1991 Montero LS Adventure Mobile Project

[Izaac]

One thing that is a known issue is the compression on the original engine is a little low. It has 250,000 miles on it with unknown maintenance history so the plan is to rebuild a spare engine over time and have it ready to swap in in when needed. I found a 6g72 out of an old lebaron at the pick n pull near me. In the process of stripping it, cleaning it, and will put in new bearings, rings, gaskets, hoses, etc. Fit pretty well in the back of the Montero.

 

[Izaac]

I installed some manual aisin hubs as the auto locking weren't working. I made a video of the process if you're interested! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1KcMCuWbig





I also scored some OEM Mitsubishi Ralliart web wheels. Going to clean these up and put some 31's on them.

 

[Izaac]

Old crusty transmission mount vs new lol.

 

[Izaac]

Even though this is a chrysler emgine its fun to find little mitsubishi easter eggs.

This engine has about 90k mile on it and is overall in good shape. Cleaning and prepping has been going pretty smooth.

 

[Izaac]

 

[KHow]

Made it home. Celebrating with some NM Beer. Also, these initial posts will be a consolidating a couple of months time frame to catch up to current.

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I noticed coolant dripping from behind the harmonic balancer, hard to see the waterpump with the timing cover but assuming its dripping from the weep hole down the front of the block.

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I ordered an Aisin water pump before trailering the Montero up, so convenient timing. I have no idea when the water pump was changed last, so this was top of my list regardless. Here's the old pump and belt with the timing covers off.
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New pump, tensioner, belt and updated crank belt on. Got all the timing marks lined up and turned the engine a few times to make sure everything looked good. Also replaced the thermostat and housing as it was pretty corroded.
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How was that job? I just received the whole kitchen sink that Luso Overland suggests for this job. And need to get this done before Overland Expo in Flagstaff. It's been a while since I've done a timing belt/water pump/thermostat etc on a vehicle. I just don't enjoy mechanical work like I used to.

 

[plh]

Gen 1 & 3.0L SOHC Gen 2 Timing Belt service etc are straight forward. It took me around 8 hours working at a leisurely pace.