The Renault E7J 1.4-liter 8-valve engine first appeared in 1991. Structurally, it is based on the popular Cleon-Fonte engine, but with an overhead camshaft, that is, in the cylinder head. Installed on Renault 19, Megane, Kangoo, Clio, and Dacia Solenza, SupeRNova. The version of the engine with a carburetor power system is called the E6J.
At the end of the 80s, the concern’s engineers finally realized that nothing more could be squeezed out of the OHV-type C-series engines. It’s time to switch to the OHC scheme, that is, with a camshaft in the cylinder head and a toothed belt to transmit torque from the crankshaft.
Thus, the E-series appeared, which laid the foundation for a huge family of low-volume power units with indices K and D, which are still actively installed on a number of budget models of the Franco-Japanese alliance. Of course, over the years, mono-injection has given way to distributed injection, but the design basis has been without significant changes for 30 years.
In 1997, a new 1.4-liter K7J engine appeared, which finally abandoned wet liners in favor of a cast block. However, the old motor remained in the conveyor for almost 10 more years, it was put on the Romanian Dacia cars.
E-series family: E7F, E7J.
Specifications
| Production years | 1991-2005 |
| Displacement, cc | 1390 |
| Fuel system | mono-injection |
| Power output, hp | 70 – 80 |
| Torque output, Nm | 105 – 114 |
| Cylinder block | R4 |
| Block head | 8v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 75.8 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 77 |
| Compression ratio | 9.2 – 9.5 |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 1 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Renault Megane 1997) — city — highway — combined |
10.4 6.0 7.6 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~200 000 |
| Weight, kg | 122 |
The engine was installed on:
- Dacia Solenza 1 (B41) in 2003 – 2005;
- Dacia SupeRNova 1 (B41) in 2000 – 2003;
- Renault 19 (X53) in 1993 – 1995;
- Renault Clio 1 (X57) in 1991 – 1998, Clio 2 (X65) in 1998 – 2001;
- Renault Express 1 (X40) in 1991 – 1998;
- Renault Kangoo 1 (KC) in 1997 – 2001;
- Renault Megane 1 (X64) in 1995 – 2000;
- Renault Scenic 1 (J64) in 1996 – 2003.
Disadvantages of the Renault E7J engine
- The cause of the unstable operation of the power unit is usually: air leakage, a burned-out lambda probe, a faulty fuel pump, or failure of the single injection nozzle.
- Trouble of the motor is often caused by a cracked cover of the distributor. It is also worth checking the candles and high-voltage wires.
- The electrical part of the engine is very capricious, especially in wet weather. Many sensors can fail, but let’s single out the two most unreliable: the temperature of the coolant and the incoming air.
Frequently asked questions about the Renault E7J
How much power does the Renault E7J make?
The Renault E7J develops 70 - 80 hp and 105 - 114 Nm of torque.
Does the Renault E7J have a timing belt or chain?
The Renault E7J uses a timing belt.
Is the Renault E7J turbocharged?
No, the Renault E7J is naturally aspirated.
Does the Renault E7J need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Renault E7J last?
The typical lifespan of the Renault E7J is ~200 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Renault E7J?
Renault Megane 1997: city 10.4, highway 6.0, combined 7.6 L/100 km.
What cars was the Renault E7J installed on?
Dacia Solenza 1 (B41) in 2003 - 2005; Dacia SupeRNova 1 (B41) in 2000 - 2003; Renault 19 (X53) in 1993 - 1995; Renault Clio 1 (X57) in 1991 - 1998, Clio 2 (X65) in 1998 - 2001; Renault Express 1 (X40) in 1991 - 1998; Renault Kangoo 1 (KC) in 1997 - 2001 and 2 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the Renault E7J?
The cause of the unstable operation of the power unit is usually: air leakage, a burned-out lambda probe, a faulty fuel pump, or failure of the single injection nozzle. Trouble of the motor is often caused by a cracked cover of the distributor. It is also worth checking the candles and high-voltage wires. All known problems.
What engines are related to the Renault E7J?
E-series family: E7F.
