The Peugeot XD4x90 is a 1,360 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1982 and 1989. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8‑valve architecture with a single‑barrel downdraft carburettor. Peak output is 55 kW (75 PS) at 5,600 rpm with 108 Nm of torque at 3,200 rpm, offering modest performance suited to light urban motoring.
Fitted primarily to the Peugeot 205 and Talbot Samba, the XD4x90 was engineered for cost‑effective city driving with emphasis on serviceability and fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic exhaust after‑treatment and lean‑burn carburettor calibration, meeting pre‑Euro (Euro 0) standards throughout its production with no formal Euro 1 homologation.
One documented concern is premature wear of the distributor drive gear, which can cause ignition timing drift and misfires. This issue, noted in PSA Group Technical Bulletin TB‑84‑11, stems from marginal case hardening of the cast‑iron gear teeth. From 1986 onward, revised gear metallurgy reduced incidence in later production batches.
All production years (1982–1989) meet pre‑Euro (Euro 0) standards only; no Euro 1 certification exists (VCA UK Type Approval not applicable).
The Peugeot XD4x90 is a 1,360 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks (1982–1989). It combines a simple SOHC valvetrain with a single-barrel carburettor to deliver light, economical urban performance. Designed to meet pre‑Euro emissions norms, it prioritises mechanical simplicity and ease of maintenance over output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,360 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 77.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 108 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single‑barrel downdraft carburettor (Solex 32 TBIC) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 0 (pre‑regulation) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | API SG, ACEA A2 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 92 kg |
The SOHC design offers straightforward maintenance but requires periodic valve clearance checks every 20,000 km to preserve idle quality and fuel efficiency. The Solex carburettor is sensitive to fuel volatility and may require seasonal jetting adjustments; ethanol-blended fuels accelerate diaphragm degradation. Distributor drive gear integrity is critical—any ignition timing drift should prompt immediate inspection per PSA TB‑84‑11. Use only API SG or ACEA A2 oil to prevent sludge in the chain-driven timing system and ensure consistent lubrication under urban driving conditions.
Oil Specs: Requires API SG or ACEA A2 (10W‑40) specification (PSA Owner’s Handbook 205, 1983).
Emissions: No Euro 1 certification exists; engine complies only with pre‑Euro (Euro 0) norms under EU Directive 70/220/EEC.
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards (PSA TIS Doc. M06‑118).
PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M06‑118, TB‑84‑11
EU Directive 70/220/EEC (Pre‑Euro Emissions Framework)
PSA Parts Catalogue ETK: XD-1360
PSA Owner’s Handbook – Peugeot 205 (1983)
The Peugeot XD4x90 was used across PSA Group's PSA X platform with transverse mounting and shared with Talbot. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the 205 XR and modified airboxes in the Samba—and from 1986 the updated distributor gears created minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the block near the timing cover (PSA TIS M06‑118). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('4' for XD4 series). Visual identification: single-barrel Solex carburettor with manual choke cable and black plastic air cleaner housing. Critical differentiation from XW7 (1.4L with twin carburettors): XD4x90 has only one carburettor and lacks auxiliary throttle linkage. Always verify casting number 96410200 on the block for authenticity.
The XD4x90's primary reliability risk is distributor drive gear wear in pre-1986 builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage urban vehicles. PSA internal field reports from 1985 noted measurable timing drift before 80,000 km in fleet applications, while owner club surveys confirm ignition instability as a frequent complaint. Frequent stop-start operation and marginal lubrication at the cam-distributor interface make periodic inspection critical.
Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (1984–1987) and Peugeot 205 Owner Club reliability surveys (1988–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PEUGEOT XD4X90.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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