The 2.0-liter 16-valve Renault F4R engine has been assembled at the Cleon plant since 1998 and is still installed on some of the concern’s models for emerging markets. This unit has become widespread due to the installation on Duster and Kaptur.
The F-series include: F3P, F4P, F7P, F2R, F3R, F4R, F4Rt, F5R, F7R.
In 1998, a 16-valve 2.0-liter power unit debuted on the Espace 3 model. In addition to the cylinder head with a pair of camshafts and hydraulic lifters, it differed from the 8-valve engines of the series by the presence of an ignition system with separate coils, as well as an intake dephaser. Otherwise, there is also an in-line 4-cylinder cast-iron block without sleeves and a timing belt drive.
Separately, it is worth writing about the forced modification of the unit for sports versions of the Clio. In 1999, Mecachrome engineers boosted this motor to 172 hp for the Clio II RS, and in 2004 the restyled Clio II RS received an even more powerful 182 hp engine. Sports modifications based on the third generation Clio were equipped with 197 and 200 hp versions.
The engine was installed on:
- Renault Clio 2 (X65) in 1999 – 2005; Clio 3 (X85) in 2006 – 2012;
- Renault Duster 1 (HS) since 2010;
- Renault Kaptur 1 (H5) since 2016;
- Renault Espace 3 (J66) in 1998 – 2002; Espace 4 (J81) in 2002 – 2008;
- Renault Laguna 1 (X56) in 1999 – 2001; Laguna 2 (X74) in 2002 – 2007;
- Renault Megane 1 (X64) in 2001 – 2002; Megane 2 (X84) in 2002 – 2009;
- Renault Scenic 1 (J64) in 1999 – 2003; Scenic 2 (J84) in 2003 – 2008;
- Nissan Terrano 3 (D10) since 2014.
Specifications
| Production years | since 1998 |
| Displacement, cc | 1998 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 135 – 140 (1998 – 2009) 135 – 143 (after 2010) 172 – 200 (sports) |
| Torque output, Nm | 185 – 195 (1998 – 2009) 195 (after 2010) 200 – 215 (sports) |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 82.7 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 93 |
| Compression ratio | 9.8 – 10 (1998 – 2009) 11 – 11.2 (after 2010) 11 – 11.5 (sports) |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | yes |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.9 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3/4 (1998 – 2009) EURO 5 (after 2010) EURO 3/4 (sports) |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Renault Duster 2017) — city — highway — combined |
10.1 6.5 7.8 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 139 |
Disadvantages of the Renault F4R engine
- The first versions of the unit had a compression ratio of about 10 and were considered very reliable, however, when switching to EURO 5, the compression ratio was raised to 11, and then to 11.2 in general. Frequent use of low-octane gasoline results in detonation and piston damage.
- The problematic place of this engine is the phase regulator on the intake camshaft. Often it starts to crack even before 100,000 km, and replacement is expensive.
- Closer to 100,000 km of run, oil consumption often appears up to a liter per 1000 km. The reason is usually the occurrence of piston rings and hardened valve stem seals.
- A generally reliable power unit constantly suffers from electrical failures. Most often, the ignition coils and the crankshaft position sensor fail.
- Many owners of cars with such an engine are faced with unstable operation of their engine. We recommend that you start by flushing the throttle, and then clean the nozzles with special tools.
- Another rather modest resource in this power unit is its rear support, and lubricant leaks are also common, and especially along the rear crankshaft oil seal.
