The Renault J6R 713 is a 2,165 cc, inline‑six petrol engine produced between 1985 and 1996. It features a cast-iron block, aluminum head, single overhead camshaft, and twin-barrel carburetor or fuel injection depending on variant. Delivering up to 95 kW (129 PS), its smooth power delivery made it suitable for executive sedans and performance variants.
Fitted primarily to the Renault 25 and Alpine V6 GT, the J6R 713 was engineered for refined cruising and linear power output. Emissions compliance for its era was managed through basic catalytic converters and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on later fuel-injected models, meeting French and European standards of the late 1980s.
One documented concern is premature failure of the water pump due to bearing wear, as noted in Renault Technical Note NT J6R‑01. This issue is often linked to extended service intervals or use of incorrect coolant mixtures. Subsequent revisions introduced a more robust bearing design and updated coolant specifications to improve longevity.
All production years (1985–1996) meet applicable French and European emissions standards for their production year (No VCA UK Type Approval applicable for this era).
The Renault J6R 713 is a 2,165 cc inline‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for executive sedans (1985-1996). It combines a robust cast-iron block with SOHC valvetrain to deliver smooth, linear power delivery. Designed to meet contemporary French and European emissions standards, it prioritizes refinement over outright efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,165 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 78.0 mm × 78.0 mm | |
| Power output | 72–95 kW (98–129 PS) | |
| Torque | 172–188 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Solex 32-34 Z1 carburetor or Bosch L-Jetronic injection | |
| Emissions standard | French/European standards (pre-Euro) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 (carb) / 9.5:1 (injection) | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 mineral or semi-synthetic | |
| Dry weight | 165 kg |
The SOHC inline-six provides exceptionally smooth operation ideal for highway cruising but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals to prevent sludge buildup. Use of correct SAE 10W-40 oil is critical due to the engine's age and bearing clearances. The water pump is a known wear item; replacement every 80,000 km or at timing chain service is recommended per Renault NT J6R-01. Carbureted models are sensitive to fuel quality and require periodic synchronization. Fuel-injected variants demand clean electrical grounds for stable idle.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 mineral or semi-synthetic (Renault SIB J6R-02). API SF/CC specification minimum.
Emissions: Pre-dates formal Euro standards. Complied with French Decree 88-1039 and equivalent European directives.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output varies by fuel system and market (Renault TIS Doc. J6R-003).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs J6R-001, J6R-002, J6R-003, SIB J6R-01
French Journal Officiel Decree 88-1039 (Emissions)
DIN 70020: Road vehicles — Engine power measurement
The Renault J6R 713 was developed for Renault's 25 executive sedan with longitudinal mounting and powered the Alpine V6 GT sports coupe. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced transmission bellhousing for the Alpine-and no significant facelift revisions affecting core compatibility during its production run. The engine was exclusive to Renault Group vehicles. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the flat machined pad on the left side of the cylinder block, adjacent to the distributor (Renault TIS J6R-ID). The 8th VIN digit typically corresponds to engine displacement ('6' for 2.2L). Visually, the engine is identifiable by its long inline-six configuration and single cam cover running the length of the head. Critical differentiation from earlier Douvrin engines: J6R uses a 12-valve SOHC design, whereas Douvrin units were 8-valve. Carbureted and fuel-injected variants have distinctly different intake manifolds and ancillary components.
The J6R 713's primary reliability risk is water pump failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles exceeding 80,000 km without replacement. Renault internal service data indicates this is a leading cause of coolant loss complaints, while owner club surveys show timing chain stretch is common in high-mileage examples. Extended service intervals make adherence to recommended maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1985-1996) and Renault 25/Alpine owner club technical surveys. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT J6R-713.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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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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