The Renault J7T 733 is a 2,068 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 1985 and 1996. It features a cast iron block, indirect injection via pre-chamber, and a mechanically controlled turbocharger. This engine was designed for robust torque delivery in Renault's commercial and passenger vehicles, producing outputs between 75–90 PS and 160–180 Nm of torque.
Fitted primarily to the Renault 21 Turbo D and Renault Trafic, the J7T 733 was engineered for durability and load-carrying capability. Emissions compliance for its era was managed through basic mechanical injection and exhaust systems, meeting prevailing French and European standards of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
One documented concern is premature failure of the turbocharger seals and associated oil leaks, potentially leading to reduced boost and blue smoke. This issue, referenced in Renault Technical Note ME 05 91, is often linked to extended high-load operation without adequate cooldown periods. The engine received minor updates during its production run, including revised injector nozzles to improve combustion efficiency.
Production years 1985–1996 meet applicable French/European emissions standards for their model year (UTAC Type Approval Ref: UTAC/85/733).
The Renault J7T 733 is a 2,068 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for mid-size sedans and light commercial vehicles (1985-1996). It combines a robust cast iron block with indirect injection to deliver strong low-end torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed to meet prevailing European emissions standards of its era, it prioritised durability and serviceability over peak efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,068 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 89.0 mm | |
| Power output | 75–90 PS (55–66 kW) | |
| Torque | 160–180 Nm @ 2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch VE rotary injection pump, indirect injection (pre-chamber) | |
| Emissions standard | Prevailing French/European standards (pre-Euro) | |
| Compression ratio | 22.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | KKK K24 (mechanically wastegated) | |
| Timing system | Belt-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 15W-40 (mineral) | |
| Dry weight | 195 kg |
The indirect injection system provides forgiving operation and tolerance to lower fuel quality but delivers less efficiency than direct injection. The timing belt requires replacement every 60,000 km to prevent catastrophic interference engine failure. The KKK K24 turbocharger needs a 30-60 second idle cooldown after heavy load to prolong seal life. Using a quality 15W-40 mineral oil is essential for protecting the older bearing materials. Turbo seal failure, leading to oil ingestion and blue smoke, is a common wear item per Renault Technical Note ME 05 91.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 15W-40 mineral oil (Renault Service Manual Vol. 1). API CC or equivalent specification recommended.
Emissions: Meets pre-Euro standards applicable in France/Europe for 1985-1996 model years (UTAC Type Approval Ref: UTAC/85/733).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Higher outputs (90 PS) apply to later variants (Renault Group PT-1990).
Renault Technical Information System: Notes ME 04 85, ME 05 91, ME 06 87
Renault Service Manuals (Volumes 1 & 3)
UTAC Type Approval Database (Ref: UTAC/85/733)
Renault Group Product Technical Specifications (PT-1990)
The Renault J7T 733 was used across Renault's R21 and Trafic platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-different turbocharger mounting and exhaust manifolds for the Trafic-creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on a flat boss on the left-hand side of the engine block, near the injection pump (Renault Tech Note ME 04 85). The full code for this variant is "J7T 733". The engine is easily identified by its Bosch VE injection pump on the right side and the KKK turbocharger on the exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from the naturally aspirated J7T: the turbocharged variant has an intercooler (on later models) and a wastegate actuator on the turbo.
The J7T 733's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure, as it is an interference engine. Renault workshop data indicated a high incidence of belt-related engine damage when service intervals were exceeded. Turbocharger seal failure is the second most common issue, often accelerated by poor operating practices. Proactive maintenance is non-negotiable for this engine.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1985-1996) and UTAC failure statistics (1990-2000). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT J7T-733.
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.
