Symptoms
Coolant loss, milky oil on the dipstick or under the filler cap, overheating. One NJ 3.0 owner on ExplorOz had replaced the head gasket twice in about three years. Mechanics in that thread say the V6s have a weak spot for head gaskets and that the heads 'do crack a fair bit'.
The fix, step by step
- Follow the factory workshop manual's head-bolt loosening and torque sequence exactly.
- Have both heads crack-tested and skimmed rather than assuming they're good, and check the block deck for flatness.
- Use a quality gasket set (the mechanics in the thread name ACL and Fel-Pro).
- While it's apart, do the timing belt, the crank and cam seals, the water pump and the O-rings on the heater pipe in the engine valley.
- Flush the cooling system and refill with fresh coolant.
Tools & part numbers
- Factory manual
- 1/2-in torque wrench
- straight edge and feeler gauges
- machine shop for crack test and skim
- labelled bags for bolts.
Where to buy the parts
Engine parts (head gasket sets, seals), 1995 Montero 3.0 V6RockAuto ↗Amazon ↗
Cooling system parts, 1995 Montero 3.5 V6RockAuto ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero (Second 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.