Help the Newbie to buy

[rainypotato]

I have been waiting for a Delica to come near for a deal. Seems like a decent deal indeed, but I'm not sure on the truth...

the ad says:

1991 Mitsubishi Delica

2.8 litre Turbo Diesel engine
4WD (Hi and low)
Automatic Transmission
129000kms
Right Hand Drive
Power windows/locks; cd player etc
4 All seasons tires (1 seasons use);
4 studded winter tires included (1 seasons use).
Very good condition. Reliable.
8 seat option (bench seat and 2 skipper seats), single bed or double bed option included.
4 Crystal light windows in roof, see the stars from your camp bed!
Sliding side door.
Ultimate bush camping wagon. Great kayakers/fishing/hunting vehicle.
Roof rack.
$6800


???? are there really 2.8L TD in 1991 Delicas? And, how do a bench seat and 2 skipper seats add up to 8 seat option?

I'm also reading a lot about timing belts and these beasts...should it have been checked out already, or could it be checking out soon?


THANKS for reading, hope you reply...

rainypotato

[nxski]

Sounds like whoever's selling meant a 2.5L engine which would make this an L300. As for the timing belt, you can see if the seller has records of changing it in Canada, otherwise you should probably get that replaced.

[Super Exceeded]

Sounds like whoever's selling meant a 2.5L engine which would make this an L300. As for the timing belt, you can see if the seller has records of changing it in Canada, otherwise you should probably get that replaced.

I'll second the timing belt thing. $700 plus if you don't!!

[nxski]

CVI has a great deal on package that includes timing belt...

[TardisDeli]

I dont recommend buying from someone who has no guarantee or warranty. Just see some of the sob stories on the forum. You must have all rubber and fluids replaced (not just topped up). Rubber includes o-rings in the IP pump ($700 rebuild when it leaks) all the belts (another $700 and you also replace the head gasket and water pump etc while you have the whole engine exposed). Fluids means FLUSH out the old transmission fluid, brake fluid, radiator coolant (many dealers replace the radiator as it so often becomes a problem later). So save yourself 3 to 4 thousand now, but spend it later (or much more if the engine overheats and dies because the coolant or oil isnt circulating properly (rebuild engine $4000). For comparison, look at the advertisements from Mardy of Amazing Auto, he does all this stuff and has a warranty. You dont say who the seller is, if they are a legitimate owner (not just an illegal seller "curber") then look at their posts here to see what problems they have had. Be very cautious. Its a lot of money to waste on a lemon.

1991 did not have L400, only L300. Which means it needs proper headlights (to Canadian standards). CVi will do a pre-purchase inspection, I think it was under $100, and so very worth it.

The eight seats means this is a L300 Chamonix, which has the middle bench seat that seats 2 plus the little fold out seat (illegal to use as no seatbelt). rear bench seats 3.

Mine is a 1991 L300 Exceed if you want to see one. I have the 2 captains chairs for the middle row.

Cheers, Christine.

[rainypotato]

thanks y'all...real helpful.

I emailed and got reassurance that it is a 2.8??? weird, did folks ever swap out engines? huh, and I was told that the timing belt has been inspected and is impressive...and that the fluids have been managed.

thanks again you good people.

[thedjjack]

thanks y'all...real helpful.

I emailed and got reassurance that it is a 2.8??? weird, did folks ever swap out engines? huh, and I was told that the timing belt has been inspected and is impressive...and that the fluids have been managed.

thanks again you good people.

Never seen a 2.8 swapped.....also 2.8 has a timing chain so hard to believe that the timing belt has been inspected (2.8 do not have timing chains).

You cannot inspect a timing belt (you can but it will not tell you anything). Diesel have so much compression they are interference motors meaning if the belt breaks the valves hit the pistons...this can result in destruction of the motor to where it is cannot even be rebuilt due to damage.

