Mitsubishi Repair: Cold Engine, hydraulic lifters, mitsubishi galant

Question
Hi!

My '91 Mitsubishi Galant, 2.0 GLSI, automatic wont heat up probably! I can drive a 20km drive withouth the engine going warm according to the gauge (im not so good at english with technical words sorry :) it only goes up about a 1/4, however if i take a 50 or 60 km drive it finally reaches the right point on the gauge. I've replaced the thermostat (is that what u call it?) but with no luck. The heater is good enough, the air is hot within a few minutes....Any suggestions?

Also my valves keep clicking....I tried with Svedol, but it only helped for a week. Could a thick oil solve this problem?

Thanks for all your help!


Jacob  

Answer
Jacob,
The problem you're describing typically would point to your thermostat.  But if after a few kilometers, you start feeling hot air blowing from your vents, your engine is heating up properly.  The problem may be with your temperature sending unit.  This device sends the signal to your temperature gauge, which causes it to rise up.  If the sending unit is faulty, you not see the correct engine temperature reading on your gauge.  If you did not have your old coolant flushed and refilled when you got your thermostat replaced, you should have that done.  That will help your engine run at the correct temperature.

Clicking valves can be caused by excessively dirty motor oil.  If you live in a climate where the temperature goes below 0 celcius, you should use the standard 5W-30 motor oil (or what ever is recommended in your owners manual).  Your valves can click as well due to clogged hydraulic lifters.  The old lifters used on early model Mitsubishis had a very small oil passage.  These small oil passages restricted oil flow, causing clicking.  It won't hurt your engine, but it is not a pleasant sound.  But stick with oil weight as indicated in your owners manual, and change the oil and filter regularly to prevent clogs.
Good luck!