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Jimmy
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“Thanks to EngineMarket, I saved over £1,200 on my engine replacement and got matched with a great local specialist within the hour.”
12 Marketplace
Renault 12 Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Save
Get quotes from trusted UK Renault 12 engine specialists. Compare used and reconditioned prices for 1.3L to 1.6L petrol - C1C & C1J covered. Find the best value for your budget.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
Renault 12 1.3L Cléon-Fonte Engines- from £400 to £1,450
Rebuilt units from £950
Common codes: 810, C1H, C1J, C2L
Renault 12 1.4L Export Engines- from £450 to £1,600
Rebuilt units from £1,100
Common codes: C1J, C2J, C3J
Renault 12 TS Gordini Performance Engines- from £600 to £2,400
Rebuilt units from £1,600
Common codes: C2L, 807-20, 807-G
🔒 Secure enquiry - no spam, no pressure. Genuine quotes only from vetted UK Renault 12 specialists.
Instant engine replacement quote - 100% free, no obligationEngine replacement near me - UK-wide specialist networkCompare reconditioned, rebuilt & used engine pricesSupply & fit available - parts and labour from vetted specialistsInstant engine replacement quote - 100% free, no obligationEngine replacement near me - UK-wide specialist networkCompare reconditioned, rebuilt & used engine pricesSupply & fit available - parts and labour from vetted specialists
Instant engine replacement quote - 100% free, no obligationEngine replacement near me - UK-wide specialist networkCompare reconditioned, rebuilt & used engine pricesSupply & fit available - parts and labour from vetted specialistsInstant engine replacement quote - 100% free, no obligationEngine replacement near me - UK-wide specialist networkCompare reconditioned, rebuilt & used engine pricesSupply & fit available - parts and labour from vetted specialists
How It Works
3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best Renault 12 Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Renault 12 Replacement Engine
12-Month Warranty
Supply & Fit Available
Nationwide Delivery
Trusted UK Suppliers
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Live UK Engine Market Data
12 Engine Replacement
Average Market Prices
Last updated: 4 Aug 26, 9:26
Customer Reviews
Trusted by Renault 12 OwnersAcross the UK
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Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 1,081 verified customers who sourced reconditioned and used Renault 12 engines through EngineMarket.
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“Got three quotes within an hour and chose the best deal easily. The whole process was quick, clear and stress-free.”
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“I wasn't sure what I needed, but they helped me identify the right engine and connected me with a trusted garage.”
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Thanks to EngineMarket, I saved over £1,200 on my engine replacement and got matched with a great local specialist within the hour.”
- Jimmy, London
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Variants We Cover
Renault 12 Engine ReplacementAll Variants Covered
Renault 12 L
810 1.3L 1.3L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £950-£1,200
Renault 12 TL
C1H 1.3L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £950-£1,450
Renault 12 TS
C1H/C 1.6L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £1,200-£1,800
Renault 12 Gordini
807-G 1.6L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £1,800-£2,400
Renault 12 Estate
C1H 1.3L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £950-£1,450
Renault 12 TR
C1H 1.3L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £1,100-£1,550
Renault 12 Argentine C1J
C1J 1.4L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £1,100-£1,600
Renault 12 Turkish Toros
C1J/C3J 1.4L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £1,100-£1,600
Renault 12 Dacia 1300 Compatible
C1H 1.3L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £950-£1,450
Renault 12 Early Model (1969-1972)
810 1.3L 1.3L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £950-£1,300
Renault 12 Facelift (1975+)
C1H 1.3L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £1,000-£1,450
Renault 12 UK Spec Right-Hand Drive
C1H 1.3L Petrol
Rebuilt Engines: £950-£1,450
Not sure which variant your Renault 12 is- Enter your registration number above - we'll identify the exact sub-model, engine code and compatible replacement options instantly.
Engine Codes
Renault 12 Engine CodesRenault 12 Engine CodesFull Technical Specifications & Replacement Guide
Every Cléon-Fonte engine code fitted to the Renault 12 across all UK generations, with technical specs, compatible variants and trims, known failure points, and average rebuilt prices from UK specialists. Select any engine code to compare quotes.
Petrol Engines
Extracted from detailed petrol and performance engine families across Renault 12 variants.
Extracted from detailed petrol and performance engine families across Renault 12 variants.
Can't find your engine code-
Can't find your engine code- Enter your registration number above - we'll instantly identify the exact unit, its technical specifications, and live replacement prices from UK Renault 12 engine specialists. Every rebuilt engine comes with a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty.
