Mitsubishi Magna Engine Problems

That there are no warning lights coming on when the problem occurs makes the diagnosis difficult. It could be a problem with the computer momentarily sending the transmission into “limp home” mode, but I would normally expect to see a warning light when that happened. Other than that I would check the fuel injectors, and although you say they were cleaned I would have them cleaned by sonic vibration out of the car. That way the spray can be checked before and after the clean. You could also check the spark plugs and make sure they have been changed as required. The rear plugs are platinum tipped, and it’s a bit of job to remove and replace them, the intake manifold has to be removed to do it and some people baulk at the cost.

The fan is designed to come on when the engine reaches a certain temperature and cycle as required to maintain a safe operating temperature. Yours seems to be doing that, and as there is no suggestion that the engine is overheating I wouldn’t be concerned about it. If you are get a mechanic to check the temperature switch controlling the fan’s operation.

That increase in fuel usage on E10 is in line with what we've been told would happen by the biofuels people.

The biofuels people told us that the fuel consumption would increase by up to three per cent on E10, but your experience certainly makes us question that. Perhaps other readers can let us know what they've experienced when they've used E10.

Any of the quality brands would perform well on the Magna. IMPCO made the air-valve system used by Mitsubishi on the cars supplied from the factory with LPG. It’s generally regarded as bulletproof, so that’s certainly one to consider.

The Magna generally doesn't have a problem with the water pump, and Mitsubishi specialist Graham Lewis tells us he has customers who have had three belt changes without changing the water pump. He does, however, advise checking for any coolant staining, and if found, then change the pump. Otherwise, the pump generally doesn't give any trouble.

The battery probably needs replacing. It sounds like it’s down on power and the cold mornings have found it out.

After David McKenzie told us that his TJ Mitsubishi Magna used up   to 40 per cent more fuel when running on E10 than it did on regular   unleaded we felt we should refer it to the experts, as his experience   contradicted the advice we had received about the fuel. David's   experience confounded the experts who said it went against everything   they knew about the fuel. They told us that Mitsubishi had no   problems with the TJ Magna using E10. Further we were told that   providing the oxygen sensors were working correctly the engine   management system on the Magna would adjust for any changes in the   fuel. It was suggested that David have the fuel-injection system in   his car checked by a competent mechanic.

The TE is an old model and yours has probably done around 200,000 km based on the kays you do annually, so I would be wary of converting it. The modern injection systems are the most efficient, but I doubt you will find one for the TE because of its age. That leaves an old type of mixer/venturi system, which works well and has done for many years. In terms of payback I would think you should recover the cost of installing the system in two to three years.

It’s likely that it has overheated for some reason, which would explain why it was hard to restart and the coolant loss. The thermo fan won’t run if the ignition is not switched on, so check that before assuming it’s a problem with the fan. If the fan isn’t working as you say it could be a problem with the fan motor or a relay that’s failed and preventing power getting to the fan.