New owner in love with a '96 L400 diesel: San Diego, CA
Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2021 6:20 pm
Hi guys,
I've lucked out and acquired a clean '96 L400 diesel, LWB with only 136 km. I did this from Hawaii. Had my cousin in Seattle check it out (he wasn't keen on it). Though it was the cleanest, lowest mileage example I'd seen in research since the beginning of 2021 (Been researching since before L400 became importable due to US 25 year imposed wait). Three weeks ago I flew Kona to Seattle, picked the vehicle and found it in far better condition than expected. Knew I was at risk because I when with dealer's mechanic to do fluids and filters + tell me it it needed something... Drove Seattle to San Diego with no trouble other than having to start slow from stop. If I press the pedal too hard it pings and smokes (only once warm). It stops, pinging and smoking (mostly) at 38+ km. It's just fine at hwy speed but not as strong as I would expect up hills (I just dunno what normal is). Anyway, it's a super clean machine. I'm hoping someone here can say definitively what the issue may be. I've heard, air leak, fuel pump, injectors, valve seal. What to do first? I've owned nine '60s and '70's bugs and buses and six '63-'65 Plymouth Valiants/Dodge Darts and I've worked on them extensively, however, that is the extent of my experience and diesel is new to me. I am, however, most willing to learn and do it all myself. I have a big garage and a beauty of a Delica I I would like to keep forever. Also, first two local diesel shops I called this morning were friendly but said they won't touch it cause they're too busy and completely unfamiliar. Called the local Mitsubishi dealership and asked if I could bring it in for a full check and service. Was told the vehicle did not exist in their system and they would call back with an answer after they consulted their older mechanics to see if they could do they work... I may have to become the regional Delica specialist now but I'll need some guidance.
Thanks!
James
I've lucked out and acquired a clean '96 L400 diesel, LWB with only 136 km. I did this from Hawaii. Had my cousin in Seattle check it out (he wasn't keen on it). Though it was the cleanest, lowest mileage example I'd seen in research since the beginning of 2021 (Been researching since before L400 became importable due to US 25 year imposed wait). Three weeks ago I flew Kona to Seattle, picked the vehicle and found it in far better condition than expected. Knew I was at risk because I when with dealer's mechanic to do fluids and filters + tell me it it needed something... Drove Seattle to San Diego with no trouble other than having to start slow from stop. If I press the pedal too hard it pings and smokes (only once warm). It stops, pinging and smoking (mostly) at 38+ km. It's just fine at hwy speed but not as strong as I would expect up hills (I just dunno what normal is). Anyway, it's a super clean machine. I'm hoping someone here can say definitively what the issue may be. I've heard, air leak, fuel pump, injectors, valve seal. What to do first? I've owned nine '60s and '70's bugs and buses and six '63-'65 Plymouth Valiants/Dodge Darts and I've worked on them extensively, however, that is the extent of my experience and diesel is new to me. I am, however, most willing to learn and do it all myself. I have a big garage and a beauty of a Delica I I would like to keep forever. Also, first two local diesel shops I called this morning were friendly but said they won't touch it cause they're too busy and completely unfamiliar. Called the local Mitsubishi dealership and asked if I could bring it in for a full check and service. Was told the vehicle did not exist in their system and they would call back with an answer after they consulted their older mechanics to see if they could do they work... I may have to become the regional Delica specialist now but I'll need some guidance.
Thanks!
James