1988 2WD Delica in Philadelphia

[Pceut]

Hi All,

I just received a 1988 Mitsubishi L300 which I purchased sight unseen from a charity in LA and had shipped cross country to the East Coast. Sadly, the motor condition was not nearly as good as described so I suspect I will be relying heavily on these forums to get my sweet little van on the road.


Best,
Ian

[robbieg]

Welcome!
Also, photos!
I have a soft spot for the 80s Delis.

[Mr. Flibble]

Welcome! Yes indeed, get photos up!

[Pceut]

The body is really clean, but the motor is another story. Blown head gasket is my guess.

Mainly, I am looking for information on parts sources (gaskets, belts etc) and any tips on potential engine swaps. I REALLY want to keep this van, but the speedo died at 200K miles, so who knows what else is wrong besides the fact that it is blowing a lot of steam out the exhaust, and there is oil all over the engine compartment.

Also, if anyone in the PA area can recommend a good mechanic that would be great. I have plenty of small engine experience but I have yet to mess with an auto motor; plus I don't have my own garage anymore.

[thedjjack]

gas engine comes in lots of usa cars/trucks

get a used motor and swap....make sure the cooling system is in good shape...

[MardyDelica]

Nice van you can get same engien as mitsubishi galant
the heads and block almsot same 2.4 liter engine;
hope you cna put it in the road nice van
cheers;
Mardy

[Pceut]

That's great news! Do I have a lot of options as far as years, or do I need to focus on 1988?

[MardyDelica]

92-94 is fine try to get as low mileage as you can yopu should do little modification for this:
just get the complete block and head and the rest used the one you have before to make it as original
before
hope this help
cheer;s
Mardy