Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club

I think I need a new head gasket, white smoke when I start cold or press on the accelerator (unburnt fuel?).

My engine overheated last month (one belt broke, more like exploded, and destroyed the other two).

Am I right to think it's the gasket?

I see different brand names on eBay... are they all the same? Are there brands which are better than others.

There are hundreds of videos it seems on sealants you can use but I don't really trust them.

Sorry to say, but it sounds like could be a cracked head....

$500 on eBay, some come from China... ???

I read in a Pajero thread that cylinder head cracks tend to happen to the 4m40 over time.

Would a repair shop be able to do a pressure test to tell me if it indeed is the cylinder head and not just the gasket?

If it overheated (especially from not having a water pump belt) then it could be just the head gasket. Cracked heads do happen, but more to engines that have been abused. That said, even if the head gasket has clearly failed it would be wise to have the head crack tested while it's off.

A pressure test can't really tell the difference between a cracked head and a failed gasket. Off with its head!

I'll book an appointment and ask them to check if it's the head gasket... sigh.

Thanks

looking at the engine manual, there's no way I can change the head gasket myself.

Whether it's just the head gasket or the cylinder head as well, this means a lot of labour time esp. since mechanics here have never seen a Delica or Pajero

It is a big job, and as you overheated, likely the head needs to be replaced. Believe me, I know.... As for the mechanics not knowing the vehicles, it shouldn'd be an issse for any competent wrencher. It is just another car, after all. Good luck with the fix. Hope you get motoring again soon without too much drama and expense...