Engine 1.5 dsi. Which option to choose for trouble-free operation?

The 1.5 dCi engine with the designation K9K can often be found in used Renault cars. This is a drive that is characterized by very low fuel consumption and a good work culture, but not without drawbacks.

The motor debuted in 2001 and its mission was to revolutionize the offering in the urban and compact car segment. After just a few months, it turned out that the new design became a bestseller, unfortunately, after some time, users began to report numerous technical problems that began to bother the manufacturer and potential buyers. So let's check if the French have coped with the shortcomings of 1.5 dCi over the years, and what to choose today to sleep well.

Engine 1.5 dsi. Reduction

The 1.5 dCi was created primarily in response to the increasingly popular downsizing. The slogan of the project was efficiency, and the diesel units from the nineties, installed, for example, on the Clio I, became the basis for the work. that the new structure is efficient and durable. As mentioned, the market responded very well to the new engine, sales continued to rise and confirmed Renault's initial sales assumptions.

Engine 1.5 dsi. You can choose the color you want

This subcompact diesel was available in a dozen or so variants, and it also came with numerous upgrades. The weakest had only 57 hp, while the most powerful 1.5 dCi powered 110 hp. models such as: Megane, Clio, Twingo, Modus, Captur, Thalia, Fluence, Scenic or Kangoo. In addition, he was the power source for Dacia, Nissan and Suzuki, Infinity and even Mercedes.

Engine 1.5 dsi. Reliable Delphi injectors.

The engine was sometimes naughty at the very beginning, the nozzles manufactured by the well-known company Delphi were the first to often fail (they were installed before 2005). The fault could have appeared at a relatively low mileage, for example at 60 XNUMX. km and often repaired under warranty. Unfortunately, the installation of a new nozzle at ASO did not give peace of mind, the problem often returned, and the customer had to pay for the re-repair himself, because. meanwhile the warranty coverage was expiring.

The nozzles were very delicate, when refueling with low-quality fuel, this element could fail quite quickly, which made its dosing inaccurate. Fortunately, there is no shortage of spare parts today, and injector rebuild companies are able to deal with any problem relatively effectively without spending a fortune. It should be remembered that ignoring faults can lead to serious engine damage, such as burnt pistons, and then a major overhaul will be required.

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After 2005, the manufacturer began to install durable Siemens systems. Thanks to them, engine parameters have improved, fuel consumption has decreased and work culture has improved. More modern injectors have covered and still cover a distance of 250 kilometers with little or no unnecessary intervention from mechanics, and this is a great success. Of course, in this case, one drawback may appear, namely, permeable overflow gates. However, repairs should not greatly burden our wallet.

Engine 1.5 dsi. Extending the life of Delphi injectors

We asked specialists and users of Renault cars themselves if there is a way to extend the life of Delphi injectors. Members of the forum emphasized, first of all, that it is necessary to refuel with the highest quality fuel. In addition, they should be cleaned every 30-60 km. In high pressure fuel pumps, bearings can flake/wear, resulting in the formation of metal filings, which then enter the entire injection system and effectively damage it. Therefore, the pump itself must also be subjected to regular cleaning every XNUMX thousand kilometers.

Engine 1.5 dsi. Crankshaft bearings

With a run of 150-30 kilometers, the crankshaft bearings can rotate. Experts say that this is mainly due to the extended oil change interval of up to 10-15 kilometers and the excessively intensive operation of some cars. The solution to this condition is, first of all, regular oil changes every XNUMX-XNUMX thousand kilometers. It is also worth avoiding excessive loads on the engine when it has not yet reached operating temperature. Fortunately, sockets have been strengthened over time.

Engine 1.5 dsi. Other malfunctions

One more point should be noted. The manufacturer recommends changing the timing belt 1.5 dCi (in engines manufactured after 2005) every 150 90 km, although initially it was 120 100 km. Mechanics say it is better to reduce this time to XNUMX thousand kilometers, as they know cases of premature failure of the drive. Also, the boost pressure sensor is sometimes unreliable. There are also breakdowns of turbochargers, but their breakdown is mainly associated with improper operation. In the described engine, we can also find two-mass wheels, initially they were installed only in more powerful versions, i.e. over XNUMX hp, which are relatively durable.  

Engine 1.5 dsi. Approximate prices for consumables

• Oil, air and cabin filter (set) for Renault Megane III – PLN 82
• timing kit for Renault Thalia II – PLN 245
• clutch (complete with dual-mass wheel) – Renault Megane II – PLN 1800
• new (not remanufactured) injector Siemens – Renault Fluence – PLN 720
• new (not regenerated) Delphi injector - Clio II - PLN 590
• glow plug – Grand Scénic II – PLN 21
• new (not regenerated) Kangoo II turbocharger – PLN 1700

Engine 1.5 dsi. Summary

When choosing a car with a 1.5 dCi diesel engine, we recommend that you exercise caution. It is worth looking for instances with an accurate and reliable service history, not always a small mileage is the key to success, because if nothing has been repaired for a long time, a wave of malfunctions may fall upon us. Pay attention to temporary service replacements and the location where the vehicle was serviced. Recall that the engines of 2001-2005 with Delphi injectors caused the most problems. In 2006, Renault has already slightly modified the unit. 2010 brought efficient 95 hp varieties. and 110 hp Euro 5 compliant, they enjoy a good reputation among users, some even say they are completely maintenance free.

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