The Mazda RF 2.0-liter pre-chamber diesel engine was produced from 1983 to 2003 in a huge number of modifications: both atmospheric RF-N and turbocharged RF-T. There was also an updated version of the RF1G for the 323 models and a compressor RF-CX for the 626.
R-engine family: RF, RF-T, RF-T DI, R2.
Specifications
| Production years | 1983-2003 |
| Displacement, cc | 1998 |
| Fuel system | prechambers |
| Power output, hp | 58 – 67 (RF-N, RF46) 71 (RF1G) 76 – 88 (RF-CX) 71 – 92 (RF-T) |
| Torque output, Nm | 120 (RF-N, RF46) 128 (RF1G) 172 – 186 (RF-CX) 172 – 195 (RF-T) |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 8v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 86 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 86 |
| Compression ratio | 21 – 23 (RF-N, RF46) 21.7 (RF1G) 21.1 (RF-CX) 19 – 21 (RF-T) |
| Features | SOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no (RF-N, RF46) no (RF1G) compressor (RF-CX) yes (RF-T) |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.0 (RF-N, RF46) 5.0 (RF1G) 5.5 (RF-CX) 5.5 (RF-T) |
| Fuel type | diesel |
| Euro standards | EURO 0 (RF-N, RF46) EURO 2 (RF1G) EURO 1 (RF-CX) EURO 1/2 (RF-T) |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mazda 626 1990) — city — highway — combined |
8.1 5.4 6.3 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 187 |
The engine was installed on:
- Mazda 323 BH in 1995 – 1998, 323 BJ in 1998 – 2000;
- Mazda 626 GC in 1983 – 1987, 626 GD in 1987 – 1991, 626 GE in 1991 – 1997;
- Mazda Bongo 3 in 1984 – 1995;
- Kia Concord in 1988 – 1991;
- Kia Sportage 1 (JA) in 1998 – 2003;
- Suzuki Vitara 1 (ET) in 1994 – 1998, Vitara GT in 1998 – 2003.
Disadvantages of the Mazda RF 2.0 engine
- These are simple and reliable diesel engines, most of their problems are due to old age;
- Leaks are most often discussed on specialized forums, the unit sweats oil over the cylinder head gasket;
- According to the regulations, the timing belt is changed every 60,000 km, or if it breaks, the valve will bend;
- After 200-250 thousand km of run, cracks around the prechambers are often found;
- There are no hydraulic lifters and do not forget to adjust the valves every 100,000 km.
Frequently asked questions about the Mazda RF 2.0l
How much power does the Mazda RF 2.0l make?
Power output of the Mazda RF 2.0l, hp: 58 - 67 (RF-N, RF46); 71 (RF1G); 76 - 88 (RF-CX); 71 - 92 (RF-T). Torque, Nm: 120 (RF-N, RF46); 128 (RF1G); 172 - 186 (RF-CX); 172 - 195 (RF-T).
How much oil does the Mazda RF 2.0l take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 5.0 (RF-N, RF46); 5.0 (RF1G); 5.5 (RF-CX); 5.5 (RF-T) liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Mazda RF 2.0l have a timing belt or chain?
The Mazda RF 2.0l uses a timing belt.
Is the Mazda RF 2.0l turbocharged?
Yes, the Mazda RF 2.0l is turbocharged (no (RF-N, RF46); no (RF1G); compressor (RF-CX); yes (RF-T)).
Does the Mazda RF 2.0l need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Mazda RF 2.0l last?
The typical lifespan of the Mazda RF 2.0l is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Mazda RF 2.0l?
Mazda 626 1990: city 8.1, highway 5.4, combined 6.3 L/100 km.
What cars was the Mazda RF 2.0l installed on?
Mazda 323 BH in 1995 - 1998, 323 BJ in 1998 - 2000; Mazda 626 GC in 1983 - 1987, 626 GD in 1987 - 1991, 626 GE in 1991 - 1997; Mazda Bongo 3 in 1984 - 1995; Kia Concord in 1988 - 1991; Kia Sportage 1 (JA) in 1998 - 2003; Suzuki Vitara 1 (ET) in 1994 - 1998, Vitara GT in 1998 - 2003.
What are the common problems of the Mazda RF 2.0l?
These are simple and reliable diesel engines, most of their problems are due to old age. Leaks are most often discussed on specialized forums, the unit sweats oil over the cylinder head gasket. All known problems.
