VAZ 2103 engine: features, replacement with analogues, malfunctions and repairs

The VAZ 2103 engine deserves special attention due to its great popularity among classic cars. This power unit was installed not only on its native model, but also on other modifications of the Zhiguli.

What engines were equipped with VAZ 2103

The power plant VAZ 2103 is a classic model included in the line of engines of AvtoVAZ OJSC. This is a modernized version of the FIAT-124 unit, developed by domestic engineers in the second half of the last century. The changes affected the camshaft and inter-cylinder distance.

The tuning of the FIAT-124 engine was carried out with high quality, because in the future its serial production did not stop for decades. Of course, restylings were carried out, but the backbone of the motor remained the same. A feature of the VAZ 2103 engine is that its timing shaft is driven by a chain, not a belt.

The 1,5-liter powertrain is the third of four generations of the classic. This is the heir to the 1,2 liter VAZ 2101 and 1,3 liter VAZ 21011 engines. It preceded the creation of a powerful 1,6-liter VAZ 2106 unit and more modern injection engines for front-wheel drive vehicles. All modifications of the VAZ 2103 engine were distinguished by improved technical capabilities.

VAZ 2103 appeared in 1972 and became the first four-eyed Zhiguli model. Maybe this was the reason for equipping the car with a new and powerful unit, developing 71 hp. With. It was rightfully called the most "survivable" engine of its time - even a mileage of 250 thousand km did not have a detrimental effect on it if the driver adhered to the factory rules of operation and maintenance. The usual resource of this motor was 125 thousand kilometers.

The 1,5-liter powertrain is the third of four generations of the classic

The improved performance of the VAZ 2103 power unit is immediately noticeable in the design features. The motor is equipped with a different cylinder block - the whole 215,9 mm instead of 207,1 mm. This made it possible to increase the working volume to 1,5 liters and install a crankshaft with an increased piston stroke.

The camshaft is driven by a chain without tensioner. It is not provided, and therefore the tension has to be checked and adjusted regularly.

More features.

1. Valve clearances are subject to periodic adjustment, since the timing is not equipped with hydraulic compensators.
2. The cylinder block is cast iron, the head is cast from an aluminum alloy.
3. The camshaft is steel, has a feature - 1 raw neck with six edges.
4. In tandem with it, either a carburetor with a VROZ (vacuum ignition regulator) or an injection system works, but with the corresponding timing - the design of the cylinder head has been changed.
5. The lubrication pump is located in the crankcase.

The technical capabilities of the engine are as follows:

• the cylinder diameter was returned to the value of 76 mm;
• piston stroke increased by 14 mm;
• engine displacement in cubic centimeters became equal to 1452 cubic meters. cm;
• two valves work with each cylinder;
• the engine is powered by gasoline with an octane rating of AI-92 and higher;
• oil is used within 5W-30 / 15W-40, its consumption is 700g / 1000 km.

Interestingly, the subsequent VAZ 2106 engine already received cylinders with a diameter increased to 79 mm.

Pistons

Elements of the internal combustion engine VAZ 2103 are made of aluminum, they are oval in section. The size of the piston is smaller on top than on the bottom. This explains the peculiarity of the measurement - it is carried out only in a plane that is perpendicular to the piston pin and is located at a distance of 52,4 mm from the bottom.

According to the outer diameter, the VAZ 2103 pistons are classified by 5, every 0,01 mm. They are divided into 3 categories through 0,004 mm according to the diameter of the hole for the finger. All data on piston diameters can be viewed on the bottom of the element - the bottom.

For the VAZ 2103 power unit, a piston type with a diameter of 76 mm without a notch is suitable. But for VAZ 2106 and 21011 engines, this figure is 79, a piston with a notch.

Piston with a diameter of 76 mm without recess for the power unit VAZ 2103

Crankshaft

The VAZ 2103 crankshaft is made of super-strong material and has nine necks. All necks are thoroughly hardened to a depth of 2–3 mm. The crankshaft has a special socket for installing the bearing.

The joints of the necks are channeled. They supply oil to the bearings. The channels are plugged with caps pressed for reliability at three points.

The VAZ 2103 crankshaft is similar to the VAZ 2106, but differs from the “penny” ICE units and the eleventh model in the size of the crank. The latter is increased by 7 mm.

Dimensions of half rings and crankshaft journals.

1. The half rings are 2,31–2,36 and 2,437–2,487 mm thick.
2. Indigenous necks: 50,545–0,02; 50,295–0,01; 49,795–0,002 mm.
3. Connecting rod journals: 47,584–0,02; 47,334–0,02; 47,084–0,02; 46,834–0,02 mm.

