From 1999 to 2013, the company produced the 1.4-liter 16-valve Renault K4J engine, which was installed on the Clio, Megane, and Scenic but was most well-known for the Symbol model. There was a derated version with 82 horsepower in addition to the standard modifications in 95–100 horsepower.
The K-series consists of K4J, K7J, K4M, K7M, and K9K.
The junior 16-valve 1.4-liter engine debuted in the K-series in 1999. With its cast-iron block, timing belt drive, and distributed fuel injection, this engine is typical for its era. Unlike a 1.6-liter engine, there is no phase regulator. Its cylinder head with two camshafts, hydraulic lifters, and separate ignition coils rather than one for four cylinders set it apart from its 8-valve series counterparts.
Only the Megane 2 had a version derated to 82 horsepower without an electronic throttle. This power unit was manufactured in a limited power range of 95–100 horsepower and 127 Nm of torque. Additionally, it is the only K-series engine that did not go to the low-cost brand Dacia at the end of the main release and vanished into obscurity following the 2013 discontinuation of Renault Symbol.
The engine was mounted on:
- Renault Clio 2 (X65) in 1999 – 2005; Clio 3 (X85) in 2005 – 2012;
- Renault Grand Modus 1 (F77) in 2004 – 2008;
- Renault Modus 1 (J77) in 2004 – 2008;
- Renault Megane 1 (X64) in 1999 – 2003; Megane 2 (X84) in 2002 – 2009;
- Renault Scenic 1 (J64) in 1999 – 2003; Scenic 2 (J84) in 2003 – 2008;
- Renault Symbol 1 (L65) in 1999 – 2008; Symbol 2 (L35) in 2008 – 2013.
Specifications
| Production years | 1999-2013 |
| Displacement, cc | 1390 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 95 – 100 82 |
| Torque output, Nm | 127 124 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 79.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 70 |
| Compression ratio | 10.0 |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.6 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Renault Symbol 2010) — city — highway — combined |
9.9 5.4 7.0 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 132 |
Disadvantages of the Renault K4J engine
The most frequent issues with this engine are related to faulty electrics, ignition coils, crankshaft position, and frequently malfunctioning absolute pressure sensors.
The timing belt’s resource is longer, but it must be changed every 60,000 kilometers as per the regulations. It breaks because the valves are bent simultaneously with the water pump’s wedge or tension roller.
Car owners who have such a unit frequently deal with floating engine speeds. The throttle, injectors, or idle speed controller contamination are the primary causes.
This line of engines is well-known for frequent coolant and oil leaks. In addition to the front crankshaft oil seal and frequently cracked thermostat housing, fogging is typically found in the vicinity of the valve cover or oil separator.
Additionally, the crankshaft damper pulley and motor mounts have limited resources.