Renault F4R 2.0 engine

Characteristics

The manufacturer of the F4R engine is Cleon Plant, which has been producing this unit since 1998 until now. The F4R is an inline four-cylinder engine with a cast iron cylinder block and an injection feeding system. Each cylinder is equipped with four valves. Piston stroke is 93 mm and cylinder diameter is 82.7 mm. The compression ratio is usually 9.8, but for the Duster it can be as high as 11.

The engine displacement is 1998 cubic centimeters. Engine output for the Duster ranges from 135 to 138 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and torque ranges from 190 to 195 Nm at 3,750 rpm.

It is recommended to use fuel with an octane rating of 92 or 95 to run the engine, and it meets Euro 3, 4 and 5 environmental standards. Fuel consumption for cars with this engine is 10.3 liters per 100 km in the city, 6.5 liters per 100 km on the highway and 7.8 liters per 100 km in mixed mode. Oil consumption does not exceed 0.5 liters per 1000 km.

Recommended oils for the F4R engine in Duster, Megane and Laguna cars include 5W-40 and 5W-30, and oil change is carried out every 10 thousand kilometers.

According to the factory, there is no information about the resource of F4R, but in practice it can reach from 250 to 300 thousand kilometers.

Regarding tuning, the potential to increase engine output to 150 horsepower and more is indicated, but it is recommended to limit yourself to this value to avoid loss of resource. The F4R engine has been installed in cars of such brands as Dacia Duster, Renault Duster, Renault Kaptur, Renault Megane 2, Renault Laguna, Nissan Terrano, Renault Espace 2, 3, 4, Renault Trafic 2, Praga R1 and Renault Clio Sport.

Failures and repairs of the F4R engine

The Renault F4R engine with a displacement of 2.0 liters and an output of 135-138 hp (depending on the index) has become particularly popular thanks to the Duster SUV and the Megane family. It came to replace the 8-valve F3R. There are several modifications of F4R with different indices, and their power varies within narrow limits, from 135 to 138 hp. The index indicates the car for which the motor is designed and its configuration. Almost all parts of the F4R are interchangeable, and the differences lie mainly in the attachments. In addition to the standard variations, there are also sporty modifications, used on Clio Sport with power from 169 to 200 hp. They are characterized by electronic throttle, a different air filter, steel crankshaft (instead of cast iron), modified cylinder-head and exhaust system.

Regarding the belt or chain on the Duster engine: the motor has a belt-driven timing system. Renault F4R is old enough, and all its disadvantages and causes of malfunctions are known. Let’s consider the most common problems of F4R 2.0: phase regulator, which fails about once every 60-70 thousand kilometers. This is evidenced by the sound of the motor, resembling a diesel. However, such a sound can also indicate more serious problems, such as a crack in the cylinder-head, piston burnout or valve problems. In any case, a compression measurement should be taken and action should be taken according to the results.

Ignition coils have a short lifespan and when they fail, the Duster engine with F4R starts to twitch. This is the main cause, but the problem can also be related to the DPKV (crankshaft position sensor) or the spark plugs.

The throttle plate is often clogged, causing the Renault F4R engine to not start properly. Once cleaned, the problem usually disappears.

The rear crankshaft oil seal may start to leak on engines with more than 100,000 kilometers, but it can be easily replaced.

The Duster’s floating engine speed is a feature of the motor that is not dangerous. Noise in the timing area is also not a serious problem.

It is important to note that the Duster F4R engine has increased oil consumption.

Despite the above-mentioned problems, the engine is generally reliable and does not cause serious difficulties when operated properly. The resource of the Duster engine is from 250 to 300 thousand kilometers before overhaul.

Choosing a car Duster/Megane and others with a modification of the engine volume of 2.0 liters, you should pay attention to it, as 1.6 K4M may not be powerful enough.

Renault F4R 2.0 16V engine tuning

Chip tuning

Just as on 95% of other atmospheric motors, here the firmware will not give anything, safely throw this idea out of your head. It will be much more effective to remake your 2-liter engine Renault Duster in the motor Clio RS, put camshafts from RS or tuning with a phase of about 280 + intake + exhaust straight + flash and will go at the level of 170 strong engine. For further modifications you need to change the piston to forging, refine the cylinder head, refine the valve seats, remove the sharp edges, grind the channels, put a lightweight flywheel, receiver … perhaps you can get to 200 hp. With a great desire you can install a 4 throttle intake on the evil shafts, as something to customize it, but the cost of construction will be hell, the ratio of $ / hp beyond comprehension.

Compressor and turbo

There are no ready compressor kits for F4P, you will have to buy a separate compressor with low pressure… 0,5 bar on a standard motor is the limit. Looking for such a compressor, 360cc injectors, straight-through exhaust, customize online and about 200+ hp can be inflated. Install a more productive turbine on the F4R and blow 300 hp as on Megane RS without problems, will not work, turbo engine F4RT from the F4R, except for the turbine, differs by another reinforced block, pistons under a lower compression ratio, so build a fast turbo motor should be initially on the F4RT.

ENGINE RATING: 4