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I have owned a 1994 Mitsubishi L300 “Sportpac” (2.4l, petrol driven) since 1997. This is a low mileage vehicle with just 165,000 kms on the clock now and only about 65,000 kms when we bought it, ex lease. It has been regularly maintained throughout its life and recently had a new clutch, which is probably acceptable after that mileage. There has been no major engine work through the time we have owned it and, I suspect, none during its first 3 years of life.

It has given reliable service and is very convenient in terms of my lifestyle requirements which are the reasons why I have held on to it. It had burnt a little oil (say 1 litre between oil changes) and the tappets were a little noisy but nothing that seemed to perturb the Mechanic who regularly serviced the vehicle.

Without any warning, a few days ago it started billowing smoke and stalling. I drove it about 10 kms back to the Mechanic’s workshop, where I now learn that all the main engine seals have failed and that it was without oil. There is not a drop of oil on my garage floor, which indicates just how sudden this failure was.

I am now told that there will be about 3 days’ labour to drop out the main engine, replace all the seals, including valve guide seals, replace the cambelt and and attend to any other maintenance necessary. About $2000 in labour alone.

I am awaiting a detailed quote. What is clear is that to get the vehicle back on the road, I am going to spend close to what it is worth (about $3500, according to AA Insurance). I did ask the mechanic about replacing with a reconditioned engine but he was not enthusiastic about that, saying “you don’t know what you are paying for”.

From my perspective, repairing as he has suggested ought to leave me with a reliable vehicle that I know the full maintenance history of could expect many more years of relaible running from. However, it is $2-3000 that I can ill afford to spend.

Before going ahead, I would value the input of an independent 3rd party. However, as the vehicle is not road worthy, I cannot take it to the AA for an independent inspection.

I would appreciate the insight and experience of other members who have been through a similar experience.

To give you sound advice, we need to know what is wrong with your engine. It doesn't sound like your mechanic has diagnosed the fault completely. He probably wants to save you some money by not spending more time.
He may well be right with his initial diagnose. Your L300 may well have faulty seals, but it won't be the main seals. The main seals are normally referred to as the front and rear crankshaft seals. If they leak, they make a mess, a very big mess which you will see on the ground.
The valve stem seals might be leaking which causes all that smoke. They can be renewed in place without removing the engine or the cylinder head. Be warned though, it is a fairly time consuming job and reasonably "fiddly”. Due to the lack of space, mechanics are not keen to replace the seals in situ, but it can be done and if successful, will save you a lot of money.
Valve stem seals normally don’t fail suddenly, they deteriorate gradually. The rubber on them goes hard so that they lose elasticity or the sealing lip wears blunt. This is the reason why more diagnosing is needed.
A compression test and subsequent leak-down test identifies if there is anything like a broken piston ring or even worse, a broken or cracked piston. This would definitely mean the engine would have to be overhauled. A good and thorough engine overhaul will cost in excess of $3500.
Good L300’s are hard to find and 165,000km is not high mileage. If the body is in good condition, it would be worth fixing. I’m convinced your trusty L300 would give you many more years of reliable service.

Thank you Rene! I shall be guided by your advice.