K4M (engine): reviews, characteristics, operating temperature, tuning

Since 2012, a Renault Duster equipped with a K4M engine has been sold in Russia. These are budget SUVs that immediately gained quite a lot of popularity, despite some shortcomings of the engines used in them.

Please note that this motor is not new. It has been used since 1999 on various cars: Megane, Clio, Laguna, etc. However, in this review we will look at the features of the K4M engine using the Renault Duster car as an example. It just so happens that the majority of reviews from car owners are about this model, which allows us to highlight the weaknesses of the engine.

Renault Duster cars are presented in different trim levels. There is a complete set with gasoline engines. In particular, the buyer can choose between the K4M and F4R engine versions. They can be equipped with cars with front and rear wheel drive. We will not dwell on the F4R engine in this article. The characteristics, weaknesses and disadvantages of K4M engines will be discussed here. The information will be useful to buyers who have paid attention to the Renault Duster, as well as drivers who have already bought this car or are planning to buy any other car with a K4M engine.

Engine modifications

For French Renault engines, there is a coding for different types of motor - XnY zzz. In this encoding:

• X – motor series (in this case K).
• n – architecture. The number 4 corresponds to gasoline engines with 4 valves per cylinder. Engines with injection distribution and two valves per cylinder are designated by the number 7.
• Y – designation of engine volume.
• zzz is a number that indicates the design features of the engine and the vehicle itself on which it is installed. For example, even numbers indicate models with manual transmissions, odd numbers indicate models with automatic transmissions.

It follows that the K4M engine can have different modifications. Let's look at them all:

• The K4M 690 modification has been used on Renault Logan cars since 2006. Has a power of 105 hp.
• K4M 710 was installed on Renault Laguna cars from 2001 to 2005. It has a power of 110 hp.
• K4M 782 - used on Renault Scenic from 2003 to 2009. Its power is 115 hp.
• K4M 848 - used from 2008 to this day in Renault Megane cars. Has a power of 100 hp.
• K4M 788 - used in Renault Megane from 2002 to 2008. Power is 110 hp.
• K4M 812/813/858 - used in Renault Megane from 2001 to the present day.
• K4M 606/696/839 – power 105 hp. Installed on Renault Duster and Renault Megane since 2010.
• K4M - used since 2012 on the Lada Largus, has a power of 105 hp.

Description

In 1999, the K7M was replaced by a new power unit, the K4M. The development was carried out by engine engineers from the famous Renault automaker. The engine they created is a 1.6-liter gasoline in-line naturally aspirated power unit with a power of 102-115 hp and a torque of 145-155 Nm.

Under the hood of the K4M

Engine production is carried out at factories in Spain and Turkey. Since 2009, the Russian AvtoVAZ has mastered the production of K4M.

The engine was installed on cars of various modifications of Renault:

• Clio (1999-2013);
• Laguna (1999-2010);
• Scenic (1999-2016);
• Megane (1999-2014);
• Kangoo (2001-2014);
• Symbol (2002-2013);
• Twingo (2008-2013);
• Sandero (2009-2014);
• Logan (2009-present);
• Wind (2010-2013).

For Dacia cars:

• Logan I (2005-2013);
• Sandero (2010-2012);
• Duster I (2010-2018).

For Nissan cars:

• Almera G15 (2012-2019);
• Terrano D10 (2014-2016).

For Lada cars:

• Largus station wagon (2012-2017);
• Largus Cross (2014-2017);
• Largus van (2015-2017).

The cylinder block is cast from high-strength cast iron. The cylinders are bored internally, without liners. At the bottom there are five crankshaft main bearing beds.

The cylinder head is made of aluminum alloy with pressed seats and valve guides. At the top there is a mount for two camshafts.

The crankshaft is steel. Fixation against axial movements - two half rings in the bed of the middle main bearing.

The pistons are standard, aluminum, with three rings, two of which are compression, one is oil scraper.

Timing drive – toothed belt.

The timing belt is made according to the DOHC scheme, i.e. has two camshafts, 16 valves. Adjustment of the thermal clearance of the valves during operation is not required, since hydraulic compensators are installed here. On many engine models, the valve timing is controlled by a phase shifter, which is located on the intake camshaft. (The phase regulator valve is located on the cylinder head).

Closed crankcase ventilation system.

Combined lubrication system. Oil volume is 4.85 liters (when changing the oil and replacing the oil filter). The manufacturer strictly prohibits the use of various additives to improve the quality of the lubricant, as well as the use of other brands of oils. Failure to comply with these recommendations is especially important for warranty power units. The type of oil used is indicated in the operating manual for the specific car model.

