ClubCJ - The CJ Lancer Club

Hey everyone, I own a Mitsubishi Lancer VRX MY09 with 51,000 on the clock(bought it at 49k). I have owned the car for about 3 months now. Unfortunately my car has been diagnosed with a major crack in the engine block, and that an engine replacement is necessary. I'm not sure how this happened, I have never crashed the car, hit a kerb or did something similar that would contribute to this. I believe it was the shady seller.. The car still runs, however the car vibrates aggressively going from places to places.

My money is on the low atm, so I currently have two options:

- Sell the car in its current form, stating the mechanical problem (if so, how much can I sell it for? car is cosmetically in a good condition)

- Replace the engine, and depending on how I feel, sell or keep the car. (does anyone know how much it would cost for a 4B12 replacement?)

Thanks all. Any input will help!!

your car wont sell to the average buyer. even at any price really. most people would walk away at the first sign of a powertrain fault. unless you drive a race car\exotic\tuner vehicle where there would be a market for parts.

Look around for wreckers that are dismantling lancers in your area.
doing a direct swap would be the cheapest and easiest as it is just that and a reflash of the ECU.

Going up to a 4B12 should be no real drama either.

I found wreckers in SA that would sell me a complete engine and CVT tranny for 1500 bucks. You will also need to reflash the ECU with the VIN number of the new engine. This is especially critical if your car is fitted with the OEM alarm system. So allow 100 bucks for 1 hour of the dealers MUT 3 tool time. or strike a deal with someone in your state who has one.

So what is the actual fault with the car? is it a hairline fracture? or is it leaking oil\allowing air in

Also the crack exactly where is it?
I hate to say but it sounds suss. the 4B11 engines are pretty solid when kept to factory specs. otherwise Mitsu would not have done 10year powertrain warranty for 1st owner.
Dare i say worn engine\transmission mounts and a mechanic who wants a quick buck?

He posted some picks elsewhere, it's quite bad. Might have been repaired on the cheap after a crash.

Guess you've tried talking to the seller and consumer affairs as they appear to be running a business selling doggy cars.

I agree trying to sell it now will be hard and you'll loose a packet even if someone wanted it to do an engine swap. If you can do a swap at least you know it's done right, I know there is no guarantee the next engine will last but it's probably your best shot and buying one from a wrecker it should be covered for a few months. Very unusual for an engine/BG to crack like that.

Hey mate, thanks for the reply. I forgot to mention it is a VRX, so I'm tackling the 4B12.

Not a hairline crack, a MAJOR crack. You can feel the gear knob and dash vibrate aggressively as you drive. It is not leaking or anything. The only symptoms are the vibrations.

Pictures of it are in this post: http://clubcj.net/viewtopic.php?t=17644&highlight=

Under the engine, near the gearbox. Very suss, I believed it was a repaired wrecked car.

Doubt it. You can judge with those picture though. Or maybe its both?

HOLLY MOLLY! That is a HUGE crack (if you can still call it like that) sorry to hear tho i hope you gonna get it shorted. My opinion is to get a new/second hand motor and get her running. i will be careful driving the car like that

far out dude that is a massive crack.

I did not see the other posts.
Your very lucky that the vehicle currently still drivable in some shape or form.

Without taking the entire car apart to fully inspect the damages i would be inclined to do a whole swap.

see what is available from wreckers in your area.
have you considered legal consultation in regards to your rights when you bought the vehicle?
There are lots of firms that offer a first consult free or no win no fee deal.

Yeah... I don't know how its still running.

I've considered, correct me if I'm wrong but I believe there isn't a high chance of winning. My points on this:

Vehicle has
- Clean PPSR check
- Registration
- No mechanic inspection prior to purchase
- No symptoms during the test drive

I think the things that would require clarification would be the legal status of the statuary warranty if any is applicable in your situation.
if you buy from a private sale then its buyer beware. but if its from a company then there are certain laws that they have to adhere to.

you have nothing really to loose with a free consultation at some of these firms.


I mean the damage could have been cause by dropping the transmission bell housing onto the floor from the crane when they were repairing it.
or it is a rebirth.

Visited the mechanic today.

Supply and fit for a 2nd hand 4B12 @ 60,000km for $2100. How does that sound?

If they can do all the work including the ECU refresh it might be the best you can expect short of finding the part yourself. I'd also consider keeping the old engine if you're considering any legal action or find someone who can hold on to it so you have the evidence of how broke it is.