Symptoms
A chain rattle from the front of the engine, worst at cold start. The 4G54 has Mitsubishi's 'Silent Shaft' twin balance shafts, and aftermarket timing kits for the Montero's 4G54 include two chains, tensioners and guides.
The fix, step by step
- Drain the coolant and remove the fan, radiator, accessory belts and crank pulley, then the timing cover.
- Set the engine at TDC on No. 1 and note how the balance-shaft and camshaft marks line up before you remove anything.
- Replace both chains, the sprockets if they're worn, the guides and the tensioner as a set.
- Follow the factory manual's alignment marks for both the balance-shaft chain and the cam chain; misaligned balance shafts will vibrate.
- Use new gaskets and seals, refill and bleed the cooling system.
Tools & part numbers
- Factory service manual
- crank-pulley holder and puller
- torque wrench
- gasket scraper
- RTV and new gaskets.
Where to buy the parts
4G54 timing chain kit (two chains, guides, tensioners) for Montero, Mighty Max and StarionFridayParts ↗Amazon ↗
Engine parts, 1989 Montero 2.6RockAuto ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero (First Generation) parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.