[53BHP]

98000kms and some change. Maybe there were signs of impending failure that my sister did not read but it happened. At the very least have the assembly checked at an authorised service center

[Road4X4Traveler]

Originally Posted by 53BHP

Dear road4x4 traveler,

I would strongly suggest you change the timing assembly. My sisters 2010 SFX timing chain ate itself up and i can assure you that it was not pretty. The entire genuine assembly with guides cost 20k officially from Mitsubishi. Buy it and put it or have them put it. Do not be tempted to put aftermarket assemblies from Palika Bhavan or Opera House. They don't work,

Thanks 53BHP. Yes, the price quoted by mitsubishi guys is around 20-25K. Also, i was advised by them not to purchase aftermarket set. But they have also told that it is not very easy to check the condition of the timing chain without opening it up, i don't know how traveler got it checked.

But anyways will keep the advice in mind.

[Traveler]

Originally Posted by Road4X4Traveler

Thanks 53BHP. Yes, the price quoted by mitsubishi guys is around 20-25K. Also, i was advised by them not to purchase aftermarket set. But they have also told that it is not very easy to check the condition of the timing chain without opening it up, i don't know how traveler got it checked.

But anyways will keep the advice in mind.

What the dealer has told you is correct. After market chains are not reliable and there is no easy way to check the timing chain. In fact the official way to check the timing chain is to check its length by completely removing it. There is a specified length till which the chain remains within service limit. Once it elongates beyond that its time to change as it can cause poor power, smoke and reduced mileage. In worse scenarios it can jump off the sprocket and cause major issues like a broken camshaft and/or bent engine valves.

An elongated timing belt will most definitely start to make a chaff chaff noise as well. This happens as the belt rubs against the timing belt guides due to the slack. The timing belt tensioner cannot cope up with the loose chain as it would have elongated beyond the tensioner limit. This is the only sign of a timing belt needing a replacement. Listen to your engine idle. It should not have a noise that sounds like something is rubbing. This comes from the front top part of the engine block towards the radiator and just behind the fan.

Alao remember that if you have not really kept up with regular oil changes or are unsure of how the engine was maintained, then it is better to go ahead and change the timing chain. Although the chain is designed for the life if the engine it's useful life may have come down due to factors like maintenance and other abuse if any.

If you are in doubt it is better to get it replaced.

[Traveler]

Adding an external link to the UK Pajero Forum. This will shed more light on what we are discussing. MODS please remove the link if it is not OK to post like this.

http://www.pocuk.com/forums/viewtopi...b3c565bc350185

[Mudcat]

Originally Posted by Traveler

Adding an external link to the UK Pajero Forum. This will shed more light on what we are discussing. MODS please remove the link if it is not OK to post like this.

http://www.pocuk.com/forums/viewtopi...b3c565bc350185

Kudos to to you for maintaining your "Dark Horse" in such a impeccable condition and going above and beyond the required maintenance.
I have been on the lookout for a 2010-2011 Pajero SFX to no avail. Most people bash their vehicles no end. I did TD many in the used car scene but wasn't satisfied with any.
I love my vehicle and hate to let them go as I spend my time and money as well as take care of any rattle or chu-chu sounds and am careful while driving.

If you decide to part ways with this one do drop me a message ill be happy to take it off your hands.

[Traveler]

Originally Posted by Mudcat

Kudos to to you for maintaining your "Dark Horse" in such a impeccable condition and going above and beyond the required maintenance.
I have been on the lookout for a 2010-2011 Pajero SFX to no avail. Most people bash their vehicles no end. I did TD many in the used car scene but wasn't satisfied with any.
I love my vehicle and hate to let them go as I spend my time and money as well as take care of any rattle or chu-chu sounds and am careful while driving.

If you decide to part ways with this one do drop me a message ill be happy to take it off your hands.

Thanks Mudcat, I will definitely let you know if and when that day arrives.

The challenge is what do I replace the Pajero with. I still don't see a vehicle as capable and reliable in the market. Even the two biggies the TFort and the Endy have their own issues and both cost a bomb in their 4x4 manual avatars.

Plus the electronics in all modern cars are way less reliable and way more expensive to fix. The Pajero is a simple vehicle just change the Engine oil every 5K and it goes on without complaining.