Common Problems
Renault 12 Engine Problems
The Renault 12's Cléon-Fonte engines are robust but age-related failures are common after 40+ years. Head gasket degradation, timing chain tensioner wear, and...
Every rebuilt engine includes a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty.
1. Renault 12 Head Gasket Failure
Why Cléon-Fonte Engines Leak Coolant
Most Affected Vehicles
12 L
TL
TS
Estate
Production Years: 1969 - 1980
Engine: 810 / C1H / C1J engine codes
Failure Mileage Range
80,000+ miles or 40+ years age-related degradation
Typical failure window
Root Cause
Age-hardened gasket material combined with thermal cycling causes seal failure between cylinder head and block, allowing coolant/oil mixing.
Repair Options & Estimated Costs (UK ranges)
| Repair Tier | Dealer Price | Specialist Price | What It Involves | Longevity / Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Minor - Head Gasket Replacement Minor | £800 - £1,200 | £500 - £850 | Remove cylinder head, replace gasket set, pressure test head, reassemble with new seals | Viable only if block/head undamaged; 2-4 year expectancy on vintage engines |
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Cléon-Fonte Engine Best Value | £2,200 - £3,500 | £950 - £1,450 | Supply fitted rebuilt engine with upgraded gasket kit, new seals, bench-tested, 12-month warranty | Best value for high-mileage/vintage units; addresses root cause with upgraded components |
Our Recommendation
Best next step for renault 12 head gasket failure
On a Renault 12 valued at £2,000-£6,000, a full rebuilt engine often represents better long-term value than repeated gasket repairs. We recommend rebuilt units with upgraded gasket kits for any Cléon-Fonte engine showing signs of head gasket failure.
Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your Renault 12
The problems above represent the most common failure patterns for Renault 12 Cléon-Fonte engines. EngineMarket makes it simple to compare prices from trusted UK Renault 12 specialists for rebuilt, reconditioned, or used replacement engines. Every unit includes upgraded components addressing original failure points and a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Compare prices today and get your classic Renault 12 back on the road without the main dealer premium.
Compare Renault 12 Engine Replacement Prices Now →Renault 12 Engine Problems
What It Costs to Fix & When Replacement Makes Sense
Replacement Engine Options
Renault 12 Replacement Engine Types
Every Renault 12 engine type is available through our UK network with typical price ranges based on variant, Cléon-Fonte engine code and budget.
Renault 12 Reconditioned Engines (Recon)£950 - £1,450(supply only)
Renault 12 Rebuilt Engines£1,200 - £2,200(supply only)
Renault 12 Used Engines£400 - £650(supply only)
Renault 12 Remanufactured Engines£1,800 - £2,400(supply only)
Renault 12 Supply & Fit Engines
Complete engine replacement service with vetted UK Renault 12 specialists; price includes engine, fitting, fluids and road test.
Typical Price
£350 - £650
(added to engine price)
Engine Sizes
Renault 12 Engines by SizeFind the Right Displacement for Your Variant
Every Cléon-Fonte displacement fitted to the Renault 12 in the UK is listed below, with compatible engine codes, production years and common failure notes to help you identify the correct replacement.
The 1.3L Cléon-Fonte (1289cc) powered the majority of UK Renault 12 models from launch in 1969 through to end of production in 1980. This robust overhead-valve design with cast-iron block and aluminium head became the backbone of the range, offering economical running and straightforward maintenance for L, TL and early TS variants.
| ENGINE CODE(S) | 810, C1H |
| COMPATIBLE MODELS (UK) | L (1969-1975), TL (1970-1980), TS (1972-1980), Estate/Break |
| PRODUCTION YEARS | 1970-1980 |
Common Failure Points
Head gasket degradation on age, timing chain tensioner wear causing cold-start rattle
Not sure which engine size your Renault 12 needs- Enter your registration number above - we'll identify the exact displacement, engine code and compatible replacement options instantly. All engines supplied through EngineMarket include a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty from UK Renault 12 specialists.
Fuel Type
Renault 12 Engines by Fuel Type
Choose your Renault 12 engine by fuel type to compare realistic replacement prices, known Cléon-Fonte issues, and compatible UK supply options - from economical 1.3L TL to high-performance 1.6L Gordini.
All UK-market Renault 12 models were fitted with Cléon-Fonte petrol engines only; no factory diesel variants were offered for this classic model range.