The fuel supply system includes traditional elements:

• electric fuel pump;
• throttle assembly;
• coarse and fine filters;
• fuel pressure control;
• fuel injectors;
• fuel line

The power system also includes an exhaust gas recirculation system and an air filter.

View of K4M from the timing drive side

The cooling system is sealed with forced coolant circulation. The pump is driven by a timing belt. A thermostat is used to regulate the coolant temperature in all engine operating modes.

The microprocessor ignition system consists of coils and spark plugs.

K4M Engine Characteristics

As you already understand, different modifications have different parameters. The K4M 1.6 16v engine has a power of 102 hp and its torque is 145 Nm. The engine is equipped with a power system with distributed fuel injection and electronic control. The engine toxicity standard is Euro 4. This means that you can fill with gasoline AI 92 and higher. You can also highlight the electronic engine management system.

A Renault Duster with this engine can reach speeds of up to 163 kilometers per hour, and its fuel consumption in the city will be 9.8 liters per 100 km and 6.5 liters per 100 km on the highway.

Note that tuning the K4M engine is possible. Some car owners chip the engine and replace the exhaust with a catless exhaust. As a result, the engine receives an increase in horsepower (its power increases to 120 hp).

Tuning

Increasing engine power through tuning is possible. Unfortunately, not everyone knows that this process is quite painful for the power unit. Increasing the already large loads does not benefit the motor. It has been noticed that tuning reduces the engine's service life. Many who like to “ride with the breeze” do not think about this, but, as they say, “The master is the master.”

Mechanical tuning of an atmospheric engine is out of the question due to the high cost of the “improvement” process itself. Although, if you really want to, you can install an RK-23 turbine on the engine. You need to keep in mind that there are no ready-made kits for this unit. You'll have to contact the manufacturer. For an additional fee, a configuration for a specific vehicle will be assembled. To complete the project to its logical conclusion, it is necessary to purchase Volga injectors, direct-flow exhaust, camshafts phase 270-280. To finalize the tuning, you will need a new engine ECU (“Abit”). As a result of this modification, engine power can be increased to 150 hp.

The most painless tuning option is flashing the ECU. It will also allow you to change the power parameters of the engine. The increase will be slight, about 10-12 hp.

Forum member Miheiioy, in a review of his experience of engine chip tuning on a Renault Fluence, writes this:

Car owner comment

Miheiioy

Car: Renault Fluence

K4M 838 fluence 2012 flashed on Euro2, the latest Paulus firmware. I decided to do this only for the sake of the braked electronic pedal. When the electrician was doing the flashing, he told me not to expect any special changes in the operation of the car. But to my surprise, I got into another car. The pedal began to respond not just better, but much better even than a mechanical one. The failure disappeared at 3000 rpm. It seems that the engine has become much faster.

Is it worth reducing the engine's operating life for the sake of a small increase in power? There is no clear answer to this question. But, before you start remaking the engine, you need to think carefully about the topic.

Operating rules

Any engine can be “killed” in a day if you drive it incorrectly. The K4M engine requires proper operation and replacement of all consumables on time. So, the oil needs to be changed every 15 thousand kilometers. Considering the low quality of gasoline in Russia and the likelihood of buying a fake on the market, it is advisable to replace it after 8-10 thousand kilometers. It is necessary to fill in oil with class SL, SM, and its viscosity, depending on operating conditions (temperatures in the region), should be 5W30, 5W40, 5W50, 0W30, 0W40.

The timing belt must be changed once every four years or after every 60 thousand kilometers. The air filter is changed every year or 15 thousand kilometers. Spark plugs need to be replaced after 30 thousand kilometers. The last thing is the coolant, which needs to be changed every three years or after 90 thousand kilometers.

Well, you should monitor the speed and temperature of the engine. Remember that the operating temperature of the K4M engine is 90 degrees. The engine can be heated to 120 degrees, but under no circumstances should the thermometer needle be allowed to reach the red zone.

