I'm looking into buying a '91 JDM Pajero 2.5 TD, but after searching the forums, it looks like the 2.5 diesel engine is prone to head cracking, head gasket failures, and head warping.

But I've also read how this little engine is incredibly durable as well.

Which is true?

The rig I'm looking at is in mint shape, 136,000 kms, auto, high roof, and with quite a few bells and whistles. Took it out for a long drive, runs like a new car. T-belt was changed at 55,000 kms.

But the guy is asking $10,000 (CDN) which seems a bit high for a '91. But is this price reasonable?

BH

I haven't heard of the head cracking thing as a problem (you might be thinking of a Landcruiser prado with the 2LT engine). Are you buying this from a dealer or private (If it is a dealer let us know which one and we might be able to give you good or bad feedback. I got mine 1 year ago to the day and have been very happy with it. I got mine from abbotsford japan auto. I paid right around $12,000 including taxes (with a three year 60,000km warranty an $1,800 option). Mine was a 91 exceed with 71,000km. Since then the prices have gone down a bit I think, and if you buy privately you don't have to pay the GST. Some of the Pajero owners on this site imported their own for about $8,000. Hope this helps and good luck. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the info Don. I wasn't thinking of the Prado - my brother-in-law has one, and the head is already giving him problems - but I may have been mistaken. I thought I read on another Pajero forum about the 2.5 head woes, but perhaps not.

This is a dealer sale here on Van Isle, but he says he bought it from Japan Auto which I think may be the same place you got yours.

I asked him if there was any paperwork for the truck, auction sheets or anything, but he said that Japan Auto doesn't usually provide that. I told him my wife can read Japanese and wanted to see any accident reports, but he said based on an inspection there were no accidents.

Can I also ask: how's the fuel economy on your 2.5? This one is an auto, and we want it mostly for highway travelling. I'm hoping it will get better mileage than my n.a. Landcruiser 4.0 diesel...

Thanks,
BH

I have a friend in South Africa and they do have a problem with head cracking if you drive them in the sand on the beach at 40 Degrees C. Slow driving needing lots of power and hot. So if you stay off the beach in South Africa you should be fine!!!! That guy on Vancouver island seams to have high prices. I bought mine privately in Calgary for 9300.00 with 85000 kms on it. It needed tires and rad hoses. I am getting about 11 liters per 100 kms here in Calgary even in the cold. I suspect int he summer it will improve somewhat. Maybe 9.0 l per 100 kms. I really enjoy driving mine. Oh I have a 2 door 5 speed, with 33X10.5s on it.

Most things on the island are a little higher priced for some reason...

Is the Pajero able to handle 33's on stock rims and with no lift, or did you need to change rims and lift it up?

If stock rims can take 33's, that's a big plus: I can swap the 33's from my Landcruiser before selling it...

If the suspension is in good shape yes 33X10.5 fit no problem. Even offroading they will not rub. I have the stock wheels.

Mitsu G54B 2.6 gas engine is prone to head cracking, gaskets, etc. Trust me, I had one. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

4D56 diesel is a different beast.

That is a good truck for highway travels. Specially with auto transmission, because it allows you to drive 100km/h at about 2300 rpm, wich is easy for the engine and it never overheated. Pajero's with manual transmission make 100km/h at about 3000rpm, that could be a little hard for this engine in long drive on hot days. Big tires look great, but why you need them on highway? The truck will take much more fuel.

Well if you overheat it the head may crack. I know someone who has cracked the head and seized engine like 3 times, but because she runs it with no coolant and/or oil!

Mine has ~170k km, no problems so far. I did an overhaul like 50k km ago because I was mudding and had a crack in the air filter hose, so the engine sucked a lot of mud...

The 4D56 is a good engine, it will last forever if taken care of properly.

Look in the sold section at www.abbotsfordjapanauto.com and see if you can find it. I don't think that a dealer would buy from a dealer thou(not enough $ to be made). I get about 700KM on 80L of diesel (a mix of city and highway driving).

I would ask him for the paper work one more time (if he has a business then he must have the paperwork for the vehicle). If he wont show it to you find another one. there are a few dealers on the island. Check the buy and sell and craigslist.com and you should find some. Good luck...