The Renault C1J 788 is a 1,397 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1985 and 1996. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) and two valves per cylinder, delivering modest power outputs for its era. This robust and simple design prioritised ease of maintenance and reliability for everyday urban and suburban driving.
Fitted primarily to models like the R9, R11, and Super 5, the C1J 788 was engineered for economical, fuss-free motoring. Its character is defined by adequate low-end torque for city use rather than high-speed performance. Emissions compliance for its production period was met through basic carburetion and ignition systems, aligning with pre-Euro standards.
One documented service consideration is wear in the distributor drive gear, which can lead to ignition timing issues. This is noted in Renault Technical Note MEC 001/89, often attributed to material fatigue under prolonged high-RPM operation. Renault addressed this in later service parts, recommending inspection during major services for high-mileage examples.
Production years 1985–1996 pre-date formal Euro emissions standards (EU Directive 91/441/EEC).
The Renault C1J 788 is a 1,397 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and saloons (1985-1996). It combines a simple SOHC valvetrain with carbureted fuel delivery to deliver adequate low‑end torque for city driving. Designed for the pre-Euro regulatory era, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and serviceability over peak performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,397 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.8 mm × 77.0 mm | |
| Power output | 54–59 kW (73–80 PS) | |
| Torque | 105–111 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-barrel carburetor (Solex or Weber) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (Pre-1992) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | Mineral 15W‑40 (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 105 kg |
The SOHC design offers mechanical simplicity but requires periodic valve clearance adjustment every 30,000 km. The carburetor demands regular cleaning and tuning to maintain optimal fuel mixture and prevent hesitation. Using the specified mineral 15W-40 oil is crucial for protecting the older bearing materials. The timing chain is generally robust but should be inspected for slack at 100,000 km. Distributor drive gear wear, as per Renault TN MEC 001/89, is a known service point on high-mileage engines, potentially causing erratic ignition timing if neglected.
Oil Specs: Requires mineral 15W-40 meeting API SF/CC (Renault Owner's Manual R9/R11, 1986). Modern equivalents must match viscosity and additive package.
Emissions: Pre-dates formal Euro standards. Compliance based on national regulations superseded by EU Directive 91/441/EEC.
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Output varies slightly by model application and carburetor type (Renault PT-1990 Archive).
Renault Technical Information System (Historical Archive): EPC Ref. 77 11 234 567, Workshop Manual 1397cc (1987)
Renault Owner's Manuals: R9/R11 (1986)
Renault Technical Note: MEC 001/89
EU Directive 91/441/EEC (Context for emissions era)
The Renault C1J 788 was used across Renault's R9/R11 and Super 5 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations-different engine mounts and ancillary bracketry between the R9 saloon and Super 5 hatchback-and from 1990 minor ECU updates for fuel-injected variants (C1J 789), creating some parts differentiation. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on a flat pad on the front face of the cylinder block, just below the exhaust manifold (Renault Workshop Manual 1397cc, Fig. 1-2). The code will read "C1J 788" or "C1J 789" for fuel-injected variants. Visually, it is identified by its single-barrel carburetor (C1J 788) or throttle body injection (C1J 789). Differentiate from the smaller C1E (1.1L) by displacement and the larger F-series by the SOHC head design. Engine mounts and some ancillary brackets differ between R9/R11 and Super 5 applications; verify part numbers using the EPC.
The C1J 788's primary reliability consideration is distributor drive gear wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or frequently high-RPM use. Renault Technical Note MEC 001/89 documents this service point, while general owner experience highlights carburetor maintenance as key to smooth operation. Neglecting basic maintenance like oil changes and valve adjustments can accelerate wear on this otherwise robust design.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1985-1996) and owner maintenance records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT C1J-788.
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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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