Looking to Get into Montero SR

[shanesevo]

Sorry if this thread has already been here I searched and found way too many pages to go through.
Anyway, I'm looking into getting a Gen 2 Montero SR, I've read to look out for the cam seals leaking and under body rust. i dont think the rust will be a problem since I'm from Southern California. Is there anything else you guys can tell me to look out for while I'm looking at a few?




thanks,
Shane

 

[JohnnyBfromPeoria]

Check to make sure it has the most recent harmonic balancer bolt. Check to see if there is any way to verify that the timing belt service has been done recently, the interval is 60,000 miles, although for some reason, CA vehicles say the interval is 100,000. Check all electrical components to see that they work. The steering/suspension may be worn but those are not difficult to fix. Higher mileage examples may smoke with extended idling; that's a symptom of worn valve stem seals (parts are next to nothing; labor is somewhat costly). A 3.5l DOHC engine, found on SR models have a complex intake manifold that may require some attention because of some parts that wear, but it makes more power than the LS model's engine. Other than that, just normal vehicle stuff, mostly.

John B.

 

[shanesevo]

Check to make sure it has the most recent harmonic balancer bolt. Check to see if there is any way to verify that the timing belt service has been done recently, the interval is 60,000 miles, although for some reason, CA vehicles say the interval is 100,000. Check all electrical components to see that they work. The steering/suspension may be worn but those are not difficult to fix. Higher mileage examples may smoke with extended idling; that's a symptom of worn valve stem seals (parts are next to nothing; labor is somewhat costly). A 3.5l DOHC engine, found on SR models have a complex intake manifold that may require some attention because of some parts that wear, but it makes more power than the LS model's engine. Other than that, just normal vehicle stuff, mostly.

John B.

Thanks John. Sounds similar to the maintenance on my evo at least intervals wise, luckily I'm a pretty good DIYer. Do you happen to have a link to the scheduled maintenance?



Shane

 

[JohnnyBfromPeoria]

There are good, and I mean GOOD articles at www.4x4wire.com in the Mitsubishi section. Sit in a comfortable chair and start reading.

John B.