Flywheel

The part is cast iron with a steel ring gear, which is included in the connection with the starter gear. Pressing the crown - in a hot way. The teeth are thoroughly hardened by high frequency currents.

The flywheel is fastened with 6 self-locking bolts. The location of the latches has only two positions according to the marks. The centering of the flywheel with the crankshaft is carried out through the front bearing of the gearbox input shaft.

Table: main technical characteristics.

Engine capacity	1450 sm3
Power	75 hp
Torque	104/3400 nm
Gas distribution mechanism	HE IS WITH
Number of cylinders	4
Number of valves per cylinder	2
Bore	76 mm
Piston stroke	80 mm
Compression ratio	8.5

What engine can be put on the VAZ 2103 instead of the standard one

Domestic cars are good because, with a sufficient budget, it will be possible to realize almost any conceived project. Even when docking the motor with the gearbox, there are no particular difficulties. Thus, almost any power unit is suitable for the VAZ 2103. The main thing is that it must fit in size.

Rotary engine

Until a certain time, only the special forces of the police and the KGB were "armed" with cars with such engines. However, tuning enthusiasts in the USSR, craftsmen, found and installed a rotary piston engine (RPD) on their VAZ 2103.

RPD is easily installed on any VAZ car. He goes to the "Moskvich" and the "Volga" in a three-section version.

The rotary piston engine is easily installed on any VAZ car

Diesel engine

The diesel is docked with a standard VAZ 2103 gearbox using an adapter plate, although the gear ratios of the motors are not at all suitable.

1. Driving with a diesel Volkswagen Jetta Mk3 will not be so comfortable, especially after 70-80 km / h.
2. A slightly better option with a diesel unit from Ford Sierra. In this case, you will have to change the design of the tunnel, install a BMW gearbox and make some other changes.

Motors from foreign cars

In general, foreign-made engines were and are often installed on the VAZ 2103. True, in this case it is impossible to avoid additional modifications.

1. The most popular engine is from the Fiat Argenta 2.0i. About half of the owners of tuned "triples" installed these engines. There are practically no problems with installation, however, the engine is a bit old, which is unlikely to please the owner.
2. Engines from the BMW M10, M20 or M40 are also suitable. We have to finalize the racks, digest the flywheel and replace the axles.
3. Motors from Renault Logan and Mitsubishi Galant are praised by craftsmen, but in these cases you have to change the gearbox.
4. And, probably, the best option is the power plant from the Volkswagen 2.0i 2E. True, such an engine is not cheap.

Malfunctions of the VAZ 2103 engine

The most common defects found on the engine:

• big "zhor" oil;
• difficult launch;
• floating revs or stalling at idle.

All these malfunctions are associated with various reasons, which will be discussed below.

The engine gets very hot

Experts call the main cause of overheating of the engine installation a lack of refrigerant in the system. According to the rules, before leaving the garage, the driver is obliged to check the level of all technical fluids every time. But not everyone does this, and then they are surprised when they find themselves with a “boiled” internal combustion engine on the sidelines.

Engine overheating occurs due to a lack of refrigerant in the system

Antifreeze may also leak from the system. In this case, there is a malfunction - a violation of the integrity of the cooling system. Antifreeze stains on the floor of the garage in which the car was standing directly indicate a leak to the owner. It is important to eliminate it in a timely manner, otherwise not a drop of liquid will remain in the tank and system.

The reasons for the leak are as follows.

1. Most often, refrigerant leaks due to insufficiently tightened hose clamps. The situation is especially bad if the clamp is iron and it cuts the rubber pipe. In this case, you have to change the entire communication segment.
2. It also happens that the radiator starts to leak. It is more reasonable in such a situation to replace the element, although small cracks are repaired.
3. Antifreeze seeps through the gasket. This is the most dangerous situation, since the liquid will go inside the engine, and the owner of the car will not notice any smudges. It will be possible to determine the “internal hemorrhage” of the system only by increasing the refrigerant consumption and changing its color to “coffee with milk”.

Another reason for overheating of the motor is a non-working radiator fan. On the VAZ 2103, the quality of cooling by engine blades is extremely important. The slightest slack in the drive belt affects it negatively. But this is not the only reason for the element to exit.

1. The fan can simply deteriorate - burn out.
2. The fuse responsible for the electrical circuit is out of order.
3. The contacts on the fan terminals are oxidized.

Finally, overheating of the internal combustion engine can occur due to damage to the thermostat.

