The Renault F8Q 776 is a 1,870 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 1997 and 2001. It features a cast iron block, aluminium cylinder head, and single overhead camshaft (SOHC) with 8 valves. Equipped with indirect injection and a fixed-geometry turbocharger, it delivered approximately 65 kW (88 PS) and 190 Nm of torque, prioritising low-cost ownership and urban drivability.
Fitted primarily to the Mégane I (BA/BB0/1) and Scénic I (JA/1) platforms, the F8Q 776 was engineered for economical, reliable performance in family vehicles. Emissions compliance for its production period was met through its mechanical injection pump and turbocharging, aligning with Euro 2 standards for light-duty vehicles in force at the time.
A documented service consideration involves the turbocharger oil feed and return lines, which can become clogged with carbon deposits over time, leading to premature turbo failure. Renault service documentation (e.g., Technical Note TN 0789) advises inspection and cleaning during major services. This engine was succeeded by the more advanced F9Q dCi direct injection series.
Production years 1997–2001 meet Euro 2 standards for light-duty vehicles (EU Directive 96/69/EC).
The Renault F8Q 776 is a 1,870 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact family vehicles (1997-2001). It combines indirect injection with a fixed-geometry turbocharger to deliver accessible low-end torque and robust mechanical simplicity. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it prioritises serviceability and cost-effective ownership.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,870 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 80.0 mm × 93.0 mm | |
| Power output | 65 kW (88 PS) @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 190 Nm @ 2,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch VE rotary injection pump (indirect injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 21.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Fixed‑geometry (Garrett or KKK) | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven (non-interference design) | |
| Oil type | Mineral 15W‑40 | |
| Dry weight | Not specified in primary sources |
The SOHC, indirect injection design offers robust, economical performance but lacks the refinement and efficiency of later direct injection engines. The non-interference timing design is a safety net; a broken belt will not destroy the engine. Critical maintenance involves inspecting and cleaning the turbo oil feed/return lines (per TN 0789) to prevent turbo failure. Using the specified mineral 15W-40 oil is essential. The mechanical Bosch VE pump is generally reliable but sensitive to poor fuel quality.
Oil Specs: Requires mineral oil 15W-40 specification (Renault Maintenance Manual 77 11 305 417).
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all 1997–2001 F8Q 776 engines (EU Directive 96/69/EC).
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Output consistent across documented variants (Renault Type Approval).
Renault Technical Information: Notes TN 0789, TN 0890
Renault Maintenance Manual: Ref. 77 11 305 417
Renault Parts Catalogue (EPC): Ref. 7700744891
EU Council Directive 96/69/EC
The Renault F8Q 776 was used across Renault's Mégane I and Scénic I platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations-such as different exhaust manifolds or engine mounts-but no major facelift revisions affecting core compatibility during its production run. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on a flat boss on the front face of the cylinder block, near the gearbox flange (Renault Technical Note TN 0789). The code "F8Q 776" is typically followed by a serial number. Visually, it can be identified by its cast iron block, single camshaft cover, and the presence of a Bosch VE injection pump on the side of the engine (as opposed to a common rail fuel rail). Critical differentiation from the similar F8Q 760: The 776 variant has a slightly higher power output (88 PS vs 75 PS) and a different turbocharger calibration. Service parts like the injection pump or turbo are often specific to the 776 variant.
The F8Q 776's primary reliability risk is turbocharger failure due to clogged oil feed/return lines, particularly in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Renault internal service data indicates a significant correlation between neglected oil line maintenance and turbo replacement. Extended idling and infrequent oil changes accelerate carbon buildup, making proactive cleaning critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1997-2001) and EU regulatory documentation (1996-2001). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT F8Q-776.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with RENAULT or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
RENAULT Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
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
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialRENAULT documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
