The Renault F2N 798 is a 1,596 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated diesel engine produced between 1985 and 1990. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), indirect injection via a Bosch mechanical injection pump, and a cast iron block with head. In standard form, it delivered approximately 35 kW (48 PS) and 92 Nm of torque, designed for economical fleet and private use in compact sedans.
Fitted primarily to the Renault 9 and 11, the F2N 798 was engineered for durability…
Production years 1985–1990 meet pre-Euro emissions standards .
The Renault F2N 798 is a 1,596 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated diesel engine engineered for compact sedans (1985-1990). It combines a robust cast iron construction with a Bosch mechanical injection pump to deliver predictable, if modest, performance. Designed for the pre-Euro emissions era, it prioritises mechanical simplicity and fuel economy for high-mileage applications.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,596 cc | |
Fuel type | Diesel | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 78.0 mm × 83.5 mm | |
Power output | 35 kW (48 PS) @ 4,500 rpm | |
Torque | 92 Nm @ 2,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch Mechanical Injection Pump | |
Emissions standard | Pre-Euro | |
Compression ratio | 22.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Belt-driven SOHC | |
Oil type | Renault RN0700 (SAE 15W‑40) | |
Dry weight | 135 kg |
The Renault F2N 798 was used across Renault's C-segment platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations-slight variations in engine mount brackets for the Renault 11-but no major facelift revisions occurred, ensuring broad parts interchangeability within its production run. 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.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1987-1990) and aggregated European owner association repair data (1990-2000). 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 F2N 798 is fundamentally a simple and robust engine. Its main vulnerability is the cylinder head gasket, which frequently fails. Addressing this proactively with an MLS gasket, along with strict adherence to the timing belt schedule, allows these engines to reliably reach high mileages. Neglecting these items can lead to expensive repairs.
The most frequent issues are cylinder head gasket failure (leading to coolant loss), timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule, worn glow plugs causing cold-start difficulties, and injection pump timing drift affecting performance. These are well-documented in Renault service information.
This 1.6L diesel engine was used in the Renault 9 and Renault 11 sedans and hatchbacks, primarily in the base GTD trim, from 1985 to 1990. It was not used in other manufacturers' vehicles.
Significant power gains are very difficult due to its mechanical injection and lack of turbocharging. Minor adjustments to the injection pump can yield slight improvements, but substantial increases require forced induction, which is complex and not commonly performed. It's primarily valued for its economy and simplicity.
Excellent for its era. In a Renault 9 or 11, expect combined figures around 5.0-5.5 L/100km (approx. 51-56 mpg UK). Real-world economy is best achieved with steady highway driving, leveraging the engine's narrow power band for maximum efficiency.
Yes. The F2N 798 is an interference engine. If the timing belt breaks or jumps, the pistons will collide with the open valves, causing significant internal damage requiring a major engine rebuild. This makes the 60,000 km belt change non-negotiable.
Renault specifies a heavy-duty mineral oil meeting the RN0700 standard, typically a 15W-40. This is critical for handling the high compression ratio and older engine design. Regular changes every 10,000 km are vital for engine longevity.
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.