l or 2.3 l carburettor fuelled engine. I have no clue what the top speed is there.

The clutch usually has a very long life. I know a car with that same clutch and Diesel engine which made more than 350.000 km on its first clutch.
Petrol engine clutches may be a bit different in wear, as you need more clutch action due to the higher revving and weaker engine.

Andy
christopherels89
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Manual / Automatic Transmission

Post by christopherels89 »

Hi, new here, from new zealand and I have my eyes set on an l300 with shot layshafts bearings. what mods would be needed to install a 2wd 5spd box into a 4wd l300?

Cheers
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Growlerbearnz
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Manual / Automatic Transmission

Post by Growlerbearnz »

Not many people here are familiar with the 2WD L300. I would think you'd have to swap the extension housing from the 2WD with the transfer case adapter from the 4WD- but to do that you've practically got to pull the whole thing apart, so it might be easier to just replace the layshaft bearings?
Nothing says "poor workmanship" more than wrinkles in the duct tape.
Jedidiahwiebe
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Manual / Automatic Transmission

Post by Jedidiahwiebe »

how hard is it actually to replace the input shaft bearing?
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