Most of the work described in this section is based on the assumption that the engine is installed in the vehicle. Therefore, if this information is used to completely rebuild the engine when it is already removed, many of these tasks will not be performed.
Engine
Engine - 4-cylinder, in-line, with one located on top (f7R engine) camshafts, mounted transversely at the front of the vehicle.
The cylinder block is cast from cast iron, the pistons move in cylinders drilled directly in the block. The crankshaft is supported in five main bearings. Thrust washers installed on main bearings No.2 determine the axial clearance of the crankshaft.
The connecting rods are connected to the crankshaft by connecting rod bearings with liners, and to the pistons by piston pins. The piston pins are secured with retaining rings. The pistons are made of aluminum alloy and have three rings - two compression rings and one oil scraper ring.
The aluminum alloy cylinder head houses one or two overhead camshafts, which are supported by five bearings and driven from the crankshaft by a toothed drive belt.
The camshafts control the valves via tappets. On F3R engines, valve clearance is adjusted using washers that are mounted on the tappets. On F7R engines, valve clearance is automatically adjusted by hydraulic tappets. The intake and exhaust valves on F3R engines are closed by one spring, and on F7R engines by two springs.
On early F3R engines and all F7R engines, there is an intermediate shaft that is mounted near the crankshaft and is driven by a timing belt. It drives the oil pump. On later F3R engines (refer to Specifications) the oil pump is driven by a chain from the crankshaft: on these engines there is no intermediate shaft, and the gear wheel acts as a roller.
The engines use a semi-closed crankcase ventilation system; crankcase gases are removed from the oil separator on the cylinder block and pass through a hose to the intake manifold.
Text published on the website (RenaultBook)
Lubricant is supplied to the engine under pressure created by an oil pump installed below the crankshaft.
Engine oil is supplied through an externally mounted oil filter to the main lubrication channel serving the crankshaft, intermediate shaft (where is available) and camshaft.
Repair procedures performed without removing the engine from the vehicle
- a) Removing and installing the cylinder head.
- b) Removing and installing the toothed drive belt and toothed wheels.
- c) Replacing the camshaft oil seal.
- d) Removing and installing the camshaft.
- f) Removal and installation of connecting rods and pistons.*
- g) Removing and installing the oil pump.
- h) Replacing the crankshaft seals.
- i) Replacement of engine mounts.
- j) Removing and installing the flywheel.
Note: Although procedures marked with an asterisk can be performed with the engine in the vehicle (after removing the pallet), it will be convenient to do this with the engine removed.