K4M (engine): device and characteristics

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

In 1999, the production of K4M began. Engine of French origin, designed for Renault vehicles. Subsequently, the power unit became widely applicable in the domestic market, namely for cars manufactured by AvtoVAZ, after they were bought by the Renault concern.

K4M engine: device

Most French engines are the epitome of reliability. Such an example is the K4M engine, which became the direct evolutionary successor of 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, this changes the compression ratio, which can be 9, 5-10, and there are no differences in other parameters.

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

K4M engine: specifications

Regardingtechnical characteristics, they are high, and the power unit itself is reliable and simple. Consider the main parameters that the motor has.

Name	Characteristic
Motor brand	K4M
Volume	1598 cc
Type of injection system	Injector
Power characteristics	102-115 l. s.
Fuel consumed	Petrol
Valve mechanism	16-valve
Number of cylinders	4
Fuel consumption	8, 4 liters/100 km run
Piston diameter	79, 5 mm
Econorma	Euro 4
Resource, according to the manufacturer's data	250-300 thousand km

The power unit is unpretentious to fuel. It can be operated both on 95th gasoline and on 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 life of the fuel filter element by 10%.

Applicability

Engine 1.6 K4M receivedfairly wide applicability among Renault vehicles and not only. The power plant can be 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 engine are simple. The service interval recommended by the manufacturer is 15,000 km. But in order to increase the resource, it is necessary to reduce the maintenance 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 holds 4.3 liters of lubricant. Recommended fill oils should be 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40, 10W-60 and 15W-40.

The motor maintenance card looks like this:

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

TO-1. It is done after 15,000 km of run (10 thousand km, if the service interval is reduced 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 unit is diagnosedcontrol, as well as the presence of errors.

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

TO-3. It is carried out on a run of 45,000 (30 thousand km.) Similar TO-1.

TO-4. 60 thousand km (40,000). The most difficult maintenance. In addition to the standard procedures for changing the oil and filter, it is necessary to replace the timing drive. A complete diagnosis of engine systems is carried out, 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 performance 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 power unit. So, untimely carrying out of the procedure can lead to an increased degree of wear, and, accordingly, to the early death of the engine. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to clearly and irreproachably follow all the recommendations of the manufacturer.

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

1. Install the vehicle so that there is good access from below. A pit or lift is ideal for this option.
2. Under the wheels it is necessary to put counter-recoils, homemade or factory.
3. Remove the terminals from the battery for every fireman.
4. Preparing a container for used engine oil for 5 liters.
5. We climb under the vehicle. We dismantle the protection of the power unit.
6. We substitute the prepared container, unscrew the drain plug. We are waiting for the motor grease to merge.
7. Change the filter. This will require a special puller. When installing a new filter element, it is necessary to pour 150-200 grams of new grease into it.
8. We twist the drain plug. It is worth remembering that it is imperative to change the sealing ring.
9. Set the engine protection back.
10. Go to the engine compartment. Find and unscrew the filler neck. We pour engine oil. A complete replacement will require an average of 4.5 liters.
11. After the lubricant is poured into the motor, we twist the filler neck.
12. Start the car and let it run for 7-10 minutes. Check the fluid level with a dipstick. The oil mark should be approximately in the middle, between "minimum" and "maximum". If there is not enough lubricant, then it is necessary to add to the level.

It is worth noting that when performing the 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 with the K4M marking has been proven by operating practices and reviews from motorists. But in this case, it was not without unpleasant moments. Amongsuch are typical malfunctions that occur on almost the entire series of engines. Consider the main breakdowns and methods for their elimination:

1. Triple. The effect is caused by the breakdown of one of the main nodes. You can diagnose and fix this problem yourself, but, as practice shows, it is best to contact specialists.
2. The car stalls, both hot and cold. There may be several reasons for the effect - a malfunction of the computer part, clogging of the air filter element or throttle, ignition problems. Having found the cause, it is quite easy to eliminate it.
3. Loud muffler sound. This means that the exhaust system rings are burnt out, which can be easily replaced.
4. Vibration. In this case, it all comes down to a break in the pillow of the power unit. A replacement will solve the problem.
5. Underhood whistle. It's time to change the alternator belt.

Conclusion

K4M (engine) - a reliable power unit manufactured by Renault. The motor is structurally simple, which makes it easy to maintain and repair. So, it should be understood that with all the positive aspects, the engine has some flaws, but they are so petty that the power plant got 4 out of 5 in the rating.