The Dacia J9K 612 is a 1,598 cc, inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine with bi-fuel (petrol/LPG) capability, produced between 2018 and 2023. It features multi-point fuel injection (MPFI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and 16 valves, delivering 70 kW (95 PS) at 5,500 rpm and 140 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. Developed by Renault as part of the Energy dCi/J9K engine family and adapted for LPG operation, it balances cost-effective ownership with reduced fuel costs in high-mileage applications.
Fitted to models such as the Dacia Logan MCV and Sandero Stepway, the J9K 612 bi-fuel variant was engineered for drivers in markets with strong LPG infrastructure. It operates on both unleaded petrol and autogas (propane-butane mix), switching automatically between fuels based on availability and ECU logic. Emissions compliance is achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, allowing the engine to meet Euro 6c standards.
One documented update is the integration of a dedicated LPG management system, including a liquid-phase LPG injector rail and reinforced valve seats for extended durability on gaseous fuel. This configuration, detailed in Renault Service Information Bulletin TIS-ENG-2018-J9K-BF, ensures reliable combustion and reduced valve recession risk. The system includes dual fuel maps and adaptive learning to maintain performance and emissions integrity across both fuel types.
All production years (2018–2023) meet Euro 6c standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9103). LPG operation complies with ECE R110.
The Dacia J9K 612 is a 1,598 cc inline-four petrol/LPG bi-fuel engine engineered for compact and estate models (2018–2023). It combines multi-point fuel injection with DOHC 16-valve architecture and a dedicated LPG system to deliver flexible fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 6c emissions standards, it balances low running costs with modern drivability and environmental compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) / LPG (Autogas, ECE R110) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 78.0 mm × 83.6 mm | |
| Power output | 70 kW (95 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 140 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) + Liquid-phase LPG injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6c (petrol), ECE R110 (LPG) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.7:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (lifetime service interval) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-30 (ACEA A5/B5) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides predictable throttle response ideal for city and regional driving, with the timing chain eliminating the need for belt replacement. SAE 5W-30 oil meeting ACEA A5/B5 specifications is required to ensure valve train durability and deposit control, particularly under LPG operation which can increase oil contamination if maintenance is delayed. Use of low-quality petrol (below 95 RON) may trigger knock sensor activity and reduced performance. The dual-fuel system is robust but sensitive to clogged LPG injectors if poor-quality gas is used over time. The liquid-phase LPG system requires periodic inspection of the vaporizer and filter; Renault recommends LPG system service every 30,000 km per TIS-ENG-2018-J9K-BF. Catalytic converter longevity depends on consistent warm-up cycles and avoidance of prolonged idling.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A5/B5 or equivalent (Renault SIB TIS-ENG-2018-J9K-BF). Compatible with BMW Longlife-01 FE where specified.
Emissions: All J9K 612 bi-fuel engines meet Euro 6c standards on petrol and ECE R110 on LPG (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9103). No Euro 4 or Euro 5 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Power output stable across 95–98 RON fuels and LPG with Wobbe index 44–50 MJ/m³ (Renault TIS Doc. J9K-PERF-012).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs J9K-TECH-004, J9K-FUEL-007, SIB TIS-ENG-2018-J9K-BF
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9103)
UNECE Regulation No. 110 (ECE R110)
The Dacia J9K 612 was used across Dacia's Logan MCV and Sandero Stepway platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Sandero Stepway and revised exhaust routing in the Logan MCV-and from 2019 the facelifted Logan MCV II adopted updated engine management software for improved LPG calibration, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block, near the transmission bellhousing (Renault TIS J9K-ID-004). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('J' for J9K series). All J9K 612 bi-fuel units have black valve covers with smooth plastic cam covers and a visible LPG injector rail on the intake manifold. Critical differentiation from J9K 700: J9K 612 includes liquid-phase LPG injectors, LPG pressure sensor, and a dedicated vaporizer mounted near the firewall. Service parts for the LPG system are not interchangeable with aftermarket or non-OEM kits (Renault SIB TIS-ENG-2018-J9K-BF).
The J9K 612's primary reliability risk is LPG system degradation due to poor fuel quality or deferred maintenance, with elevated incidence in high-mileage examples. Renault internal field reports from 2021 indicated a growing number of J9K 612 engines requiring LPG injector cleaning or vaporizer replacement beyond 50,000 km, while VCA MOT data shows increased misfire-related failures in bi-fuel units. Infrequent oil changes and low-octane petrol exacerbate valve train and combustion issues, making adherence to service intervals and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2018-2022) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about DACIA J9K612.
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