The Dacia K9K 792 is a 1,461 cc, inline-four diesel engine produced between 2005 and 2017. It is part of the Renault-Nissan K9K dCi engine family, designed for fuel efficiency and durability in entry-level vehicles. This SOHC, 8-valve unit features common rail direct injection and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), delivering 50 kW (68 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 160 Nm of torque at 1,900 rpm. Its compact design and low running costs made it ideal for high-mileage urban and regional use.
Fitted primarily to the Dacia Logan, as well as the Sandero and Duster, the K9K 792 was engineered for affordability and ease of maintenance in cost-sensitive markets. It meets Euro 4 emissions standards through the use of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The engine’s layout enables transverse front-wheel-drive packaging, shared with Renault and Nissan platforms, ensuring parts commonality and simplified service procedures across the alliance.
One documented concern is premature high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, particularly in early-build units operating on low-quality diesel. This issue, highlighted in Renault Service Information Bulletin SIB 047/2010, can lead to hard starting, power loss, and injector damage. From 2010, revised fuel pump calibration and updated injector coding procedures were introduced to improve reliability and extend service life.
All K9K 792 units comply with Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Dacia K9K 792 is a 1,461 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine developed for budget-oriented vehicles (2005–2017). It combines common rail injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and efficient fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances durability with cost-effective ownership in high-utilisation environments.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,461 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590 compliant) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.0 mm × 80.5 mm | |
| Power output | 50 kW (68 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 1,900 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.7:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (IHI RHF4) | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (replace every 120,000 km) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-30 (ACEA B4) | |
| Dry weight | 115 kg |
The variable geometry turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving and load-carrying but requires consistent use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent high-pressure pump and injector damage. SAE 5W-30 oil meeting ACEA B4 standards is essential for turbo and pump longevity, with 15,000 km service intervals recommended. The timing belt must be replaced every 120,000 km as the engine is interference-type; failure risks valve/piston contact. The DPF system requires regular highway runs to enable passive regeneration; frequent short trips may lead to clogging and limp mode. Post-2010 models benefit from revised ECU mapping and fuel pump calibration, improving cold-start reliability and fuel efficiency.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W-30 (ACEA B4) specification (Renault SIB 047/2010). Compatible with low-SAPS formulations meeting B4 criteria.
Emissions: Certified to Euro 4 standards across all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). No Euro 5 variant of K9K 792 exists.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output consistent across markets due to conservative tuning for fuel flexibility (Renault TIS Doc. M01-1230).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M01-1230, R12-4601, SIB 047/2010
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Methods of measurement of fuel consumption and range
The Dacia K9K 792 was used across Dacia's Logan/Sandero platforms with transverse mounting and shared architecture with Renault and Nissan global models. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shortened intake manifolds in the Logan and revised exhaust routing in the Duster-and from 2010 the facelifted Logan Phase II adopted updated ECU calibration, creating interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Renault's Clio III and Nissan's Micra to use identical K9K units. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the oil filter housing (Renault TIS M01-1235). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('K' for K9K 792). Pre-2010 models have a silver valve cover with black timing cover; post-2010 units use an all-black cover. Critical differentiation from K9K 704: K9K 792 has a Bosch CRS 2-20 fuel system and DPF, while K9K 704 lacks DPF and uses earlier CRS 1-18. Service parts require model-year verification - timing belts for pre-2010 Logan models are incompatible with Duster applications due to tensioner design differences (Renault SIB 052/2008).
The K9K 792's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation on early builds, with elevated incidence in regions with poor diesel quality. Renault internal quality reports from 2011 indicated a measurable failure rate in pre-2010 engines exceeding 80,000 km, while VCA MOT data shows fuel system neglect as a top cause of drivability issues in Dacia diesel models. Infrequent fuel filter changes and extended timing belt intervals increase mechanical and fuel system stress, making adherence to service schedules critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2008-2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about DACIA K9K792.
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