French D4F can be called a really reliable unit. The production of engines of this line started in the distant 1996 and continued until 2014. Of the D-series motors, there is only one in the turbo version, the other 4 motors are atmospherics with a volume of 1.0-1.1 liters. Despite the fact that the working volume of the French turbo is 1149 cc, the designation “1.2 liter” is accepted everywhere. The engine design consists of a cast-iron cylinder block, borrowed from the D7F unit. The cylinder block is equipped with a cylinder head with 16 valves per cylinder. Valve drive in motion is carried out by means of gas distribution mechanism with bifurcated rocker arms. Hydrocompensators are absent.
Atmospheric engines of this series were limited in power up to 75 hp. Installation of a turbocharger from Mitsubishi allowed to “remove” from the motor 100 hp. Also the installation of the turbine entailed a decrease in compression height of pistons – up to 9.6:1.
Renault D4F 1.2 engine specifications
The Renault D4F engine is a reliable 1.2 liter power unit that has been widely used in various models of Renault, Dacia and even Proton cars. It is known for its simple design, reliability and economy, which has made it a popular choice for budget and compact cars.
Main Features
The standard modification of the D4F engine has the following technical parameters:
| Characteristics | Parameters |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Row, 4-cylinder, 16-valve |
| Volume | 1149 cm³ |
| Cylinder diameter | 69 mm |
| Piston stroke | 76.8 mm |
| Power | 73 – 79 hp |
| Torque | 105 – 108 Nm |
| Compression ratio | 9.8 |
| Fuel type | AI-92 |
| Environmental standards | Euro 3/4 |
| Engine weight | 88 kg |
The D4F uses a fuel injection system (injector) and a belt-driven timing system. The belt has a claimed life of 120,000 km, but in practice it is recommended to replace it every 60,000 km, because if the belt breaks or slips, the valves may be damaged.
Defeatured version
There was also a de-fortified version of the D4F engine, characterized by reduced power:
- Power: 60 – 65 hp.
- Torque: 100 – 105 Nm.
- Environmental regulations: EURO 4/5
Renault D4F 1.2 16v engine service regulations
| Procedure | Periodicity | Additional |
|---|---|---|
| Oil change | Every 15,000 km | Volume 3.8 liters, oil 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Valve adjustment | Every 80,000 km | Counter nut |
| Change air filter | Every 30,000 km | |
| Fuel filter replacement | Every 120,000 km | |
| Spark plugs replacement | Every 30,000 km | |
| Auxiliary belt replacement | Every 60,000 km | |
| Change antifreeze | Every 5 years or 100,000 km |
Which cars were fitted with the D4F engine
The Renault D4F engine has been used in a wide range of cars:
Dacia:
- Logan 1 (L90): 2009 – 2012
- Logan 2 (L52): 2012 – 2016
- Logan 2 MCV (R52): 2013 – 2016
- Sandero 1 (B90): 2009 – 2012
- Sandero 2 (B52): 2012 – 2016
Proton:
- Savvy 1: 2005 – 2013.
Renault:
- Clio 2 (X65): 2001 – 2012
- Clio 3 (X85): 2005 – 2014
- Clio 4 (X98): 2012 – 2018
- Kangoo 1 (KC): 2001 – 2005
- Modus 1 (J77): 2004 – 2012
- Sandero 2 (B52): 2014 – 2016
- Symbol 1 (L65): 2006 – 2008
- Symbol 2 (L35): 2008 – 2012
- Symbol 3 (L52): 2013 – 2017
- Twingo 1 (C06): 2001 – 2007
- Twingo 2 (C44): 2007 – 2014
How reliable is the D4F?”
Taking apart the French turbocharged engine it may seem that the engineers tried as soon as possible to assemble a unit with a turbo to keep up with the competition. The reason for this is an incredibly simple design, in some places not fully thought out, which entailed some “sore spots” of the motor in the form of oil fluid leaking over time on the rubber seals, as well as on the oil pan. Despite the obvious haste, the simplicity of the unit assembled by French engineers caused its high reliability. The only problem in this case remains a large fuel consumption, which many car owners solve by installing a HBO.
Engine cushions
When the mileage of the D4F engine comes closer to the mark of 150 thousand kilometers, owners are advised to pay attention to the engine cushions. Usually, by this time they are already in disrepair, and during the operation of the power unit, unpleasant vibrations begin to be traced. Supports from K4M and K9K engines are suitable as a replacement.
Crankshaft sensor
Over time, the crankshaft sensor located on the transmission bellhousing starts to malfunction. This manifests itself when the sensor heats up – then the engine stalls and can be restarted only after the sensor temperature drops.
Turbocharger
The power unit is equipped with a turbocharger from Mitsubishi company with serial number TD025L. The turbine is equipped with a bypass damper, which is controlled by an electro-vacuum valve (8200603558).
Ignition coil
The power unit is powered by a modular ignition coil (7700274008), which first appeared on French engines in the late 90s. At first, 8-valve engines of D and K series were equipped with it. Later, the coil was used in the units of Clio Sport model of F4R and F5R series. It should be noted that this is a dual ignition coil, which means that the spark occurs simultaneously in cylinders 1-4 and 2-3 respectively. Therefore, to check the resistance of the windings, it is necessary to use the terminals of the cylinders in the designated order (1-4, 2-3). The normal resistance is 9.8 kOhm and can vary from 9.3 to 10.2 kOhm. If during the operation of the car there are such problems as loss of traction or strong vibrations, such a check is necessary. In the same case it is recommended to check the primary winding – for this purpose it is necessary to check pins A-B, C-D respectively. The resistance on the pins should not exceed 0.4 Ohm. The service life of the ignition coil is about 100 thousand kilometers.
Injectors
When creating the engine, a distributed fuel supply system was used. A control module located in the fuel pump of the car is responsible for correcting the pressure value. For correct engine operation, the fuel pressure in the ramp is 3.5 bar. Over time, the pressure produced by the gasoline pump may become less. In this case, there is a twitching of the car when accelerating the car, and subsequently a complete failure of the fuel pump.
Throttle valve
The D4F engine has an unusual location of the electronic throttle valve – on the side of the intake manifold. Therefore, it is necessary to dismantle the manifold to service it. In the process of operating the car, you may encounter the problem of rpm hang-up, which usually occurs due to a program error and automatic activation of the emergency mode. Usually the problem is solved by cleaning and lubricating the gears of the servo drive.
G timing belt
It is recommended to replace the timing belt and cooling pump every 120 thousand kilometers.
Adjusting valve thermal clearances
As one of the engine maintenance procedures, it is also recommended to adjust the thermal valve clearances. This activity does not require a lot of tools and knowledge – you need a minus screwdriver and a wrench for 10.
Before adjustment, attention should be paid to the presence of a special mark on the camshaft in the form of a groove.
If the mark is present, the valve clearances are 0.25-0.32 mm and 0.35-0.42 mm respectively. If not, the valve clearances are 0.10-0.17 mm and 0.20-0.27 mm respectively. This procedure is recommended after every 80 thousand kilometers, and in the presence of HBO twice as often. And also after tuning immediately replace the valve cover gasket and plug well oil seals.