The Renault J6R 236 is a 2,165 cc, inline‑six petrol engine produced between 1985 and 1996. It features a cast-iron block, aluminum cylinder head, single overhead camshaft (SOHC), and twin-choke carburetor or multipoint fuel injection depending on variant. This smooth and torquey engine delivered 83–98 kW (113–133 PS) and 172–188 Nm of torque, with its long-stroke design providing strong low-to-mid range pull ideal for relaxed cruising.
Fitted primarily to the Renault 25 and Alpine V6 GT/GTA, the J6R 236 was engineered for executive saloon refinement and grand touring capability. Emissions compliance was achieved through catalytic converters and electronic engine management on later fuel-injected models, meeting Euro 1 standards by the end of its production run.
One documented area of focus is potential for head gasket failure, particularly on early carbureted models under sustained high load, as noted in Renault's internal service documentation. No major generational update occurred; the engine was succeeded by the newer L7X V6 family.
Production years 1985–1992 meet pre-Euro standards; 1993–1996 models meet Euro 1 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345).
The Renault J6R 236 is a 2,165 cc inline‑six petrol engineered for executive saloons and grand tourers (1985-1996). It combines a robust cast-iron block with SOHC valvetrain and either carburetion or multipoint injection to deliver smooth, linear power. Designed to meet evolving emissions standards, later models incorporated catalysts and electronic management for Euro 1 compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,165 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 78.0 mm × 76.0 mm | |
| Power output | 83–98 kW (113–133 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 172–188 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Twin-choke carburetor / Multipoint injection (Bosch L-Jetronic) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (1985-1992); Euro 1 (1993-1996) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 (carb) / 9.5:1 (injection) | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven | |
| Oil type | Renault 15W‑40 mineral or semi-synthetic | |
| Dry weight | 165 kg |
The long-stroke inline-six provides exceptionally smooth power delivery ideal for highway cruising but requires regular valve clearance adjustments (every 30,000 km) due to its mechanical lifters. The timing chain is durable but should be inspected at 150,000 km. Early carbureted models are prone to head gasket issues under hard use; later fuel-injected variants are more robust. Use of 95 RON fuel is recommended for injected models to prevent pinging. Cooling system maintenance is critical to prevent overheating, a known factor in head gasket failure.
Oil Specs: Requires 15W-40 mineral or semi-synthetic oil (Renault Owner's Manual 1990). Modern ACEA A3/B4 15W-40 is an acceptable equivalent.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1993–1996 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345). Pre-1993 models are pre-Euro.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Higher output requires fuel injection and 95 RON fuel (Renault TIS Doc. J6R-002).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs J6R-001, J6R-002
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2345)
DIN 70020: Road vehicles; engine power test code; net power
The Renault J6R 236 was used across Renault's executive platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the Alpine GTA and revised engine management for the fuel-injected Renault 25 TXi. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the flat machined surface at the rear of the cylinder block, near the bellhousing (Renault TIS J6R-001). The 8th VIN digit for Renault 25 is 'R' for 2.2L petrol. Visually, the engine is identifiable by its long, straight-six layout and the prominent "2.2" or "V6" badge on the cam cover. Differentiation from the PRV V6: The J6R is an inline-six, while the PRV is a 90-degree V6. Carbureted and injected versions can be distinguished by the presence of a fuel rail and injectors.
The J6R 236's primary reliability consideration is head gasket failure, particularly on early carbureted models subjected to high thermal loads. Renault service data indicates this was often linked to cooling system neglect, while owner club surveys show well-maintained examples are robust. Adherence to cooling system maintenance and avoiding sustained high RPM makes this a manageable concern.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1985-1996) and owner club reliability surveys (1995-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT J6R-236.
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.