Engine knock

On the VAZ 2103, the engine knock is determined without special equipment, by ear. A wooden 1-meter pole is taken, which at one end is applied to the motor in the part being checked. The other side of the pole should be clenched in a fist and brought to the ear. It looks like a stethoscope.

1. If a knock is heard in the area of ​​\uXNUMXb\uXNUMXbthe connector with the oil sump, it is deaf, and the frequency depends on the amplitude of rotation of the crankshaft - these are worn crankshaft main bearings knocking.
2. If the sound is heard above the crankcase connector, it intensifies as the engine speed increases - this is connecting rod bearings knocking. The noise will get louder as the spark plugs are switched off one by one.
3. If the sound comes from the region of the cylinders and is best heard at low engine speeds, as well as under load, it is the pistons knocking on the cylinder.
4. Knocking in the head area when the accelerator pedal is pressed sharply indicates worn piston nests.

Smoke engine VAZ 2103

As a rule, at the same time as the smoke, the engine eats up oil. It may be gray in color, increase with increasing idle speed. The reason is related to the oil scraper rings that need to be replaced. It is also possible that one of the candles is not working.

In some cases, this happens due to a gasket rupture, insufficient tightening of the block head bolts. On older motors, a crack on the block head is possible.

Troit engine

The phrase "engine troit" means that one or more cylinders are not working. The power plant is not able to develop full power and does not have the necessary traction force - accordingly, fuel consumption increases.

The main causes of tripping are: faulty spark plugs, incorrectly set ignition timing, loss of tightness in the intake manifold area, etc.

Engine stalling is caused by an incorrectly set ignition timing.

Engine repair

The easiest way to repair the power plant is to replace consumables. However, the real restoration of the internal combustion engine involves its removal, disassembly and subsequent installation.

Before you start the operation, it is important to prepare the right tools.

1. Set of keys and screwdrivers.
2. Mandrel for centering the clutch disc.
3. Special tool for removing the oil filter.
   

   Oil filter puller
4. A special key for scrolling the ratchet.
5. Puller for dismantling the crankshaft sprocket.
6. Marker for marking connecting rods and liners.

How to remove the engine

Algorithm of actions.

1. Remove the terminals from the battery.
   

   It is important to remove the battery terminals before removing the engine
2. Pull the hood cover - definitely, it will interfere.
3. Drain all refrigerant from the system.
4. Get rid of the splash.
5. Remove the starter and radiator.
   

   The starter will have to be removed.
6. Disconnect the exhaust manifold intake hose.
7. Disconnect the gearbox and pressure plate together with the driven assembly.
8. Pull out the carburetor air filter, disconnect the damper rods.
9. Remove all remaining hoses.

Now it will be necessary to prepare protection for the body - install a wooden block between the motor and the body. He will insure against possible damage.

Next.

1. Disconnect the fuel hose.
2. Disconnect the generator wiring.
3. Loosen the pad retainers.
4. Wrap the internal combustion engine with slings, take the engine to the side and back, remove the bar.
5. Raise the engine installation and move it out of the hood.
   

   Removing the engine is best done with a partner

Replacing the earbuds

They are thin semi-circular plates of steel, and are holders for bearings.

The liners cannot be repaired, as they have a clear size. It is necessary to change parts due to physical wear, since over time the surfaces wear out, a backlash appears, which is important to eliminate in a timely manner. Another reason for replacement is the rotation of the liners.

The earbuds cannot be repaired as they have a distinct size

Replacing the piston rings

The whole procedure for replacing piston rings comes down to three steps:

• removal of attachments and cylinder head;
• checking the condition of the piston group;
• installing new rings.

With a puller, removing the old rings from the piston will not cause any difficulties. If there is no tool, then you can try to open the ring with a thin screwdriver and remove it. First of all, the oil scraper ring is removed, then the compression ring.

It is easier to remove old rings from the piston using a puller

It is necessary to insert new rings using a special mandrel or crimp. Today they are sold in any auto shop.

Oil pump repair

The oil pump is the most important unit of the VAZ 2103 engine lubrication system. With its help, lubricant is pumped from the crankcase through all channels. The first sign of a pump failure is a decrease in pressure, and the cause is a clogged oil receiver and a clogged crankcase.

Repair of the oil pump comes down to draining the oil, removing the pan and washing the oil receiver. Among other causes of a node malfunction, a breakdown of the pump housing is distinguished. To restore the part, special tools are used, such as an impact screwdriver, a soldering iron, a set of wrenches and a screwdriver.

Video: about the repair of the VAZ 2103 engine

Repair of the VAZ 2103 engine after it knocked

The VAZ 2103 engine and its modifications are considered among the best in the class. However, over time, they require repair and replacement of components.