The Renault F8Q 776 is a 1,870 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 1997 and 2001. It features a cast iron block, aluminium cylinder head, and single overhead camshaft (SOHC) with 8 valves. Equipped with indirect injection and a fixed — geometry turbocharger, it delivered approximately 65 kW (88 PS) and 190 Nm of torque, prioritising low — cost ownership and urban drivability.
Fitted primarily to the Mégane I (BA/BB0/1) and Scénic I (JA/1) platforms, the F…
Production years 1997–2001 meet Euro 2 standards for light-duty vehicles (EU Directive 96/69/EC).
The Renault F8Q 776 is a 1,870 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact family vehicles (1997-2001). It combines indirect injection with a fixed-geometry turbocharger to deliver accessible low-end torque and robust mechanical simplicity. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it prioritises serviceability and cost-effective ownership.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,870 cc | |
Fuel type | Diesel | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 80.0 mm × 93.0 mm | |
Power output | 65 kW (88 PS) @ 4,500 rpm | |
Torque | 190 Nm @ 2,250 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch VE rotary injection pump (indirect injection) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
Compression ratio | 21.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Fixed‑geometry (Garrett or KKK) | |
Timing system | Belt‑driven (non-interference design) | |
Oil type | Mineral 15W‑40 | |
Dry weight | Not specified in primary sources |
The Renault F8Q 776 was used across Renault's Mégane I and Scénic I platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations-such as different exhaust manifolds or engine mounts-but no major facelift revisions affecting core compatibility during 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 (1997-2001) and EU regulatory documentation (1996-2001). 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 F8Q 776 is mechanically simple and robust, making it potentially very reliable with proper care. Its main weakness is the turbocharger, which is prone to failure if oil lines aren't maintained. With proactive turbo line cleaning, regular oil changes using the correct mineral oil, and attention to the injection pump, these engines can easily reach high mileages.
The most frequent and critical issue is turbocharger failure due to clogged oil lines. Other common problems include wear in the mechanical Bosch VE injection pump, glow plug system failures (plugs or relay), and cooling system leaks from aging hoses or the plastic thermostat housing. These are well-documented in Renault service literature.
The F8Q 776 was primarily used in the first-generation Renault Mégane (BA/BB0/1, 1997-2001) and the first-generation Renault Scénic (JA/1, 1997-2001) across various trim levels like RN, RT, and Expression. It was the higher-powered diesel option for these platforms during that era.
Minor power gains are possible by adjusting the Bosch VE injection pump's maximum fuel screw, but this is not recommended without supporting modifications and carries risks. Significant tuning is impractical due to the engine's indirect injection design and fixed-geometry turbo. Focus should be on maintaining reliability rather than seeking power increases.
Fuel economy is good for its time and technology. Expect around 6.5-7.5 L/100km (43-38 mpg UK) combined for a Mégane or Scénic in good condition. City driving will be higher, around 8.0-9.0 L/100km (35-31 mpg UK), while highway cruising can drop to 5.5-6.0 L/100km (51-47 mpg UK).
No. This is a significant advantage. The F8Q 776 features a non-interference engine design. If the timing belt breaks, the pistons will not contact the valves, preventing catastrophic internal engine damage. The engine will simply stop running and need a new belt to restart.
Renault specifies a mineral-based 15W-40 engine oil for the F8Q 776. Using modern low-viscosity or fully synthetic oils is not recommended, as they may not provide adequate protection for the engine's older design, particularly the oil pump and turbocharger bearings.
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.