The Renault K4J 740 is a 1,390 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2001 and 2006. It features a DOHC, 16‑valve design with multi — point fuel injection, delivering a balance of efficiency and responsiveness for compact vehicles. Its twin overhead camshafts enable precise valve control, contributing to smoother operation and better fuel economy for everyday urban and highway driving.
Fitted primarily to the Clio II (B/C57) and Twingo II (…
Production years 2001–2006 meet Euro 3 emissions standards (EU Directive 98/69/EC).
The Renault K4J 740 is a 1,390 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for supermini and city cars (2001-2006). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a DOHC 16-valve valvetrain to deliver responsive performance and good fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it offers a practical balance of cost, reliability, and drivability for its vehicle class.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,390 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 79.5 mm × 70.0 mm | |
Power output | 66 kW (90 PS) | |
Torque | 122 Nm @ 4,250 rpm | |
Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (Siemens) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Belt-driven (requires periodic replacement) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | Not specified in available OEM docs |
The Renault K4J 740 was used across Renault's Clio II and Twingo II platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received minimal platform-specific adaptations beyond ancillary bracketry. 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 K4J 740's primary reliability risk is timing belt tensioner pulley failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained engines. While fundamentally robust, Renault service data indicated this as a common point of failure if maintenance intervals are exceeded. Ensuring timely belt and tensioner replacement is critical to prevent roadside breakdowns.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2001-2006) and internal service documentation. 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 K4J 740 is generally a reliable and robust engine when maintained properly. Its main vulnerability is the timing belt system; adhering strictly to the 60,000 km replacement interval for the belt and tensioner is paramount. With this key maintenance performed, the engine is capable of high mileage without major issues.
The most frequent issues are failure of the timing belt tensioner pulley, ignition coil packs causing misfires, and coolant leaks from the plastic thermostat housing. A common but harmless issue is a rattling exhaust heat shield. These are well-documented in Renault service bulletins and owner experiences.
The K4J 740 engine was used in the 1.4 16V variants of the second-generation Renault Clio (B/C57, 2001-2006) and the second-generation Renault Twingo (C06, 2001-2006). It was not used in later model generations or other Renault vehicle lines.
Minor power gains are possible through ECU remapping or installing a less restrictive intake/exhaust, typically yielding 5-10 additional PS. Significant power increases are not practical due to the engine's naturally aspirated design and modest internal components. It's best suited to its stock, economical configuration.
Fuel economy is very good for a petrol engine of its era. Expect real-world figures around 6.5-7.5 L/100km (38-43 mpg UK) on mixed driving. In city conditions, consumption might be 8.0-9.0 L/100km (31-35 mpg UK), while steady highway cruising can achieve 5.5-6.0 L/100km (47-51 mpg UK).
No. The Renault K4J 740 is a non-interference (free-wheeling) engine. If the timing belt were to fail, the pistons and valves would not collide, preventing catastrophic internal damage. This is a significant safety feature, though a broken belt will still leave you stranded.
It requires a good quality semi-synthetic 5W-40 engine oil meeting ACEA A3/B3 specifications. Using the correct oil is essential for the longevity of the hydraulic lifters and overall engine health. Renault recommends changing the oil every 15,000 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.