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.
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.
K-series family: K4J, K7J, K4M, K7M, K9K.
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 |
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions about the Renault K4J
How much power does the Renault K4J make?
Power output of the Renault K4J, hp: 95 - 100; 82. Torque, Nm: 127; 124.
How much oil does the Renault K4J take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.6 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30, 5W-40.
Does the Renault K4J have a timing belt or chain?
The Renault K4J uses a timing belt.
Is the Renault K4J turbocharged?
No, the Renault K4J is naturally aspirated.
Does the Renault K4J need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Renault K4J has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Renault K4J last?
The typical lifespan of the Renault K4J is ~350 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Renault K4J?
Renault Symbol 2010: city 9.9, highway 5.4, combined 7.0 L/100 km.
What cars was the Renault K4J 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.
What are the common problems of the Renault K4J?
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. All known problems.