Service

• If used correctly, the engine will require opening no more than once every 100 thousand kilometers. However, if the car owner neglects the requirements for changing Renault oil, this can lead to serious breakdowns literally after 50 thousand kilometers.
• The presence of two camshafts in the 1.6-liter in-line engine improves the performance of the engine, simultaneously eliminating vibrations and making its operation as smooth as possible.
• The Renault Logan engine itself is characterized by minimal noise and provides excellent comfort while driving at various speeds.
• We also note the use of distributor fuel injection, which improves environmental performance and reduces fuel consumption. This power unit, despite the widespread use of various automated units and a modern injection system, is capable of running on 92 gasoline, which allows the car owner to reduce costs.
• The Renault Duster engine is actually a modernized version of the four-cylinder engine, which was successfully produced for 10 years. The use of such a reliable and proven power unit design made it possible to ensure the most reliable operation of the engine.
• Provided the service interval is observed, the Renault Duster engine has a service life of about 400 thousand kilometers. The k7J engine installed in Renault Logan and Sandero has a similar design. These motors have interchangeable parts and are easy to repair.
• In comparison with its predecessor, the Renault Duster engine received a modernized exhaust system and fully automatic control of the power unit. By reconfiguring the control unit, you can change the power and thrust parameters of the F3R engine, so it can be installed with equal success on both compact cars and the Renault Duster crossover.
• Reconfiguring the control unit allows the Duster to significantly increase torque, which has a positive effect on the vehicle’s cross-country ability and its handling on a country road.
• The F3R engine has a simple design, which greatly simplifies its subsequent repairs, which can be performed at any service station. The need for a major overhaul of the F3R engine occurs when the vehicle runs more than three hundred thousand kilometers.
• The manufacturer recommends regularly replacing the timing belt, which needs to be done every 50 thousand kilometers.
• It is recommended to change Renault Logan oil every 10 thousand kilometers. It is recommended to use original semi-synthetic oil and carry out all service activities on time.
• The F4R cylinder block is cast from cast iron, however, due to the use of aluminum for the cylinder head and compact dimensions, this power unit is lightweight, which has a positive effect on the vehicle's handling.
• Depending on the modification of the car on which the Renault Duster engine is installed, its fuel consumption rate can range from 7 to 10 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. When installing an automatic transmission on a vehicle, fuel consumption may increase slightly.

Weaknesses of cars with the K4M engine

Reviews about the K4M engine can be contradictory. Of these, we will highlight the main disadvantages of this motor:

1. After driving 70-100 thousand kilometers, the valve covers become fogged with oil.
2. The generator can quickly break down. This element is one of the most unreliable in the system.
3. The manual transmission is noisy even on new cars.
4. Crankshaft seals.
5. Timing belt.
6. Ignition.

All these are weak points of the Renault K4M engine. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

The main differences between the Renault K4M and the K7M engine

The prototype for creating the Renault K4M engine is its older brother K7M. It should be noted that the cast iron cylinder head on the engines is the same. Identical crankshafts, oil pump, pistons, connecting rods and other parts located in the BC. The whole difference lies in the serious differences in the BC head. On the new engine, instead of one camshaft, two shafts are installed. On some models with a power of about 115 hp, a system is installed on the intake shaft that changes the valve timing adjustment. Instead of 8 valves of the old K7M model, 16 valves work here. This can be identified by the inscription on the top engine cover. Another important change in the new model is the installed hydraulic compensators. Installing hydraulic compensators eliminates the need for periodic, complex and expensive valve adjustments. As a result of these changes, the Renault K4M engine has become more powerful, more economical, and the sound of the engine has become much quieter.

Valve cover fogging problem

In reviews, owners of cars with this engine complain that a similar problem occurs. It can occur at different intervals. The main reason that causes it is a drop in the density of the sealant between the cylinder head and the cover. If you see that the cover is covered with oil stains, then you need to remove the cover, completely remove the old sealant and install the head with a new layer of sealant. If the car is under warranty, then this problem will be fixed at the service within five minutes.

Malfunctions

Accessory belt

Many car owners experience engine failure due to wear on the accessory belt. Moreover, it wears out before the set time. This means that from time to time you need to look under the hood and look at the condition of this belt. If you notice that it is starting to fluff, then it is worth replacing. If it is not changed in time, it may get under the crankshaft pulley, which will lead to a wedge in the engine.

Minor engine problems

Although the cylinder-piston group of the engine is reliable, sometimes electrical problems arise and oil leaks. Ignition coils are not reliable, just like spark plugs. Ultrasonic cleaning of fuel injectors is regularly required due to constant blockages. It is recommended to preventively clean the throttle valve.

Need a contact power unit Renault K4M? You will find it in the AutoStrong catalog. We will deliver by transport company in Russia and Kazakhstan, in Belarus – by our own transport. The warranty period is 30 days.

About low-quality gasoline

To be fair, we note that most European, American and Japanese cars are highly sensitive to low-quality gasoline. Most likely, this is due to the fact that in Europe and Japan gasoline is of higher quality, and car manufacturers make cars taking into account the use of high-quality fuel. Many gas stations in Russia sell gasoline that is inferior in quality to European gasoline. Therefore, on the K4M engine (it was no exception), you can observe short-term dips in performance when driving and floating speed at idle. Therefore, it is not enough to fill with 95 or 98 gasoline. It is also necessary to refuel at proven gas stations.

What car models are equipped with the K4M engine?