From 1979 until 1997, the company’s factory assembled the 2.1-liter Renault J8S diesel engine, which was fitted to numerous well-known vehicles at the time, including the Jeep Cherokee, Safrane, and Espace. A 64-hp diesel engine with atmospheric modification and an 88-hp turbocharged version were both available.
The 2.1-liter naturally aspirated diesel engine made its debut on the Renault 20 in 1979. It was initially just known as 852, but later it was given the more recognizable J8S index. Based on the Douvrin engine, which had an aluminum cylinder block with cast-iron liners added for strength, it was the company’s first diesel engine for passenger cars. Other components include an aluminum 8-valve cylinder head with a single camshaft and prechambers, a timing belt drive, and a dependable Bosch VE mechanical injection pump.
A supercharged version with 88 horsepower already surfaced after the atmospheric diesel engine with 64 horsepower. This unit is also available in a rare version for motorhomes like the Winnebago LeSharo, which has a contemporary variable geometry turbine with 190 Nm and 92 horsepower.
The engine was mounted on:
- Renault 18 (L34) in 1980 – 1989;
- Renault 20 (R20) in 1979 – 1983;
- Renault 21 (L48) in 1986 – 1995;
- Renault 25 (B29) in 1983 – 1992;
- Renault 30 (R30) in 1981 – 1983;
- Renault Fuego 1 (E34) in 1982 – 1986;
- Renault Espace 1 (J11) in 1984 – 1990; Espace 2 (J63) in 1991 – 1996;
- Renault Master 1 (T35) in 1980 – 1997;
- Renault Safrane 1 (B54) in 1993 – 1996;
- Renault Trafic 1 (TXW) in 1980 – 1997;
- Jeep Cherokee 2 (XJ) in 1985 – 1994;
- Jeep Comanche 1 (MJ) in 1986 – 1987.
Specifications
| Production years | 1979-1997 |
| Displacement, cc | 2068 |
| Fuel system | prechambers |
| Power output, hp | 63 – 72 (atmospheric) 85 – 92 (turbo) |
| Torque output, Nm | 125 – 140 (atmospheric) 180 – 190 (turbo) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 8v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 86 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 89 |
| Compression ratio | 21 – 21.5 |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Recommended engine oil | 10W-40, 15W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 6.3 |
| Fuel type | diesel |
| Euro standards | EURO 0 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Renault Safrane 1995) — city — highway — combined |
8.7 5.2 6.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~500 000 |
| Weight, kg | 171 |
Disadvantages of the Renault J8S engine
This diesel unit frequently breaks its gasket because it is terrified of overheating. The most hazardous aspect, however, is that the cylinder head frequently cracks and is difficult to replace.
Grease leaks are a common occurrence, particularly from the pipe leading to the oil filter. Additionally, the turbine frequently drives oil 100,000 kilometers in supercharged modifications.
There aren’t many resources on this timing belt, and oil frequently gets on it. As a result, it breaks frequently and typically breaks both the rocker arms and their axis at the same time.
Here, the mechanical injection pump is dependable, and repairs are frequently limited to injector nozzles.