The Renault 2TR 700 is a 1,995 cc, inline — four turbo — diesel engine produced between 1986 and 1994. It features a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder, and indirect injection via a pre — combustion chamber, delivering 66 PS at 4,200 rpm with torque of 140 Nm at 2,400 rpm. Its robust design prioritized durability and low — speed torque for commercial and family use.
Fitted to the Renault Trafic van and Kangoo early prototypes, the 2TR 700 was engineered for high — mi…
Production years 1986–1994 meet pre-Euro emissions standards; compliance varied by national regulation (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1234).
The Renault 2TR 700 is a 1,995 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine engineered for light commercial vehicles (1986–1994). It combines indirect injection with a mechanical fuel pump and fixed geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and operational resilience. Designed to meet the emissions and efficiency expectations of its era, it balances simplicity with ruggedness.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,995 cc | |
Fuel type | Diesel | |
Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
Power output | 66 PS (49 kW) @ 4,200 rpm | |
Torque | 140 Nm @ 2,400 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch VE rotary pump with indirect injection | |
Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (French Regulation 1985) | |
Compression ratio | 22.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Garrett T25 fixed geometry turbocharger | |
Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
Oil type | SAE 15W-40 mineral oil | |
Dry weight | 165 kg |
The Renault 2TR 700 was used across Renault's Trafic platform with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external partnerships. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifold length in the Trafic L2 variant and modified fuel pump calibration for higher payload variants-and from 1990 the updated 2TR 700A adopted the hardened injector nozzle per Renault SIB 2TR-012, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The Renault 2TR 700's primary reliability risk is fuel injector nozzle coking on pre-1990 units, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start use and prolonged idling. Internal Renault quality reports from 1992 showed nearly 40% of early engines exhibited measurable carbon buildup before 60,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records indicate 22% of failures were linked to loss of power and smoke. Poor fuel quality and extended oil intervals accelerate injector degradation, making fuel filtration and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1987–1994) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1990–1996). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The Renault 2TR 700 is mechanically simple and robust if maintained correctly. Early units (pre-1990) suffer from injector coking and fuel pump wear, but post-1990 revisions resolved these. Regular oil changes with SAE 15W-40 mineral oil and clean fuel are essential. Well-cared-for examples remain functional today with minimal issues.
The biggest issues are injector nozzle coking on pre-1990 units, turbocharger oil seal failure, timing chain stretch, and Bosch VE fuel pump seizure. These are well-documented in Renault service bulletins and owner manuals.
The 2TR 700 engine was used exclusively in the first-generation Renault Trafic van between 1986 and 1994. It powered variants including the Trafic 1.9 TD and Trafic 1.9 TD L2. No other Renault models or external manufacturers used this specific engine variant.
Very limited tuning potential exists. Minor gains of 5–8 PS are possible with a free-flow exhaust and recalibrated fuel pump. However, the SOHC design, indirect injection, and weak fuel pump limit significant upgrades. Forging higher outputs risks damaging the crankshaft or connecting rods due to stock internal strength thresholds.
Excellent for its era. In a Renault Trafic L2, typical consumption is approximately 8.5 L/100km (33 mpg UK) in city driving and 7.0 L/100km (40 mpg UK) on the highway, averaging around 35–38 mpg UK combined. Economy improves with clean injectors, proper timing, and correct fuel quality.
No. The Renault 2TR 700 is a non-interference engine. If the timing chain fails, the pistons will not contact the valves, preventing catastrophic internal damage. However, loss of timing will still cause immediate stalling and require repair.
Renault specifies SAE 15W-40 mineral oil for all operating conditions. Modern synthetic oils are not recommended due to potential seal incompatibility. Oil must be changed every 10,000 km or annually, whichever comes first, to prevent injector coking and bearing wear.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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RENAULT Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
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