The group’s most well-known models, including the Outlander, Lancer, and Delica, are equipped with the 2.4-liter Mitsubishi 4B12 engine, which has been manufactured at the Japanese facility since 2006. Similar to the Chrysler ED3, Hyundai G4KC, and G4KE, this unit was developed as part of a single alliance.
Hyundai-Kia, Mitsubishi, and Chrysler formed the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance in 2002. The series only began production two years after the first units were unveiled in 2004. Distributed fuel injection, an aluminum 16-valve cylinder head without hydraulic lifters, an aluminum cylinder block with an open jacket and cast-iron liners, a timing chain drive, and a MIVEC phase control system—versions with a phase regulator on the intake shaft and both—are all features shared by the 2.4-liter 4B12 gasoline engine and the Chrysler ED3 and Hyundai G4KC. An oil pump and a block of balancing shafts are used to lessen vibrations.
This unit underwent additional modernization, leading to the development of a new engine designated 4J12.
The engines 4B10, 4B11, and 4B11T are also members of the 4B1 family.
The engine was mounted on:
- Mitsubishi Delica 5 (CV) since 2007;
- Mitsubishi Lancer 10 (CY) in 2007 – 2017;
- Mitsubishi Outlander 2 (CW) in 2006 – 2012;
- Mitsubishi Outlander 3 (GF) since 2012;
- Citroen C-Crosser I (EP) in 2007 – 2012;
- Peugeot 4007 I (I3) in 2007 – 2012.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2006 |
| Displacement, cc | 2359 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 165 – 170 |
| Torque output, Nm | 222 – 232 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 88 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 97 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | MIVEC |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.2 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4/5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mitsubishi Outlander 2008) — city — highway — combined |
12.6 7.6 9.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 136 |
Disadvantages of the Mitsubishi 4B12 engine
Although this motor is nearly trouble-free, high mileage can cause oil burn because of severe wear on the seats and valve guides or piston rings. This aluminum block also has an open jacket, and the cylinders are arranged in an ellipse.
Timing chain stretching after 150,000 km is another frequent issue. The process of replacing the phase regulator sprockets is easy and reasonably priced, but they can frequently experience significant wear.
Owners frequently complain about noisy engines, lubricant leaks, frequent exhaust pipe ring burnout, and exhaust manifold cracking on specialized forums. Additionally, since there are no hydraulic lifters here, remember to adjust the valve clearances.