Common Renault 12 Petrol Engine Families
810/C1H
1.3L base unit (L/TL), most common replacement engine, head gasket and tensioner wear typical
C1J/C2J
1.4L export variant, manifold compatibility verification essential before ordering
C2L/807-G
1.6L performance unit (TS/Gordini), specialist rebuild required for collector models
Found In
Renault 12 L/TL/Estate (1969-1980)
1.3L 810/C1H
Renault 12 TS (1972-1980)
1.3L C1H or 1.6L C2L
Renault 12 Gordini (1970-1976)
1.6L 807-G twin Weber
Known For
Robust cast-iron block enabling 50+ years of service with proper maintenance
Head gasket degradation and timing tensioner wear as primary age-related failure modes
High collector demand for Gordini-spec 1.6L twin Weber units driving premium rebuild pricing
Typical Petrol Models
L (base model)TL (popular variant)TS (performance trim)Gordini (collector model)Estate/BreakTR (automatic)
Not sure which fuel type your Renault 12 has- Enter your registration number above to instantly identify your engine code, fuel system and compatible replacement options - all backed by a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty from UK Renault 12 specialists.
Engine Years
Renault 12 Engines by YearWhat Was Fitted & When
This section covers all major Cléon-Fonte engine changes across the Renault 12 UK production timeline (1969-1980), organised so owners can quickly identify their engine and compare rebuilt prices from UK specialists.
1969 - 1972 - Launch & Early Production
Major Engine Changes1 engine highlights
Renault 12 launch introduced the robust 1.3L Cléon-Fonte 810 engine powering base L and early TL variants with bench-seat interior configuration.
Key Changes
UK market launch with right-hand drive L and TL variants
Under-dash handbrake and bench seat configuration on early models
Single-choke Weber 32DIR carburettor fitted to all variants
Known For
Simple, robust engineering ideal for classic restoration projects
Early models command collector premium for originality
Engine mounts standardised across range aiding replacement fitment
Main Engines
810 - 1.3L petrol (L / TL base)
Popular Models
Renault 12 L
Renault 12 TL (early)
Engine Codes Covered
810
Common Replacement Enquiries
Renault 12 1969 engine replacement
Renault 12 L 1.3L engine
Renault 12 early model head gasket
Get quotes for 1969-1972 Renault 12 replacement engines
1969 - 1972 - Launch & Early Production
Major Engine Changes1 engine highlights
Renault 12 launch introduced the robust 1.3L Cléon-Fonte 810 engine powering base L and early TL variants with bench-seat interior configuration.
Key Changes
UK market launch with right-hand drive L and TL variants
Under-dash handbrake and bench seat configuration on early models
Single-choke Weber 32DIR carburettor fitted to all variants
Known For
Simple, robust engineering ideal for classic restoration projects
Early models command collector premium for originality
Engine mounts standardised across range aiding replacement fitment
Main Engines
810 - 1.3L petrol (L / TL base)
Engine Codes Covered
810
Popular Models
Renault 12 L
Renault 12 TL (early)
Common Replacement Enquiries
Renault 12 1969 engine replacement
Renault 12 L 1.3L engine
Renault 12 early model head gasket
Get quotes for 1969-1972 Renault 12 replacement engines
FAQ
Renault 12 Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Renault 12 engine replacement cost in the UK-
Typical UK rebuilt Renault 12 engine prices range from £950-£1,450 for standard 1.3L Cléon-Fonte units, rising to £1,600-£2,400 for performance TS/Gordini 1.6L variants. Used engines start around £400-£650 but carry shorter warranties.
- Standard 1.3L rebuilt: £950-£1,450 supply only
- Performance 1.6L rebuilt: £1,600-£2,400 supply only
- Used engines: £400-£650 with 3-month warranty
- Supply & fit labour adds £350-£650 depending on location
Question 2What engine codes fit my Renault 12-
UK Renault 12 models use Cléon-Fonte petrol engines: 810/C1H for 1.3L L/TL/TS variants, C2L/807-G for 1.6L performance applications. Export models may use C1J/C2J/C3J 1.4L units requiring manifold verification.
- 810/C1H: 1.3L base engines for L/TL/TS (1969-1980)
- C2L/807-G: 1.6L performance for TS/Gordini
- C1J/C2J: 1.4L export units, verify fitment before ordering
- Always confirm engine code via VIN or chassis plate
Question 3Can I fit a 1.4L or 1.6L engine in my 1.3L Renault 12-
Physically possible but requires mounting bracket modifications, exhaust system adaptation, and carburettor recalibration. We recommend consulting a Renault 12 specialist before attempting displacement upgrades.
