The 1.4-liter 16-valve Renault K4J engine was produced by the company from 1999 to 2013 and was installed on Clio, Megane, Scenic, but it was best known for the Symbol model. In addition to standard modifications in 95 – 100 hp, there was a derated version of 82 hp.
The K-series include: K4J, K7J, K4M, K7M and K9K.
In 1999, the junior 16-valve 1.4-liter engine appeared in the K-series. By design, this is a typical engine for its time with distributed fuel injection, a cast-iron block and a timing belt drive. There is no phase regulator like on a 1.6-liter engine. It differed from its 8-valve counterparts in the series by the presence of a cylinder head with two camshafts, hydraulic lifters and individual ignition coils instead of one for 4 cylinders.
This power unit was produced in a narrow power range of 95 – 100 hp and 127 Nm of torque, and only Megane 2 was equipped with a version derated to 82 hp without an electronic throttle. It is also the only engine from the K-series that, at the end of the main release, did not go to the budget brand Dacia and sunk into oblivion after Renault Symbol was discontinued in 2013.
The engine was installed on:
- Renault Clio 2 (X65) in 1999 – 2005; Clio 3 (X85) in 2005 – 2012;
- Renault Grand Modus 1 (F77) in 2004 – 2008;
- Renault Modus 1 (J77) in 2004 – 2008;
- Renault Megane 1 (X64) in 1999 – 2003; Megane 2 (X84) in 2002 – 2009;
- Renault Scenic 1 (J64) in 1999 – 2003; Scenic 2 (J84) in 2003 – 2008;
- Renault Symbol 1 (L65) in 1999 – 2008; Symbol 2 (L35) in 2008 – 2013.
Specifications
| Production years | 1999-2013 |
| Displacement, cc | 1390 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 95 – 100 82 |
| Torque output, Nm | 127 124 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 79.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 70 |
| Compression ratio | 10.0 |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.6 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Renault Symbol 2010) — city — highway — combined |
9.9 5.4 7.0 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 132 |
Disadvantages of the Renault K4J engine
- The most common problems with this engine are associated with unreliable electrics, ignition coils, crankshaft position and absolute pressure sensors often fail.
- According to the regulations, the timing belt is replaced every 60,000 km, but its resource is longer. It breaks due to the wedge of the water pump or its tension roller and the valves are bent at the same time.
- Very often, car owners with such a unit are faced with floating engine speeds. The main reasons are: contamination of the throttle, injectors or idle speed controller.
- The engines of this line are famous for regular oil and coolant leaks. Fogging is usually found in the area of the valve cover or oil separator, as well as the front crankshaft oil seal and regularly cracking thermostat housing.
- The motor mounts and the crankshaft damper pulley also have a low resource.
