When discussing legendary French automotive engineering, most conversations gravitate towards the iconic Citroën DS, the Peugeot 205 GTI, or the Renault 4. Yet, lurking in the shadows of history—often hidden under the dusty bonnets of delivery vans, ambulances, and industrial pumps—lies a true mechanical marvel: the Renault DF455 .
A: Modern 15W-40 diesel oil (like Shell Rotella) is perfect because it has high zinc (ZDDP) for flat-tappet camshafts. Do not use modern 5W-30. It will destroy your camshaft. renault df455
A: Yes. 123ignition makes a programmable distributor for the DF455 (part #123-RV-4). Highly recommended. Do not use modern 5W-30
That’s right: The displaces 1,455 cc (approximately 1.5 liters). It is a naturally aspirated, four-cylinder, water-cooled petrol engine. 123ignition makes a programmable distributor for the DF455
A: Most likely the radiator is original (50 years old) and clogged. Do not blame the engine. Recore the radiator. Do you have a Renault DF455 story or restoration question? Leave a comment below or contact a vintage Renault specialist. Keep the pushrods turning.
That is the price of admission to the club of the DF455. It is a club worth joining. Q: Is the DF455 the same as the Renault 1.4 "Cleon" engine? A: No. The Cleon (C1C) is an overhead cam (OHC) engine. The DF455 is pushrod OHV. They share no parts.
On a cold morning, you pump the accelerator twice (no modern choke injection), pull the manual choke knob, and crank. The starter motor whirs slowly, then a deep thud-thud-thud emerges. The engine shakes visibly on its mounts.