The Renault 810.05 is a 1,995 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 1987 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 early Kangoo prototypes, the 810.05 was engineered for high-mileage operation and reliable performance under load. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic exhaust routing and natural aspiration, meeting French and European standards of the era prior to formalised Euro norms.
One documented concern is premature fuel injector nozzle coking in high-load applications, highlighted in Renault Service Bulletin SB-810-012. This issue arose from prolonged idling and poor fuel quality, leading to incomplete combustion. From 1990, Renault introduced revised injector nozzles with improved spray patterns and higher tolerance to carbon deposits.
Production years 1987–1994 meet pre-Euro emissions standards; compliance varied by national regulation (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1234).
The Renault 810.05 is a 1,995 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine engineered for light commercial vehicles (1987–1994). 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 indirect injection and mechanical fuel system provide consistent torque for heavy loads but require strict adherence to 10,000 km oil changes using SAE 15W-40 mineral oil to prevent injector coking and bearing wear. Fuel must be clean and free of water contamination to avoid corrosion in the Bosch VE pump. Extended idling accelerates carbon buildup on injector nozzles and pre-chamber surfaces, reducing efficiency. Injector nozzles from 1990 onward feature hardened tips and should be used for replacements. Timing chain tensioners are non-adjustable and should be replaced every 80,000 km or if rattling is audible.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 15W-40 mineral oil (Renault SIB 810-012). Modern synthetic oils not recommended due to seal compatibility.
Emissions: Pre-Euro compliance applied throughout production; no official Euro rating exists (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1234).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power figures apply only to vehicles equipped with Bosch VE pump and Garrett T25 turbo (Renault TIS Doc. A810-01).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A810-01, A810-02
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/1234)
DIN 70020: Engine Power Measurement Standards
The Renault 810.05 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 810.05A adopted the hardened injector nozzle per Renault SIB 810-012, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right side of the block below the cylinder head (Renault TIS A810-01). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('T' for 810 series). Pre-1990 units have a silver-painted fuel pump housing and rounded injector nozzles; post-1990 units feature a black-painted housing and squared injector tips marked '810A'. Critical differentiation from the later 2.2L F8Q engine: the 810.05 has an 86.0 mm bore and stroke, with a distinct 8-valve SOHC head. Service parts require verification of injector nozzle version – early nozzles show heavy carbon deposits after 50,000 km (Renault SIB 810-012).
The Renault 810.05'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.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT 810-05.
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).
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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