Sorry my bad typo, yes F3P-760 is 1.8L-16V (F4R- is 2L-16v version)
the usual issue is it starts up sounding like a diesel as the dephaser is hydralicaly operated and depends on oil pressure to operate. the noise then clears once oil pressure is up to correct levels after a few seconds to minutes if on the way out, but if the pulley is faulty/failed it will feel held back on adjusting the timing slightly and still clack a lot, solinoild issues could be its ok then starts being clacky after a while.
im not an expert on these engines so am unsure if it is pulley or soliniod issue with yours.
(contact your local dealership and ask for parts dept, they should be able to tell you what you have and if you have a dephaser pulley system fitted on your engine.)
i did a quick google and it seems there are renault 1.8-16v-vvt engines out there and it is not an uncommon issue. (de-phaser pulley being the most commonly failed component of the two)
there are some good threads on this site relating to 1.6vvt dephaser pulley issues and a very good czech web link
HERE with pics on a recent one, that show how the dephaser system works. (google web page transliteration link is there as well) its well worth having a look.
the biggest problem encountered with diagosting such issues is that they will not easily show up on any diagnostics equipement as its all mechanical timing related, any timing sensors will all report that ecu is happy with timing as it cannot see anything wrong.
if you could measure spark plug timing and tdc readings as well as ecu feedback and emmisions you might be able to see if the dephaser variable timing bits are all operating correctly, dont hold your breath expecting a dealership to get it right though.
It would be a good idea to check you have the dephaser hardware fitted, along with reviewing your service history to see if its worth changing the oil+filter, it should really be done every 6-9k miles. Then is your still having the issues look to get a spare solinoid from a breakers yard.
This will save a lot of your cash which could be wasted by most dealerships (on thier swap bits (with your cash) till they finanlly fix the faulty bit) fault fixing method.
check this very good link with awsome powerpoint doc:
http://www.renaultforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=62635
and this one on diagosing the fault:
http://www.renaultforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=58118