The Renault C2J 700 is a 1,721 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1985 and 1992. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) and two valves per cylinder, delivering outputs suited for compact family cars. In standard form, it produced approximately 66 kW (90 PS), prioritising low-cost manufacturing and mechanical simplicity over peak performance.
Fitted to models such as the R9, R11, and early R19, the C2J 700 was engineered for reliable, economical motoring in urban and highway conditions. Emissions compliance for its production period was met through carburetion or basic single‑point fuel injection, aligning with prevailing Euro 1 standards for vehicles of that generation.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft lobes, particularly in engines subjected to infrequent oil changes. This issue, referenced in Renault Technical Note MEC 015, is attributed to metallurgical limitations in early production batches. Later C2J variants incorporated improved materials before the engine family was superseded.
Production years 1985–1992 meet Euro 1 standards as per applicable regulations for vehicles of that era (VCA UK Type Approval historical records).
The Renault C2J 700 is a 1,721 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and saloons (1985-1992). It combines a simple SOHC valvetrain with carburetion to deliver adequate power for daily commuting. Designed to meet Euro 1 standards, it emphasises serviceability and cost-effective ownership.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,721 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 83.5 mm | |
| Power output | 66 kW (90 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 135 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Carburetor or Single‑point injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W‑40 (Mineral) | |
| Dry weight | Not specified in available OEM docs |
The SOHC design offers mechanical simplicity but requires periodic valve clearance adjustments every 30,000 km. The timing chain is generally robust but should be inspected for slack after 150,000 km. Carbureted versions are sensitive to fuel quality and require regular cleaning of jets and linkages. Using the specified SAE 10W-40 mineral oil is recommended for optimal engine break-in and component wear protection in these older designs. Camshaft lobe wear, documented in Technical Note MEC 015, can be mitigated by strict adherence to oil change intervals.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 mineral oil specification (Renault Owner's Manual R9/R11). Modern semi-synthetics meeting ACEA A3 may be used if mineral oil is unavailable.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to all production years (1985-1992) as per regulations for vehicles first registered in that period (VCA Historical Records).
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Output is consistent across documented variants (Renault PT-1987).
Renault Technical Documentation: Workshop Manual 1721cc, PT-1987 Catalogue
Renault Technical Note: MEC 015
UK Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) Historical Type Approval Database
EEC Directive 80/1269 on engine power measurement
The Renault C2J 700 was used across Renault's R9/R11 platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations-different intake manifolds and accessory brackets-and from 1990 the R19 Phase 1 models used a slightly revised version with updated engine management, creating minor parts differences. 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, near the gearbox flange (Renault Workshop Manual). The code will read "C2J 700" followed by a serial number. Pre-1990 R9/R11 engines typically have a carburetor (Solex or Weber), while R19 engines from 1990 onwards usually feature single-point fuel injection (Renault 'Mono-Jetronic'). The distributor is mounted at the rear of the cylinder head. Critical differentiation from the smaller C1E engine: C2J has a 1.7L displacement (81.0mm bore) versus C1E's 1.4L (75.8mm bore).
The C2J 700's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Renault Technical Note MEC 015 documents this failure mode, while general owner reports highlight carburetor and ignition system issues in neglected vehicles. Extended service intervals and poor fuel quality accelerate wear, making adherence to basic maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1985-1992) and general owner/mechanic consensus for vehicles of this era. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT C2J-700.
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.
VCA Certification Portal
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