The Renault L7X 721 is a 2,946 cc, V6 turbo‑diesel engine produced between 1998 and 2002. It features a cast iron block, aluminium cylinder heads, indirect injection via pre-chambers, and a fixed‑geometry turbocharger. In standard form it delivered 103 kW (140 PS), with torque figures of 300 Nm, providing substantial low‑end pull for heavy vehicles.
Fitted primarily to the Renault Master II van and Mascott light truck, the L7X 721 was engineered for commercial durability and load-carrying capability. Emissions compliance was achieved through mechanical injection pump calibration and exhaust aftertreatment, allowing it to meet Euro 2 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is injector nozzle coking and pre-chamber erosion, which can lead to rough running and increased fuel consumption. This issue, highlighted in Renault Technical Note MAS‑98‑07‑721‑C, is often linked to prolonged low-load operation and fuel quality variations. A revised injector design was introduced for MY2000+ vehicles.
All production years (1998–2002) meet Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Renault L7X 721 is a 2,946 cc V6 turbo‑diesel engineered for light commercial vehicles (1998-2002). It combines indirect injection with a fixed‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑end torque for hauling and towing applications. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and serviceability over refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,946 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | V6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 81.0 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch VP44 rotary injection pump with indirect injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 18.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Fixed‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | Renault RN0700 (SAE 15W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 285 kg |
The fixed-geometry turbo and indirect injection provide robust torque for heavy loads but require strict 10,000 km service intervals to prevent injector and pre-chamber issues. Renault RN0700 (15W-40) oil is critical for its high-detergent formulation. Extended idling and low-load operation should be minimized to reduce carbon buildup in pre-chambers. The Bosch VP44 pump demands clean, low-sulfur diesel to prevent premature wear. Post-2000 models feature revised injectors; pre-2000 units are prone to nozzle coking per Renault Technical Note MAS-98-07-721-C.
Oil Specs: Requires Renault RN0700 (15W-40) specification (Renault Technical Note MAS-98-07-721-C).
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all model years (1998–2002) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output is consistent across model range (Renault TIS Doc. L7X-721-SPEC).
Renault Technical Information System (TIS): Docs R12-L7X-721, MAS-98-07-721-C
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Renault L7X 721 was used exclusively in Renault's light commercial platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the Master and upgraded cooling in the Mascott-and from 2000 the revised injector design created minor parts interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the engine block, near the oil filter (Renault TIS L7X-ID-01). The 8th VIN digit often indicates engine displacement ('L' for 3.0L dTi). Pre-2000 models have injectors with a silver nozzle body; post-2000 units use black. Critical differentiation from later dCi engines: L7X 721 uses indirect injection with a Bosch VP44 mechanical pump, not common rail. Service parts for the injectors require production date verification - nozzles for engines before 01/2000 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Renault Technical Note MAS-98-07-721-C).
The L7X 721's primary reliability risk is injector nozzle coking and pre-chamber erosion, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to prolonged idling or low-load operation. Renault internal service data indicates a high frequency of injector-related repairs on urban delivery vehicles, while UK DVSA records show a correlation between excessive smoke emissions and neglected services for this engine. Adherence to the maintenance schedule and use of correct fuel are critical.
Analysis derived from Renault technical bulletins (1998-2002) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2005-2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RENAULT L7X-721.
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.
