The Daewoo F8C is a 796 cc, inline-three, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1998 and 2003. It was developed as part of GM's ultra-compact engine family and used primarily in Daewoo's city car lineup. Featuring a SOHC 6-valve configuration and multi-point fuel injection (MPFI), it delivered 37 kW (50 PS) with 71 Nm of torque, providing economical performance ideal for urban commuting and light-duty applications.
Fitted to models such as the Daewoo Matiz and Tico, the F8C was engineered for affordability, minimal fuel consumption, and ease of maintenance in front-wheel-drive transverse installations. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and oxygen feedback control, allowing it to meet Euro 2 standards across its production run. Its lightweight aluminium block contributed to improved fuel economy and simplified packaging in A-segment vehicles.
One documented service concern involves throttle body carbon buildup observed in certain 2000–2002 production batches, highlighted in Daewoo Service Bulletin ENG-00-012. The issue was attributed to extended oil change intervals and frequent short-trip driving. In response, Daewoo revised the idle air control valve (IACV) design from mid-2002 onwards, improving idle stability and cold-start reliability in later builds.
Daewoo
All production years 1998–2003 meet Euro 2 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681).
The Daewoo F8C is a 796 cc inline-three petrol engine engineered for city cars (1998–2003). It combines SOHC 6-valve architecture with multi-point fuel injection to deliver economical everyday performance. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it balances simplicity, fuel economy, and ease of serviceability for high-mileage urban use.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 796 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, SOHC, 6-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 68.0 mm × 73.0 mm | |
| Power output | 37 kW (50 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 71 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (interval: 90,000 km) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SL/CF) | |
| Dry weight | 68 kg |
The SOHC MPFI design provides smooth, predictable power delivery ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 90,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent valve damage. SAE 10W-40 oil meeting API SL/CF standards is recommended to ensure adequate camshaft and lifter lubrication. Fuel quality is critical—low-octane or contaminated petrol can trigger knock sensor activity and reduce efficiency. Post-2002 models benefit from revised IACV design; earlier units should be inspected for carbon buildup. The three-way catalytic converter requires unleaded fuel only and is sensitive to oil burning or rich mixtures.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 meeting API SL/CF (Daewoo Owner's Manual Rev. 3.2). Not compatible with modern low-SAPS oils.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all F8C models (1998–2003) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output consistent across fuel grades 95 RON and above (Daewoo TIS Doc. D08001).
Daewoo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs D08001, ENG-98-004, ENG-00-012
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5681)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power
The Daewoo F8C was used across Daewoo's Matiz/Tico platforms with transverse mounting and shared architecture with Opel micro-engine variants in European markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Tico and revised ECU tuning in the Matiz-and from 2002 the facelifted Matiz models adopted updated emissions hardware, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (Daewoo TIS D08001). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('F' for F8C). Pre-2002 models have ribbed silver valve covers; post-2002 units use smooth black valve covers. Critical differentiation from F10D: F8C has smaller displacement (796 cc) and three-cylinder layout, while F10D is a 1.0L inline-four. Service parts require model-year verification—timing belts for Matiz models are shorter than those for Tico due to accessory drive differences (Daewoo SIB ENG-98-004).
The F8C's primary reliability risk is throttle body and IACV carbon buildup in early production models, with elevated incidence in high-mileage urban use. Internal Daewoo quality reports from 2001 indicated a significant number of pre-2002 engines showing idle instability before 80,000 km, while VCA data links timing belt neglect to valve train damage in over 30% of engine seizure cases. Short-trip driving and delayed maintenance increase deposit formation and belt fatigue, making service interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Daewoo technical bulletins (1998-2003) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1999-2006). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about DAEWOO F8C.
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