[Road4X4Traveler]

Originally Posted by Traveler

If you are in doubt it is better to get it replaced.

Hi Traveler,

Thanks. You have always been my guide in the past also. But i think you don't remember it. When you used to be at gurgaon, I asked about the servicing issues through this thread and you elaborately provided the detailed pajero servicing guide. You even provided the telephone no. of the mechanic. To this date i go by that advice only and am very happy with the results. Therefore I have taken the liberty to ask you more.

[Traveler]

Originally Posted by Road4X4Traveler

Hi Traveler,

Thanks. You have always been my guide in the past also. But i think you don't remember it. When you used to be at gurgaon, I asked about the servicing issues through this thread and you elaborately provided the detailed pajero servicing guide. You even provided the telephone no. of the mechanic. To this date i go by that advice only and am very happy with the results. Therefore I have taken the liberty to ask you more.

You are welcome and I do remember our discussions from earlier. Wishing you a safe and comfortable drive always. I will be happy to answer your queries so keep them coming.

[Traveler]

I reached the 1 Lac milestone today. Here is how the car looks like after 6 years and 11 months @ 1,00,000 Kilometers.

[Akib Khan]

Originally Posted by Traveler

I reached the 1 Lac milestone today. Here is how the car looks like after 6 years and 11 months @ 1,00,000 Kilometers.

Congrats for hitting the milestone. Now get those bumpers painted and some detailing done to celebrate the moment of togetherness. Wishing you many many happy miles with the dark horse.

[malgudi]

The vehicle looks in mint condition even after a lakh kilometer. How is the Dark Horse behaving now? Any update on the service and any issues? Have you upgraded the bulbs now or are they still on the stock bulb setup? Do post on the service updates.

[Traveler]

Originally Posted by malgudi

The vehicle looks in mint condition even after a lakh kilometer. How is the Dark Horse behaving now? Any update on the service and any issues? Have you upgraded the bulbs now or are they still on the stock bulb setup? Do post on the service updates.

Thanks, it has been a great run so far. Everything works as it is supposed to. The new suspension with imported Poly bushes and new shock absorbers have really changed the ride quality. It is now much more smooth and planted and the Brembo brake discs and pads have a great bite and stopping power. Steering is super smooth too. The vehicle has just done about 2k since the overhaul and no issues so far. The new clutch is also good with the low speed vibrations gone completely.

Had a few teething issues post the overhaul which i sorted out myself. Nothing major just some fine adjustments to the ride height and wheel alignment.

I haven't upgraded the lights and frankly never felt the need too. It is running on stock setup. I did change the bulbs to Philips a couple of years back as the old ones were getting dim with time. The bulbs are the stock specification which is 50/60 watt I guess.

I did get a new sound system installed as I missed having a Bluetooth in the OEM stereo. Got a Pioneer HU and Speakers installed recently. Also got a solar Tyre pressure monitoring system and installed it myself. It is a useful thing and this one is completely wireless and pretty accurate.



Changed the dashcam from the GoPro that was installed till now and replaced it with a unit I bought from Aliexpress. I guess the model is Viofo A119. It has GPS as well so it tracks the speed and the route as well. All in all a value for money product.



Have a 1200 kms trip planned this month and that will be a good running in exercise for the vehicle.

[malgudi]

Originally Posted by Traveler

Changed the dashcam from the GoPro that was installed till now and replaced it with a unit I bought from Aliexpress. I guess the model is Viofo A119. It has GPS as well so it tracks the speed and the route as well. All in all a value for money product.

It looks like the dashcam has SD card storage available from the picture shared by you. How useful has this been you?

[Traveler]

Only yesterday we witnessed and recorded an accident. It was a close shave for us. I would say having a dash cam is a must nowadays.

[jaisha8]

Wow!!! Simply Wow Traveler. I bought a used Pajero SFX 2009 model only this month and was paranoid and curious to know if I have not bought a wrong buy.
But now after reading through your entire thread from Page 1 to 15, even the smallest of my doubts have been cleared and Pajero is really a great car. I have still 6 years before the re-registration.
Really want to thank you for the detailed review on every aspect of this car and the recent complete overhaul was the highlight of this entire thread.
I apologize for hijacking your thread and posting a few photos of my Pajero (also a well maintained one from the previous owner).