Mitsubishi Delica Owners Club UK™

AWG81 · Joined: 26 Jul 2017 Posts: 115 Location: Seascale

Hi all, I've been a L400 owner for four years but have just bought my first L300 (1995 low roof 2.5 diesel) after the L400 met a grizzly end. I picked the van up at the weekend and I'm very happy with it but it has a few little niggles I need to sort out.

The first is that the temperature gauge doesn't work on the dash. Well actually it works a very tiny bit, the needle goes up when the engine is warm but only by the tiniest bit, not even past the white line but it does move so I'm assuming it's getting power. According to the previous owner who has been very helpful, he had a new temperature sensor fitted but this didn't change anything and the van has also had a recent new water pump and thermostat when it had its cam belt changed last year.

Is there anywhere obvious I should start looking to solve this?

With thanks,
Andrew

PS: Any L300 owners down south?

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Fostlongstrider · Posted: Mon May 24, 2021 20:33 Post subject:

They don’t move much unless you are on a steep uphill in Summer.
Usually only reach the first white mark.
_________________
Ian.

All the best from the East Riding of Yorkshire.
'93 L300 Super Exceed Corse Gray over Grace Silver.Auto.

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andyman · Joined: 08 Dec 2012 Posts: 5602 Location: Penrith

What Ian said; mine is the same, and has been like that since I bought it 11 years ago. On a long steep hill in Scotland, one summer, loaded with camping gear, it got nearly to half way! I panicked and pulled over to let it cool off for a while!
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Andy C L300 Super Exceed - over 100 smiles per gallon!

PinkPig · Posted: Mon May 24, 2021 23:18 Post subject: Re: L300 temperature gauge

AWG81 · Joined: 26 Jul 2017 Posts: 115 Location: Seascale

Ian and Andy, thanks for this - that has put my mind at rest and has ticked one job off the list. The guy I bought it from said it hadn't worked in the 14 years he's had it but I guess it turns out it's been working fine all along!

Next on my list is a squealing belt on start up and the 4WD, I get no lights on the dash and nothing to suggest it's engaged but I'll start a separate topic for that after I've had a better look today.

Pinkpig, hello! Love the pop top on your wagon. I'm along the coast near Brighton.

Cheers!

PinkPig · Posted: Tue May 25, 2021 9:27 Post subject:

For the 4WD lights - there are a couple of wires that go into the transfer case for the indicator light switches. They easily get broken, so start there.
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The PINK PIG!
1988 Delica L300 Star Wagon 2.5TD 5sp Manual.
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A never ending camper/restoration project
Project 1 - Pop-top camper conversion 2011-2015
Project 2 - Campervan the sequel - 2016 restoration, welding, respray, new interior, vertical pop...

andyman · Joined: 08 Dec 2012 Posts: 5602 Location: Penrith

Squealing belt(s) on start-up is very common on these. The extra draw of the glow plugs puts a heavy load on the alternator. If your belts have got polished it may be hard to prevent it without over-tightening, so new belts may be in order, but not necessarily. Don't forget to loosen the adjuster bracket locking bolt before turning the adjuster bolt- that way lies frustration and possible damage. Fine ratchet spanners, small hands and narrow arms are also useful assets!
_________________
Andy C L300 Super Exceed - over 100 smiles per gallon!

AWG81 · Joined: 26 Jul 2017 Posts: 115 Location: Seascale

Thanks both. Have made progress today - the 4WD is now working and I also sorted a dodgy handle on the sliding door. I think going to replace all the belts as a precaution because I don't know when they were last changed so hopefully that will fix the squeal...

Next I need to try and track down some bull bars, this one is missing them and looks a bit naked.

Thanks for your help so far.