{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the tightening torque for the cylinder head bolts of the Mitsubishi K3?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"8 x M14 main bolts at 15 to 16 kg-m (147 to 157 Nm) and 3 x M14 on the pushrod side at 10 to 11 kg-m (98 to 108 Nm), tightened in a crisscross pattern in 2 to 3 stages."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the valve clearance of the Mitsubishi K3?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"0.25 mm for both the intake and exhaust valves, measured with a cold engine."}}]},{"@type":"HowTo","name":"Tightening the cylinder head bolts of the Mitsubishi K3","step":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Clean","text":"Clean the bolt holes and threads and fit a new head gasket."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Crisscross pattern","text":"Tighten the bolts in a crisscross pattern, working from the center outward."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"In stages","text":"Work up to the final torque in 2 to 3 stages: 15 to 16 kg-m for the 8 main bolts and 10 to 11 kg-m for the 3 bolts on the pushrod side."}]}]}
Looking for the specifications and torque settings for the Mitsubishi K3 diesel engine? This page brings together the key data from the original workshop manual in a clear overview: bore and displacement per variant, compression, valve clearance, injection timing, injection pressure, and the complete torque settings. Handy for reference during maintenance, adjustment, or overhaul of your K3.
Suitable for the entire series: K3A, K3B, K3C, K3D, K3E, K3F, K3H, and K3M.
All K3 engines are four-stroke, water-cooled three-cylinder engines with firing order 1-3-2, a Bosch M-type injection pump, a centrifugal flyweight governor, and forced lubrication with a trochoid oil pump. The bore increases with the model letter. The K3A through K3E and the K3H/K3M are swirl chamber engines (IDI, compression 23); the K3C through K3F are also available as direct injection versions (DI, compression 18).
| Model | Bore × Stroke | Displacement | Combustion Chamber | Compression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K3A | 65 × 78 mm | 776 cc | Swirl chamber | 23 |
| K3B | 68 × 78 mm | 849 cc | Swirl chamber | 23 |
| K3C | 70 × 78 mm | 900 cc | Swirl chamber / DI | 23 / 18 |
| K3D | 73 × 78 mm | 979 cc | Swirl chamber / DI | 23 / 18 |
| K3E | 76 × 78 mm | 1,061 cc | Swirl chamber / DI | 23 / 18 |
| K3F | 78 × 78 mm | 1,118 cc | Direct injection | 18 |
| K3H | 78 × 90 mm | 1,290 cc | Swirl chamber | 23 |
| K3M | 84 × 90 mm | 1,496 cc | Swirl chamber | 23 |
Note the K3H and K3M: these have a longer stroke (90 mm instead of 78 mm) and are therefore considerably larger in displacement. The manual does not list maximum power as a single figure but in performance curves per version; as an indication, the series ranges from about 15 to just over 27 hp. These horsepower values are indicative — the type plate on your machine is decisive.
In practice, these engines are found in, among others, the Iseki TX1410 (K3A) and TX1510 (K3B), in numerous Iseki TU models, and in the Mitsubishi MT series.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine oil capacity (K3A–K3E, excl. 0.5 L filter) | above 3.0 L – below 1.8 L |
| Engine oil capacity (K3H/K3M) | above 4.2 L – below 2.7 L |
| Coolant (K3A–K3E, excl. radiator and hoses) | 3.0 L |
| Coolant (K3H/K3M) | 3.9 L |
| Intake and exhaust valve clearance (cold engine) | 0.25 mm |
| Compression pressure (at 280 rpm) | 32 kg/cm² (standard) — service limit ± 22 kg/cm² |
| Pressure difference between cylinders (max.) | 2.5 kg/cm² |
| Injection order | 1-3-2 |
| Injection timing (depending on version) | 19° or 23° before TDC |
| Injector opening pressure (throttle type ND-DN4SD24) | 160 kg/cm² (± 2276 psi) |
| Valve timing | intake opens 18° before TDC, closes 46° after BDC; exhaust opens 46° before BDC, closes 18° after TDC |
Main torque values from the tightening-torque table in the workshop manual. The kg-m values are source data; Nm has been converted and is indicative.
| Component | kg-m | Nm (indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder head bolt — M14 (8 pcs.) | 15–16 | 147–157 |
| Cylinder head bolt — M14 (3 pcs., pushrod side) | 10–11 | 98–108 |
| Crankshaft pulley nut | 20–25 | 196–245 |
| Main bearing cap bolt | 5–5.5 | 49–54 |
| Connecting rod cap nut | 4–4.3 | 39–42 |
| Flywheel bolt (8T) | 11.5–12.5 | 113–123 |
| Sump drain plug | 5–6 | 49–59 |
| Oil filter | 1.1–1.3 | 11–13 |
| Injection pump delivery valve holder | 4–5 | 39–49 |
| Injector nozzle holder — body and lock nut | 6–8 | 59–78 |
| Glow plug | 1.5–2 | 15–20 |
The cylinder head is tightened in a crisscross pattern: start in the center and work outward in two to three stages to reach the final torque. The K3 head has eleven bolts (eight M14 main bolts plus three M14 on the pushrod side). The complete tightening sequence with diagram can be found in the cylinder head overhaul blog.
Want everything complete and exact at hand? The original Mitsubishi K3A–K3E workshop manual (SKU VAR-0066) contains all tolerances, service limits, and procedures for your engine.