The 2.5-liter Renault S8U diesel engine was produced at the Sofim plant from 1980 to 2001 and was installed in both Safrane sedans and Trafic and Master commercial minibuses. The version of this diesel engine with direct fuel injection is known under its own index S9U.
Specifications
| Production years | 1980-2001 |
| Displacement, cc | 2445 (I – atmospheric 720, 722, 730, 731) 2499 (II – atmospheric 742, 748, 750, 752, 758, 770, 772) 2499 (III – turbocharged 762, 763) |
| Fuel system | prechambers |
| Power output, hp | 71 (I) 75 – 80 (II) 113 (III) |
| Torque output, Nm | 150 (I) 155 – 165 (II) 240 (III) |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 8v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 93 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 90 (I) 92 (II) 92 (III) |
| Compression ratio | 22.0 (I) 22.0 – 23.0 (II) 22.5 (III) |
| Features | SOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no (I) no (II) KKK K16 (III) |
| Recommended engine oil | 10W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.5 5.5 6.5 |
| Fuel type | diesel |
| Euro standards | EURO 0 (I) EURO 0 (II) EURO 1 (III) |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Renault Safrane 1993) — city — highway — combined |
9.9 5.5 7.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~500 000 |
| Weight, kg | 250 |
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan Interstar 2 (X70) in 1999 – 2000;
- Opel Movano A (X70) in 1998 – 2000;
- Renault Master 1 (T35) in 1980 – 1997, Master 2 (X70) in 1997 – 2000;
- Renault Safrane 1 (B54) in 1992 – 1996;
- Renault Trafic 1 (TXW) in 1980 – 2001.
Disadvantages of the Renault S8U engine
- This is a strong diesel engine with a long resource, but when overheated, its cylinder head often bursts.
- It is also important to monitor the condition of the timing belt, because when it breaks, the valves bend.
- The teeth of the crankshaft pulley wear out with mileage, which greatly reduces the life of the belt.
- Simple and reliable Bosch VE mechanical injection pump regularly leaks over seals.
- On a long run, gaskets at the junction of the block and the drag plate often leak.
Frequently asked questions about the Renault S8U
How much power does the Renault S8U make?
Power output of the Renault S8U, hp: 71 (I); 75 - 80 (II); 113 (III). Torque, Nm: 150 (I); 155 - 165 (II); 240 (III).
How much oil does the Renault S8U take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 5.5; 5.5; 6.5 liters. Recommended oil: 10W-40.
Does the Renault S8U have a timing belt or chain?
The Renault S8U uses a timing belt.
Is the Renault S8U turbocharged?
Yes, the Renault S8U is turbocharged (no (I); no (II); KKK K16 (III)).
Does the Renault S8U 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 S8U last?
The typical lifespan of the Renault S8U is ~500 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Renault S8U?
Renault Safrane 1993: city 9.9, highway 5.5, combined 7.4 L/100 km.
What cars was the Renault S8U installed on?
Nissan Interstar 2 (X70) in 1999 - 2000; Opel Movano A (X70) in 1998 - 2000; Renault Master 1 (T35) in 1980 - 1997, Master 2 (X70) in 1997 - 2000; Renault Safrane 1 (B54) in 1992 - 1996; Renault Trafic 1 (TXW) in 1980 - 2001.
What are the common problems of the Renault S8U?
This is a strong diesel engine with a long resource, but when overheated, its cylinder head often bursts. It is also important to monitor the condition of the timing belt, because when it breaks, the valves bend. All known problems.
