Mitsubishi K4 specifications and torque settings (K4E, K4F, K4M)
Looking for the specifications and torque settings of the Mitsubishi K4? On this page you'll find the complete technical data of the four-cylinder K4 series with direct injection — the K4E, K4F and K4M — plus all torque settings from the Mitsubishi workshop manual. Handy for an overhaul, a head gasket replacement, or simply to check whether your engine is still running within spec.
Suitable for the entire K4 series: K4A, K4B, K4C, K4D, K4E, K4F, K4G, K4M and K4N (four-cylinder diesel). The data below comes from the workshop manual of the direct-injected K4E, K4F, K4G and K4M; for an indirect-injection version, check your engine number and bore.
Mitsubishi K4 technical specifications
All K4 versions are four-stroke, water-cooled, vertical diesel engines with direct injection, a compression ratio of 18, and firing order 1‑3‑4‑2. Fuel is supplied by a Bosch M-type injection pump with a centrifugal flyweight governor; lubrication is via forced lubrication with a trochoid oil pump and a full-flow paper filter.
| Specification | K4E | K4F | K4M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Bore × stroke (mm) | 76 × 78 | 78 × 78 | 84 × 90 |
| Displacement (cc) | 1415 | 1490 | 1995 |
| Compression ratio | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Combustion chamber | Direct injection | Direct injection | Direct injection |
| Firing order | 1‑3‑4‑2 | 1‑3‑4‑2 | 1‑3‑4‑2 |
| Engine weight (kg) | 177 | 177 | 188 |
| Oil capacity (L) | 4.5 max / 3.0 min | 4.5 max / 3.0 min | 5.0 max / 3.0 min |
| Coolant (L) | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.7 |
| Valve clearance (cold) | 0.25 mm | 0.25 mm | 0.25 mm |
| Injection pump | Bosch M-type (ND‑PFR4M) | ||
| Injector opening pressure | 220 kg/cm² (+10/0) | ||
| Injection plunger | φ6.5 mm | φ6.5 mm | φ7.5 mm |
| Injection timing (BTDC) | 19° (agricultural) / 20° (industrial & export) | ||
| Compression pressure | ≥ 32 kg/cm² (≈455 psi) at 280 rpm | ||
| Starter motor | 12V – 2.0 kW | ||
| Alternator | 12V – 40A | ||
| Battery (minimum) | 12V, 70 Ah | ||
| V-belt deflection | 10–12 mm (thumb pressure approx. 10 kg) | ||
The main differences between them: the K4E (76 mm bore) and K4F (78 mm bore) share the 78 mm stroke and are closely related in design, whereas the K4M with its 84 mm bore and 90 mm stroke is a considerably heavier block — with its own pistons, thicker crankshaft journals and different torque settings. Parts are therefore not freely interchangeable between the K4M and the smaller K4E/K4F.
Mitsubishi K4 cylinder head bolt torque settings
Always tighten the cylinder head bolts in the prescribed sequence (from the centre outwards) and in 2 to 3 progressive steps. Use a new head gasket and no liquid gasket. Bolts marked "wet" should be lightly oiled before tightening.
| Version | Bolt | kgf·m | Nm |
|---|---|---|---|
| K4E / K4F (except K4M) | M10 (wet) | 6.5 – 8.0 | 64 – 78 |
| K4E / K4F (except K4M) | M12 (wet) | 11.5 – 12.5 | 113 – 123 |
| K4M | M10 | 10 – 11 | 98 – 108 |
| K4M | M14 | 15 – 16 | 147 – 157 |
The four-cylinder K4 has 14 head bolts. The tightening sequence is numbered from the centre outwards; the full pattern is shown in the illustration in our cylinder head and block overhaul blog.
Other Mitsubishi K4 torque settings
| Part | Version | kgf·m | Nm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main bearing cap bolt | All | 5.0 – 5.5 | 49 – 54 |
| Connecting rod cap nut | K4E / K4F | 3.2 – 3.5 | 31 – 34 |
| Connecting rod cap nut | K4M | 4.0 – 4.3 | 39 – 42 |
| Flywheel bolt | All | 11.5 – 12.5 | 113 – 123 |
| Oil pan drain plug | All | 5.0 – 6.0 | 49 – 59 |
| Oil filter (by hand) | All | 1.1 – 1.3 | 11 – 13 |
| Delivery valve holder | All | 4.0 – 5.0 | 39 – 49 |
| Injector holder mounting bolt | All | 1.5 – 2.0 | 15 – 20 |
| Injector holder lock nut | All | 6.0 – 8.0 | 59 – 78 |
| Glow plug | All | 1.5 – 2.0 | 15 – 20 |
General bolts and nuts (by thread and grade)
For bolts without a specifically stated torque, the standard values apply per thread size and strength grade (4T, 7T or 10T):
| Thread | 4T (kgf·m / Nm) | 7T (kgf·m / Nm) | 10T (kgf·m / Nm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M6 | 0.3–0.5 / 3–5 | 0.8–1.0 / 8–10 | 1.0–1.3 / 10–13 |
| M8 | 1.0–1.3 / 10–13 | 1.5–2.2 / 15–22 | 2.5–3.5 / 25–34 |
| M10 | 1.8–2.5 / 18–25 | 3.0–4.2 / 29–41 | 5.0–7.0 / 49–69 |
| M12 | 3.0–4.2 / 29–41 | 5.5–7.5 / 54–74 | 9.5–12.0 / 93–118 |
| M14 | 5.0–7.0 / 49–69 | 8.0–11.0 / 78–108 | 16.0–19.0 / 157–186 |
Conversion: 1 kgf·m ≈ 9.8 Nm. If in doubt, always check the engine number; the K4M differs from the K4E/K4F in several respects.
Parts for a K4 overhaul
- Mitsubishi K4E overhaul kit – direct injection (SKU-850051) — pistons, rings, bearings, gasket set and valve guides (76 mm).
- Mitsubishi K4F-DI overhaul kit (SKU-850054) — for the 78 mm K4F with direct injection.
- Mitsubishi K4E / K4F head gasket, 78 mm (SKU-194) — separate head gasket for the MT21–MT33 range.
Frequently asked questions
What is the valve clearance of a Mitsubishi K4?
0.25 mm cold, for both the intake and exhaust valve. Adjust after retightening the head bolts, with the piston at top dead centre of the compression stroke.
What is the head bolt torque of a K4E?
M10 bolts 6.5–8.0 kgf·m (64–78 Nm) and M12 bolts 11.5–12.5 kgf·m (113–123 Nm), both lightly oiled, tightened in 2 to 3 steps and in the correct sequence.
What is the injection timing of the K4?
19° BTDC for agricultural versions and 20° BTDC for industrial and export versions.