- Mounting points differ between 1.3L and larger Cléon-Fonte units
- Exhaust manifold bolt patterns may not align without adaptation
- Carburettor jetting and ignition timing require recalibration
- Specialist conversion quotes available through our network
Question 4How long does a Renault 12 engine replacement take-
Engine dispatch typically takes 3-5 days for common 810/C1H codes or 7-14 days for rare Gordini units. Fitting by a specialist garage requires 1-2 days depending on ancillary work required.
- Common codes (810/C1H): 3-5 day dispatch from stock
- Rare codes (807-G/Gordini): 7-14 day specialist rebuild lead time
- Fitting labour: 1-2 days at approved Renault 12 specialist
- Allow extra time for shipping to remote UK locations
Question 5Do you supply Renault 12 engines with fitting-
Yes, we partner with UK-wide Renault classic specialists for supply & fit service. Enter your postcode to find approved fitting centres with live availability and transparent pricing for your variant.
- Supply & fit pricing includes engine, labour, fluids and road test
- Vetted specialists with proven Renault 12 replacement experience
- Single-point warranty covering both engine and installation work
- Postcode lookup finds nearest approved fitter with pricing
Question 6What warranty comes with a Renault 12 replacement engine-
All reconditioned and rebuilt Renault 12 engines carry a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Used engines include a 3-month warranty. Full terms provided pre-purchase with your chosen supplier.
- Rebuilt/recon engines: 12-month unlimited mileage warranty
- Used engines: 3-month warranty as standard
- Warranty valid only when correct engine code supplied
- Documentation provided for MoT and insurance purposes
Question 7How do I know which Renault 12 engine I need-
Check your vehicle registration document, locate the engine bay stamping on the block rear face, or use our free compatibility checker with your VIN or chassis number for instant verification.
- Engine code stamped on block rear face (driver's side)
- Registration document lists variant and engine size
- VIN/chassis number lookup via our free compatibility tool
- Photo verification service available for uncertain cases
Question 8Are Renault 12 engines compatible with Dacia 1300 or Toros models-
Dacia 1300 engines (Romanian production) use identical 810/C1H codes and are fully compatible. Turkish Toros models require intake/exhaust manifold bolt pattern verification before ordering.
- Dacia 1300: identical Cléon-Fonte codes, direct fitment
- Turkish Toros: verify manifold bolt patterns vs UK spec
- Argentine C1J/C2J units may require adaptation components
- Our specialists confirm cross-market compatibility pre-dispatch
Question 9Can I return a Renault 12 engine if it doesn't fit-
Yes, 14-day return window applies if engine does not fit due to our compatibility error. Customer ordering errors may incur restocking fees; always verify engine code before dispatch.
- 14-day return policy for compatibility errors by our team
- Customer verification errors may incur restocking fees
- Always confirm engine code via VIN/chassis before ordering
- Photo verification service reduces fitment risk
Question 10Do you offer finance for Renault 12 engine replacements-
0% finance available on rebuilt engines over £1,500. Apply in 60 seconds during checkout for instant decision; spread the cost of your Renault 12 engine replacement without interest.
- 0% finance on rebuilt engines over £1,500 value
- 60-second online application with instant decision
- Flexible repayment terms to suit classic car budgets
- No impact on quote comparison or supplier selection
Why Choose Us
Why UK Renault 12 Owners Trust EngineMarket
Join thousands of UK drivers who compare Renault 12 engine prices through our network of trusted specialists - every rebuilt and reconditioned unit backed by a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty and nationwide delivery.
Trusted Renault 12 Engine Suppliers
Every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated, and reviewed by real Renault 12 owners.
Compare Renault 12 Engine Replacement Companies
See prices, warranty terms, and supply & fit options side-by-side before you commit.
UK Engine Replacement Services for Renault 12
Covering every variant from economical L to collector Gordini, with supply-only or full supply & fit available nationwide.
Find the best Renault 12 engine replacement near you
Compare engine prices for Renault 12 in the UK and get competitive quotes from garages near you.
100% FreeNo ObligationFast & secure processUK-based support
Trusted supplier network
Warranty-backed rebuilt & used options
Every quote checked for fitment, quality and lead time.