The Peugeot K1D (TU3A) is a 1,360 cc, inline‑four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1986 and 1992. It features a cast‑iron block, aluminum head, and a single overhead camshaft driven by a timing belt. Peak output is 55 kW (75 PS) and 106 Nm of torque, providing adequate performance for compact hatchbacks of its era.
Fitted primarily to the Peugeot 205 and 309, the K1D was engineered for economical, reliable urban and suburban motoring. Emissions complian…
Production years 1986–1992 pre-date formal Euro emissions standards applicable for pre-1992 vehicles).
The Peugeot K1D (TU3A) is a 1,360 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for superminis (1986-1992). It combines a simple SOHC valvetrain with a single-barrel carburetor to deliver dependable, low-cost performance. Designed for pre-catalyst emissions norms, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and ease of repair over peak efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,360 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 77.0 mm | |
Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,800 rpm | |
Torque | 106 Nm @ 3,400 rpm | |
Fuel system | Single-barrel carburetor (Solex) | |
Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (Basic) | |
Compression ratio | 9.3:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Belt‑driven | |
Oil type | API SF (SAE 10W‑40) | |
Dry weight | 105 kg |
The Peugeot K1D (TU3A) was used across Peugeot's 205/309 platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-minor carburetor jetting and exhaust manifold routing-and no significant facelift revisions during its production run, ensuring broad interchangeability. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
The K1D's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure due to age or tensioner wear, with near-total incidence of severe engine damage if it breaks. Peugeot service data indicates the belt and tensioner are common wear items by 80,000 km, while owner club records show carburetor and ignition faults as frequent causes of drivability complaints. Infrequent oil changes accelerate bearing wear, making adherence to the maintenance schedule critical.
Analysis derived from Peugeot technical bulletins (1986-1992) and owner club maintenance records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The K1D is generally very reliable if basic maintenance is performed. Its simple SOHC design has few failure points. The main threats are timing belt failure and neglecting oil changes. With a strict adherence to the 60,000 km belt change interval and regular oil/filter changes, these engines can easily reach 200,000 km or more.
The most frequent issues are timing belt/tensioner failure, carburetor problems (rough idle, poor running), worn ignition components (misfires), and oil leaks from aged gaskets. These are well-documented in Peugeot service manuals and classic car owner forums.
This engine was fitted to the Peugeot 205 (1986-1992) in XE, GL, and GR trims and the Peugeot 309 (1986-1991) in XE and GL trims. It was the base 1.4L petrol engine for these popular models during this period.
Modest gains are possible. Fitting a twin-choke carburetor (like a Weber 32/34 DGEV) and a free-flow exhaust can yield 5-10 extra PS. More significant power requires head work (porting, bigger valves) and a higher-lift camshaft. Most owners prioritize reliability over power.
Good for its time and size. Expect 6.5-7.5 L/100km (38-43 mpg UK) on the highway and 8.5-9.5 L/100km (30-33 mpg UK) in the city. Combined, a figure of 7.5-8.0 L/100km (35-38 mpg UK) is typical for a well-tuned 205 or 309.
Yes. Like virtually all modern engines, the K1D is an interference design. If the timing belt snaps or jumps, the pistons will collide with the valves, causing severe and expensive internal damage. This makes the 60,000 km belt change interval non-negotiable.
Peugeot originally specified API SF 10W-40 mineral oil. Any good quality 10W-40 or 15W-40 mineral or semi-synthetic oil meeting API SL or higher is perfectly suitable for modern use. Change intervals should not exceed 10,000 km or 12 months.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.