The 2.5 is a good engine but needs preventative maintenance to last:
-new timing belt and balancer belt
-new tensioners on both belts
-new oil seals front of motor 4
-new water pump/thermostat
-radiator rebuild or replacement
-new radiator cap
-new rad and heater hoses
-set valve clearence
-new filters fuel/oil
-injector/fuel pump maintenance
-replace v-belts for accessories

This is what I did to my motor after privately purchase (I did the work myself and it was around $1200 once the dust settled).

If you do not know vehicles get it inspected by a good shop it will be the best $100 ever spent.

[rainypotato]

hmmmm, so if not a 2.8....a 2.5 definitely? What simple question can I ask her to give away what the real identity of this diesel is? (ex, when you look at the engine you see a ______ on the left....or, is it simply printed in the little manual?)

goofy questions, thanks for your help...

She writes:

"The timing belt has been inspected several times. First when it was imported and when we first got it 2 years ago we had our mechanic give it a good looking over and he was impressed with it.
The fluids are checked on a regular basis by my husband and before any major trips. It has not been needing any top ups of any fluids, so its pretty tight."

[rainypotato]

for visuals

[FalcoColumbarius]

Never seen a 2.8 swapped.....also 2.8 has a timing chain so hard to believe that the timing belt has been inspected (2.8 do not have timing chains).

I think what Thedjjack is saying is "2.8 do not have timing belts". I'm inclined to agree with Thedjjack ~ never seen it done, I have heard that due to the shape of the 2.8 litre 4M40 engine, modifications would have to be made to the frame of an L300. They are two completely different machines, accept for the oil cap. The 4D56T 2.5 litre is the typical diesel power plant found in an L300 Delica. As Christine said ~ take it for a test drive to CVI Automotive and get it checked out, WELL WORTH THE INVESTMENT.

Falco.

[Spearo]

Obviously it's a 2.5.

My main rule when buying used: if there is no proof that the work was done (ie: your timing belt), then the price I'm willing to pay drops accordingly. 6800$ seems like a decent price to me if there's a new belt in there etc. No proof? Big price drop. You drive away and the engine caves in at least you might have worked out the finaces and are prepared for that!

And I just don't care if a mechanic looked at the timing belt (?). They have to be changed regularly, period, and if there's no bill showing the work/parts, then in my thinking (when I'm purchasing) I presume it wasn't done.

Look around, there are more out there.

Erik

[thedjjack]

Timing belts look great sometimes right up to the minute they fail. Plus it is really hard to see the balancer belt without taking the entire front cover off (labour for that would cover changing the belts).

The little balancer belt is known to break taking out a perfectly good looking timing belt.

Making sure fluids are full is good but again they will do nothing if the radiator is blocked or a rad hose explodes.

DO NOT TAKE THE OWNERS WORD...ie no bills no work figure on putting $1000-????? into it. This is why I would take it to an independent shop such as CVI. A Delica with a blown motor is worth $1500-$3000 these days big loss of investment if the belt breaks.

If they think it is the 2.8L then they are not qualified to say the belts are fine!

2.5L -4D56 has a big black cover at front of motor to cover the timing belt:


I cannot find a photo of the 2.8L 4m40 that you can see the motor in but it has no big plastic cover for the timing belt as it is a chain driven motor. This photo shows the chain.

[rainypotato]

wow! thanks...that 2.5 looks like my VW golf engine a bit...

Ok, I've been real keen on this van...I need to get to the dirty now, I am equipped thanks to all you!



They say this ride has been in Canada for four years now, two owners...they've had it two years...

[thedjjack]

search Crystal Lite Roof rust on here....That is on area seems to be prone to rust issues.

Engine is very similar to VW diesel (both are gas engines re-engineered for diesel).

Give it a good look over to make sure you know what your getting.

Good luck....

[nxski]

search Crystal Lite Roof rust on here....That is on area seems to be prone to rust issues.

Engine is very similar to VW diesel (both are gas engines re-engineered for diesel).

Give it a good look over to make sure you know what your getting.

Good luck....

Good point, mine was rusting. I've repaired it myself for just over $100 but a shop will charge you about $2000