Mitsubishi MT14–MT20 engine oil and fluids
Which engine oil and fluids belong in your Mitsubishi MT14, MT15, MT16, MT17, MT18 or MT20, and how much? On this page you'll find the correct oil type and exact quantity for each system, straight from the original manual — for the engine, the transmission/hydraulics, the front axle, and the cooling system.
Suitable for the entire series: Mitsubishi MT14, MT15, MT16, MT17, MT18 and MT20 (2WD and 4WD/D).
Mitsubishi MT14–MT20 fluids and quantities
| System | Quantity | Type / specification |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | 3.0 liters | API CC or higher; multigrade 10W-30 (or SAE 30 in warm weather) |
| Transmission / hydraulics (shared housing) | 20 liters | API GL-4 or higher, suitable for wet brakes (STOU/UTTO type) |
| Front axle (4WD only) | 3.0 liters | API GL-3, SAE #80 |
| Coolant | 4.0 L (MT14/15/16) · 5.0 L (MT17/18/20) | water + antifreeze |
| Fuel tank | 20 liters | diesel fuel (JIS 2 summer / 3 winter) |
Mitsubishi MT14–MT20 engine oil
The engine requires 3.0 liters of diesel engine oil of API CC class or better. The manual specifies the viscosity based on outdoor temperature: a multigrade 10W-30 is the safe all-rounder for our climate zone, while a single-grade SAE 30 is only suitable in consistently warm weather. Change the engine oil for the first time after 50 operating hours and every 100 hours thereafter, along with the oil filter. Always check the level on a flat surface with the engine off.
Mitsubishi MT14–MT20 transmission and hydraulic oil
This is the most important point of attention for the entire series: the transmission shares the oil bath with the hydraulics and the wet brakes. This means you should not use regular gearbox oil here, but a transmission oil suitable for wet brakes (API GL-4 or higher, STOU or UTTO type). Using the wrong oil can cause the brakes to slip or become noisy. The housing holds 20 liters. Check the oil level every 50 hours, change it for the first time after 100 hours, and every 200 hours thereafter.
Mitsubishi MT14–MT20 front axle oil (4WD)
The 4WD versions (MT14D through MT20D) have a separate front axle with 3.0 liters of API GL-3, SAE #80 oil. This oil is often overlooked, even though a dry or contaminated front axle can lead to costly damage. Change it for the first time after 100 hours and every 200 hours thereafter.
Mitsubishi MT14–MT20 coolant
The cooling system requires 4.0 liters for the MT14, MT15 and MT16, and 5.0 liters for the larger MT17, MT18 and MT20. Use a mixture of water and antifreeze, even in summer — antifreeze also contains anti-corrosion agents that protect the engine internally. Check the level daily and keep the radiator screen clean.
