The 1.8-liter 8-valve Renault F3P engine appeared in 1992 as a replacement for the 1.7‑liter F2N due to tougher environmental requirements. It is found on models such as Renault 19, Clio and Laguna. Under the Volvo hood, this single-injection engine has the B18U index.
In the early nineties of the last century, environmental requirements for all cars became more stringent and French designers had to upgrade the F2N engine. The result was a power unit with a standard catalytic converter and electronic fuel injection, first mono, and then multi-point. Due to the use of larger pistons, the working volume increased from 1721 to 1783 cm3 (in the 678 version 1794 cm³).
The timing drive remained a belt drive with a replacement schedule every 120,000 km, and due to the lack of hydraulic lifters, periodic adjustment of valve clearances is required.
F-series family: F3P, F4P, F7P, F2R, F3R, F4R, F4Rt, F5R, F7R, F1N, F3N.
Specifications
| Production years | 1992-1999 |
| Displacement, cc | 1783 – 1794 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 88 – 110 |
| Torque output, Nm | 142 – 160 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 8v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 82.7 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83 – 83.5 |
| Compression ratio | 9.6 – 10 |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 1/2 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~250 000 |
| Weight, kg | 132 |
The engine was installed on:
- Renault 19 (X53) in 1992 – 1997;
- Renault Clio 1 (X57) in 1993 – 1998;
- Renault Laguna 1 (X56) in 1993 – 1999;
- Volvo 440 in 1990 – 1996 (as B18U), 460 in 1990 – 1996 (as B18U).
Disadvantages of the Renault F3P engine
- Unstable operation of the engine is almost always associated with malfunctions of the ignition system. And it doesn’t matter if you have a distributor or individual coils, both options are problematic.
- In fact, there may be several reasons for this: a throttle valve overgrown with dirt, a burned-out lambda probe, or a buggy coolant temperature sensor.
- Most often, by a run of 200 thousand kilometers, oil and coolant leaks begin. No sooner do you get rid of one leak, another immediately arises.
- Power failures, up to the point that the car simply stalls, are usually caused by a clogged fuel filter or injectors, less often by a fuel pump failure.
Frequently asked questions about the Renault F3P
How much power does the Renault F3P make?
The Renault F3P develops 88 - 110 hp and 142 - 160 Nm of torque.
Does the Renault F3P have a timing belt or chain?
The Renault F3P uses a timing belt.
Is the Renault F3P turbocharged?
No, the Renault F3P is naturally aspirated.
Does the Renault F3P 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 F3P last?
The typical lifespan of the Renault F3P is ~250 000 km with proper maintenance.
What cars was the Renault F3P installed on?
Renault 19 (X53) in 1992 - 1997; Renault Clio 1 (X57) in 1993 - 1998; Renault Laguna 1 (X56) in 1993 - 1999; Volvo 440 in 1990 - 1996 (as B18U), 460 in 1990 - 1996 (as B18U).
What are the common problems of the Renault F3P?
Unstable operation of the engine is almost always associated with malfunctions of the ignition system. And it doesn’t matter if you have a distributor or individual coils, both options are problematic. In fact, there may be several reasons for this: a throttle valve overgrown with dirt, a burned-out lambda probe, or a buggy coolant temperature sensor. All known problems.
