The Renault K9K 774 is a 1,461 cc, inline‑three turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2008 and 2018. It features a cast iron block, aluminium cylinder head, common rail direct injection, and a fixed‑geometry turbocharger. In standard form it delivered 66 kW (90 PS), with torque figures of 200 Nm, providing strong low‑rpm pull for urban drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Clio III, Mégane III, and Dacia Duster, the K9K 774 was engineered for compact car efficiency and low‑end torque. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and, on later models, a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing it to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards depending on the production year and specific market configuration.
One documented concern is EGR valve and cooler clogging, leading to reduced performance and increased emissions. This issue, highlighted in Renault Technical Note MEG‑08‑03‑774‑A, is often linked to short‑trip driving cycles that prevent the system from reaching optimal self‑cleaning temperatures. A revised EGR valve design was introduced for MY2012+ vehicles.
Production years 2008–2010 meet Euro 4 standards; 2011–2018 models meet Euro 5 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Renault K9K 774 is a 1,461 cc inline‑three turbo‑diesel engineered for supermini and compact SUV applications (2008-2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a fixed‑geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and frugal fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards, it prioritizes urban efficiency and cost‑effective ownership.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,461 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.0 mm × 80.5 mm | |
| Power output | 66 kW (90 PS) | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Denso common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (pre‑2011); Euro 5 (2011+) | |
| Compression ratio | 15.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Fixed‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | Renault RN0710 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 110 kg |
The fixed-geometry turbo provides predictable low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires strict 20,000 km service intervals to prevent EGR and DPF issues. Renault RN0710 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its specific low-ash formulation protecting the emissions system. Short trips should be minimized to allow the EGR cooler to reach self-cleaning temperatures. The Denso fuel system demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) meeting EN 590 standards to prevent injector clogging. Post-2012 models feature a revised EGR valve; pre-2012 units are prone to carbon buildup per Renault Technical Note MEG-08-03-774-A.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0710 (5W-30) specification (Renault Technical Note MEG-08-03-774-A). Equivalent to ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to pre-2011 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). All 2011+ models meet Euro 5.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output is consistent across model range (Renault TIS Doc. K9K-774-SPEC).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs R12-K9K-774, MEG-08-03-774-A
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Renault K9K 774 was used across Renault's B/C-segment platforms with transverse mounting and licensed to Dacia and Nissan. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced mounts in the Duster and revised cooling in the Mégane-and from 2011 the facelifted Clio models adopted revised ECU mapping for Euro 5 compliance, creating minor software interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Nissan's 1.5 dCi units to share core architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block, near the alternator (Renault TIS K9K-ID-01). The 8th VIN digit often indicates engine displacement ('K' for 1.5L dCi). Pre-2011 models have a silver EGR valve body; post-2011 units use black. Critical differentiation from K9K 896: K9K 774 has a single-mass flywheel and lower power output (90 PS vs 110 PS). Service parts for the EGR system require production date verification - valves for engines before 01/2012 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Renault Technical Note MEG-08-03-774-A).
The K9K 774's primary reliability risk is EGR system clogging, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Renault internal service data indicates a high frequency of EGR-related repairs on vehicles with predominantly urban mileage, while UK DVSA records show a correlation between DPF warning lights and low annual mileage for this engine. Infrequent highway driving and missed services increase deposit buildup, making adherence to the maintenance schedule critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (2010-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT K9K-774.
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