From 1980 until 2001, the Sofim plant produced the 2.5-liter Renault S8U diesel engine, which was fitted in Safrane sedans as well as Trafic and Master commercial minibuses. This diesel engine’s direct fuel injection variant is referred to by its own index, S9U.
Specifications
| Production years | 1980-2001 |
| Displacement, cc | 2445 (I – atmospheric 720, 722, 730, 731) 2499 (II – atmospheric 742, 748, 750, 752, 758, 770, 772) 2499 (III – turbocharged 762, 763) |
| Fuel system | prechambers |
| Power output, hp | 71 (I) 75 – 80 (II) 113 (III) |
| Torque output, Nm | 150 (I) 155 – 165 (II) 240 (III) |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 8v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 93 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 90 (I) 92 (II) 92 (III) |
| Compression ratio | 22.0 (I) 22.0 – 23.0 (II) 22.5 (III) |
| Features | SOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no (I) no (II) KKK K16 (III) |
| Recommended engine oil | 10W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.5 5.5 6.5 |
| Fuel type | diesel |
| Euro standards | EURO 0 (I) EURO 0 (II) EURO 1 (III) |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Renault Safrane 1993) — city — highway — combined |
9.9 5.5 7.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~500 000 |
| Weight, kg | 250 |
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan Interstar 2 (X70) in 1999 – 2000;
- Opel Movano A (X70) in 1998 – 2000;
- Renault Master 1 (T35) in 1980 – 1997; Master 2 (X70) in 1997 – 2000;
- Renault Safrane 1 (B54) in 1992 – 1996;
- Renault Trafic 1 (TXW) in 1980 – 2001.
Disadvantages of the Renault S8U engine
This diesel engine is powerful and long-lasting, but its cylinder head frequently explodes when it overheats.
Because the valves bend when the timing belt breaks, it’s also critical to keep an eye on its condition.
The crankshaft pulley’s teeth deteriorate with mileage, significantly shortening the belt’s lifespan.
The Bosch VE mechanical injection pump is a straightforward and dependable device that frequently leaks over seals.
Gaskets at the intersection of the block and the drag plate frequently leak over time.