K4M (engine): device and characteristics

In 1999, the production of K4M began. French engine for Renault cars. Subsequently, the power unit was widely used in the domestic market, in particular for AvtoVAZ vehicles, after they were bought by Renault.

K4M engine: device

Most French engines are synonymous with reliability. One example is the K4M engine, which was the direct evolutionary successor to the K7M. Unlike its predecessor, it received a new block head, hydraulic lifters and camshafts.

The Renault K4M engine itself has several modifications. This is due to the presence of a phase regulator, it changes the compression ratio, which can be 9.5-10, but there are no differences in other parameters.

But for all the positive aspects, there were several drawbacks that did not allow many owners of cars with a K4M engine to sleep peacefully. These include: a timing belt, which, if broken, will bend the valves and expensive replacement parts.

K4M engine: characteristics

As for the technical characteristics, they are high, and the power unit itself is reliable and simple. Consider the main parameters that the engine has.

Name	Characteristic
Engine brand	K4M
Volume	1598 cube
Type of injection system	Injector
Power characteristics	102-115 liters. With.
Fuel consumption	Gas
valve mechanism	16 valves
Number of cylinders	4
Fuel consumption	8.4 l / 100km
Piston diameter	79.5 mm
Economy	Euro 4
Resource, according to the manufacturer	250-300 thousand km

The power unit is unpretentious to fuel. It can be used with both 95th gasoline and AI-92, which is quite convenient for motorists. The only caveat is that with a decrease in the octane number, it is necessary to reduce the service life of the fuel filter element by 10%.

Applicability

The 1.6 K4M engine is widely used in Renault cars and not only. The power plant is found on cars such as Renault Megane (1, 2, 3), Renault Scenic, Renault Logan, Renault Sandero, Renault Fluence, as well as Lada Largus and Nissan Almera G11.

Maintenance

Maintenance of the power unit is quite simple, since the design features of the motor are simple. The manufacturer's recommended maintenance interval is 15,000 km. But to increase the resource, it is necessary to reduce the service period by 30% and, accordingly, it will be about 10,000 km.

Many motorists are interested in the question of how much and what kind of engine oil to fill in the K4M engine? According to the manufacturer, the power unit contains 4.3 liters of lubricant. Recommended oils for filling should correspond to the index 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40, 10W-60 and 15W-40.

The engine maintenance table looks like this:

A-0. It is carried out after the first 1-1.5 thousand km of vehicle operation. Used to replace engine oil, filter element. A number of diagnostic operations are also performed on the systems.

TO-1. It is carried out after 15,000 km of run (10 thousand km with a reduction in the service interval to increase the resource of the power unit). The filter and oil are replaced, as well as the air filter element. The state of the electronic control unit is diagnosed, as well as the presence of errors.

A-2. 30,000 km (or 25,000 km). The engine oil and oil filter element are still being changed. Diagnostics of the main systems is carried out. The fuel filter element is replaced.

A-3. Works with mileage 45,000 (30,000 km.) Similar to TO-1.

TO-4. 60 thousand kilometers (40,000). More complex service. In addition to the standard procedures for changing the oil and filter, it is necessary to replace the timing. Comprehensive diagnostics of engine systems is performed, errors are reset or the causes of their occurrence are eliminated. At this stage, it is necessary to replace the fuel and air filters. It is also worth checking the serviceability of the injectors and spark plugs.

Oil change

Replacing the engine lubricant on the K4M engine is the most important stage in the operation of the transmission. Therefore, a premature procedure can lead to more wear and, as a result, premature engine shutdown. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to strictly and flawlessly follow all the manufacturer's recommendations.

So, consider the sequence of actions aimed at replacing the lubricant and filter element:

1. We install the car so that there is good access from below. A pit or elevator is ideal for this option.
2. under the wheels you need to put a rollback stabilizer, homemade or factory.
3. We remove the terminals from the battery for each fireman.
4. Preparation of a container for used engine oil for 5 liters.
5. We get under the car. We disassemble the protection of the power unit.
6. We replace the prepared container, unscrew the drain plug. We are waiting for the drain of motor lubricant.
7. Let's change the filter. This requires a special extractor. When installing a new filter element, it must be filled with 150-200 grams of new grease.
8. We twist the drain plug. It is worth remembering that it is necessary to change the sealing ring without fail.
9. Install the engine cover.
10. We pass to the engine compartment. Find and unscrew the filler neck. Fill with engine oil. A complete replacement will require an average of 4.5 liters.
11. After the lubricant has been poured into the engine, rotate the filler neck.
12. We start the machine and let it work for 7-10 minutes. Check the fluid level with a dipstick. The oil mark should be approximately halfway between “minimum” and “maximum”. If there is not enough lubricant, you need to add to the level.

It is worth noting that when carrying out an operation with their own hands, most motorists make the same mistakes – they do not change the sealing ring on the drain plug. This leads to leakage and loss of lubrication.

Main malfunctions

The reliability of French Renault engines under the K4M brand is confirmed by operating practices and reviews from motorists. But even in this case there were unpleasant moments. Among them are typical malfunctions that occur on almost all series of engines. Consider the main breakdowns and methods for their elimination:

1. Troenias. The effect is caused by the breakdown of one of the main components. You can diagnose and fix this problem yourself, but, as practice shows, it is better to contact a specialist.
2. The car stops, both hot and cold. There can be several reasons for the effect: a malfunction of the computer part, clogging of the air filter or accelerator filter element, ignition problems. Finding the cause, fixing it is quite simple.
3. Loud muffler sound. This means that the rings in the exhaust system have burned out and are easy to replace.
4. Vibration. In this case, it all comes down to a rupture of the pillow of the power unit. Replacing will solve the problem.
5. Engine bay whistle. It's time to change the alternator belt.

Conclusion

K4M (engine) is a reliable Renault power plant. The engine has a simple design, which simplifies maintenance and repair. So, it should be understood that with all the advantages, the engine has drawbacks, but they are so small that the power plant took 4th place out of 5 in the ranking.