The men's K-4 1000 metres event was a fours kayaking event conducted as part of the Canoeing at the 1976 Summer Olympics program.
The 20 crews first raced in three heats on July 29. The top three finishers from each of the heats advanced directly to the semifinals while the remaining 11 teams were relegated to the repechage heats.
Taking place on July 29, The top three competitors in each of the two repechages advanced to the semifinals.
The top three finishers in each of the three semifinals (raced on July 31) advanced to the final.
The final was held on July 31.
The Soviets, third at the 750 meter mark, edged out Spain who was the surprise winner in this event at the 1975 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships.