Known Mitsubishi Montero LS 1991 3.0 Issues

[mr3wan]

Hey Guys,

I've got a friend looking at purchasing a used 1991 Mistubishi Monetro LS for use as a ranch vehicle on his land. I have a subaru and he has a ford truck so neither of us has any experience with Mitsubishi. I know through reading completed adventures and posts that the Mitsubishi's are quite good and capable offroad vehicles.

Since I know there is alot of information on ExPo I wanted to see if you guys could help fill me in on what issues to look out for or to check for this type of truck. I don't know the mileage or service but I know he is looking at getting if for around $1700. Just need to know if there are any common issues I should be aware of.

Thanks in Advance!

 

[off-roader]

That's probably a dealer selling it at that price right? If that's from an owner, then IMHO it better be a pristine 91 for $1700 (interior and exterior).

Valve Guide Seals may need to be replaced
Idle Speed Controller as well.
Physically inspect the ECU for blown capacitors.

That's about it.

Change all the fluids (radiator, motor oil, transmission oil, & differential fluids) and if possible have them inspected (all of them with possibly the exception of the diff fluids) by a reputable independent company like Blackstone Labs.

When changing the automatic transmission fluid have it flushed (not just drained and refilled) and replace (or clean) the wire mesh AT Transmission filter.

Check the radiator for scaling/calcium deposits and if there are a lot either have it rodded (they run a steel rod through the cooling channels) or buy a use/new OEM unit. To minimize this happening in the future, use distilled water instead of tap water in the radiator and flush it regularly. One other note on the radiator, if you need to replace it, do not buy a new aftermarket unit that has plastic tanks. You'll be better served by paying a little more and rodding your radiator.

HTH!

Ray

 

[mr3wan]

Thanks for the details

How common is the ECU going bad due to blown caps?

The truck is in the process of getting all of it's fluids changed I'll check on if anything usual shows up there.

 

[fangars]

These are my issues with my own 91, have no idea if this is common.
My moon roof leaks, does not work and the door window motors are wonky. Other then that its a fine beast.
The automatic locking only works from the passenger side.
Chicks don't dig it as much as I think they should.
The automatic gear shift lever has to be overshot to change gears.
Pics?

 

[off-roader]

It can happen. Not sure how common but common enough (for all ECU's not just Mitsu's) that there are business built around rebuilding them. That said, it takes a few minutes to remove (3-4 screws iirc) and inspect the ECU.

A couple more to remove the ISC/IAC (Idle Speed Controller / Idle Air Controller). Servo is sometimes used interchangably with Controller for it as well.

HTH.