2002 montero sport 3.5L engine removal
Larry, out of all people i know, you are definitely one who knows what you're doing. However, I would strongly recommend staying away from the Fram oil filters. They have significantly less filtering media in them and larger holes to allow "full" flow through it. Plus, are not very well built and may have fatal flaws. I personally use Wix on all my vehicles (Wix 57092 for Monty). Those Wix filter are always at the top for any specs and ratings.
Your coolant looks super awesome. Regarding the overflow reservoir. Make sure the gasket on top of the screw cap is intact and that it seats properly. I've ran into the issue once where coolant in the radiator would consistently get low, but the overflow tank was at "High". I thought I was consuming coolant (small head gasket leak). Turned out the bad gasket would let the engine burp excess coolant when it was hot, but could not suck back the needed fluid as it was cooling off. Simple fix.
Your coolant looks super awesome. Regarding the overflow reservoir. Make sure the gasket on top of the screw cap is intact and that it seats properly. I've ran into the issue once where coolant in the radiator would consistently get low, but the overflow tank was at "High". I thought I was consuming coolant (small head gasket leak). Turned out the bad gasket would let the engine burp excess coolant when it was hot, but could not suck back the needed fluid as it was cooling off. Simple fix.
Thanks for the compliment Hunter! Good tip on the puke tank gasket.
I try my best at everything I do. I may not be an expert but I know my limitations and find the needed answers.
Was not aware that Fram was bottom barrel. I have been using them on various vehicles for years.
I will have to look into the Wix versions. I deal with fluids on the Montero, my 2003 Ford F-350 diesel 6.0, and a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Where are Wix filters sourced?
I try my best at everything I do. I may not be an expert but I know my limitations and find the needed answers.
Was not aware that Fram was bottom barrel. I have been using them on various vehicles for years.
I will have to look into the Wix versions. I deal with fluids on the Montero, my 2003 Ford F-350 diesel 6.0, and a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Where are Wix filters sourced?
Thanks for the compliment Hunter! Good tip on the puke tank gasket.
I try my best at everything I do. I may not be an expert but I know my limitations and find the needed answers.
Was not aware that Fram was bottom barrel. I have been using them on various vehicles for years.
I will have to look into the Wix versions. I deal with fluids on the Montero, my 2003 Ford F-350 diesel 6.0, and a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Where are Wix filters sourced?
I try my best at everything I do. I may not be an expert but I know my limitations and find the needed answers.
Was not aware that Fram was bottom barrel. I have been using them on various vehicles for years.
I will have to look into the Wix versions. I deal with fluids on the Montero, my 2003 Ford F-350 diesel 6.0, and a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis.
Where are Wix filters sourced?
Larry, It's all your fault!!!
I just picked up a 2002 Montero today with what sounds like a rod knock. I'm going to try and tackle it thanks to you and this thread!
SO, I blamed this all on you, my wife is not happy!!!
Wix is a US subsidiary of Affina - a German filter manufacturer. They are manufactured in US. Wix and NAPA filters are virtually identical as far as internal components and only differ in branding. Those two are consistently the best made filters. NAPA filters are also made by Wix Group.
I have used Fram filters on couple of my old cars. Both of those vehicles went to "pasture" with less than 140-150k miles. I do think the cheap filters may have had something to do with that.
I have used Fram filters on couple of my old cars. Both of those vehicles went to "pasture" with less than 140-150k miles. I do think the cheap filters may have had something to do with that.
I have a similar problem. My brother gave me a set of trusses that were made wrong. Said I could use them to build a shed. Well the shed has taken on a life of its own. I fully blame him for this 3 year project.
Hi @larry4406
Hope you don't mind, I'm trying to determine where this noise is coming from on the Montero I picked up yesterday.
Does this video sound anything like what you experienced?
Thanks in advance!
Hope you don't mind, I'm trying to determine where this noise is coming from on the Montero I picked up yesterday.
Does this video sound anything like what you experienced?
Thanks in advance!
Larry, if it were me I'd at least pay for a trusted mechanic to do a leak-down so I could know for sure (and other readers could, also) what is the cause of the low compression numbers, and so could adjust their focus when rebuilding their 3.5.
Maybe you could do a FundMe or such. I'd pitch in a few quid!
Inquiring minds...
Dave
Maybe you could do a FundMe or such. I'd pitch in a few quid!

Inquiring minds...
Dave
Last edited by iXod; Jul 30, 2019 at 01:18 AM.
Larry, if it were me I'd at least pay for a trusted mechanic to do a leak-down so I could know for sure (and other readers could, also) what is the cause of the low compression numbers, and so could adjust their focus when rebuilding their 3.5.
Maybe you could do a FundMe or such. I'd pitch in a few quid!
Inquiring minds...
Dave
Maybe you could do a FundMe or such. I'd pitch in a few quid!

Inquiring minds...
Dave
Had a recent stalling out issue, left my daughter stranded. Links below where I am pretty sure it was due to the fuel filter being plugged which as far as I know is the original fuel filter now with about 193k on it.
https://mitsubishiforum.com/forum/mi...38/#post327863
https://mitsubishiforum.com/forum/mi...38/#post327870
Details here of my fuel filter replacement. Crossing fingers....
https://mitsubishiforum.com/forum/mi...e2/#post327900
Vehicle is due for safety inspection this month. I think I have a small exhaust leak. Still has the original exhaust system.
https://mitsubishiforum.com/forum/mi...38/#post327863
https://mitsubishiforum.com/forum/mi...38/#post327870
Details here of my fuel filter replacement. Crossing fingers....
https://mitsubishiforum.com/forum/mi...e2/#post327900
Vehicle is due for safety inspection this month. I think I have a small exhaust leak. Still has the original exhaust system.


