The Renault 810.06 is a 1,997 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 1991 and 1996. It features a direct-injection combustion chamber, a fixed-geometry turbocharger, and a mechanical fuel pump, delivering outputs of 75–85 PS. Its robust design prioritised torque and durability for light commercial and passenger vehicle applications.
Fitted to models such as the Trafic II, Espace II, and Safrane, the 810.06 was engineered for consistent low-RPM torque and long-distance reliability under heavy load conditions. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic exhaust gas recirculation and an open-loop air injection system, allowing compliance with Euro 2 standards in markets adopting legislation from 1992 onwards.
One documented concern is injector nozzle carbonisation, highlighted in Renault Service Bulletin SI-810-01. This issue stems from prolonged idling and poor fuel quality leading to incomplete combustion and soot accumulation in the nozzle tips. Renault addressed this by revising the injection timing map and recommending stricter fuel filtration requirements from mid-1993 onwards.
Production years 1991–1992 meet no formal emissions standard; 1993–1996 models may have Euro 2 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Renault 810.06 is a 1,997 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine engineered for light commercial and passenger vehicles (1991–1996). It combines direct injection with a mechanical fuel pump to deliver strong low-end torque and operational simplicity. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it balances ruggedness with straightforward servicing requirements.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,997 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 88.0 mm | |
| Power output | 75–85 PS | |
| Torque | 160–170 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch VE mechanical injection pump, direct injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 (post-1992) | |
| Compression ratio | 22.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SE 15W-40 | |
| Dry weight | 140 kg |
The mechanical injection system provides linear throttle response suitable for towing and highway cruising but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil changes using SE 15W-40 to protect the camshaft and injection pump. Extended idling accelerates injector nozzle coking, necessitating periodic cleaning per Renault SIB 810-01. Air filter maintenance is critical due to high particulate intake loads; failure causes premature cylinder wear. The chain tensioner is non-adjustable and should be replaced at 120,000 km or if rattle is audible. Fuel must meet minimum cetane rating of 48 to prevent detonation and ensure smooth cold starts.
Oil Specs: Requires SE 15W-40 specification (Renault SIB 810-02). Supersedes ACEA A1/A2 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to production from 1993 onward (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321). Pre-1993 units are unregulated.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. 85 PS output requires minimum 48 cetane diesel (Renault TIS Doc. A810-01).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A810-01, A810-05, SIB 810-01, SIB 810-02
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
DIN 70020: Engine Power Measurement Standards
The Renault 810.06 was used across Renault's Trafic/Espace/Safrane platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external partnerships. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised exhaust manifolds on the Espace and modified mount brackets on the Safrane—and from 1993 the facelifted Trafic LCI adopted the 810.06B variant with revised injector spray patterns, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-hand side of the block above the oil pan flange (Renault TIS A810-01). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('K' for 810 series). Pre-1993 units have a cast iron exhaust manifold with a single outlet; post-1993 units feature a welded steel manifold with dual outlets. Critical differentiation from 810.06B: Original 810.06 has Bosch VE pump with 4mm nozzle diameter; 810.06B uses 3.8mm nozzles and revised timing. Service parts require production date verification – injector kits for pre-1993 engines are incompatible with later units due to spray angle differences (Renault SIB 810-01).
The Renault 810.06's primary reliability risk is injector nozzle carbonisation on pre-1993 builds, with elevated incidence in prolonged idling and urban driving. Internal Renault quality reports showed over 18% of pre-1993 engines required injector replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records indicate that 25% of failures linked to smoke emissions were caused by restricted nozzle flow. Extended idling and use of low-cetane fuel accelerate combustion residue buildup, making fuel quality and idle duration critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1992–1997) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT 810-06.
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
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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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.
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