Engine VAZ-21081
Content
To equip export versions of VAZ models, a special power unit was created. The main difference was the reduced working volume. In addition, based on the wishes of the buyer, the engine power was slightly reduced.
Description
Some European countries impose a reduced tax on owners of vehicles with a low engine size. Based on this, AvtoVAZ engine engineers designed and successfully introduced into production a small-capacity engine, which received a modification of the VAZ-21081.
An additional incentive to create such an internal combustion engine was the fact that prudent foreigners were happy to buy cars with low-power engines for those who were just starting to master the basics of driving skills.
In 1984, the internal combustion engine was first installed on the VAZ 2108 Lada Samara. Motor production continued until 1996.
VAZ-21081 is a gasoline in-line four-cylinder aspirated engine with a volume of 1,1 liters, a capacity of 54 liters. with and a torque of 79 Nm.
Installed on VAZ cars:
- 2108 (1987-1996);
- 2109 (1987-1996);
- 21099 (1990-1996).
The cylinder block is cast iron, not lined. It differs from the base motor in height - lower by 5,6 mm.
The crankshaft is also original. The distance between the axes of the main and connecting rod journals is reduced by 5,2 mm. In addition, they differ in the location of the lubrication hole. In comparison with the VAZ-2108 on the VAZ-21081, they are shifted in opposite directions.
The cylinder head is identical to the head of the base model. The only difference is an additional hole for attaching the timing belt tensioner pulley stud.
In other words, the cylinder head is equally suitable for 1,1 and 1,3 cm³ engines.
The camshaft has its own structural form, since the “low” cylinder block required a change in the valve timing in comparison with the VAZ-2108. To solve this problem, the cams on the VAZ-21081 shaft are located differently.
In the carburetor, the diameters of the fuel jets have been changed.
The exhaust system remained the same except for the exhaust manifold.
The breaker-distributor (distributor) has new characteristics of centrifugal and vacuum ignition timing controllers, since the initial ignition timing has become different.
The remaining components and parts are identical to the VAZ-2108.
In general, the VAZ-21081 engine, according to the specified parameters, corresponded to the idea of the engineers and turned out to be quite successful, despite the low power and low torque. The Russian motorist is pleased that this motor did not receive wide distribution with us, since it was mainly exported.
Technical specifications
| Manufacturer | Autoconcern "AvtoVAZ" |
| Release year | 1984 |
| Volume, cm³ | 1100 |
| Power, hp from | 54 |
| Torque, Nm | 79 |
| Compression ratio | 9 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Cylinder head | aluminum |
| Fuel injection order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 76 |
| The piston stroke, mm | 60.6 |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Hydraulic compensators | no |
| Camshaft adjuster | no |
| Lubrication system capacity, l | 3.5 |
| Applied oil | 5W-30 – 15W-40 |
| Oil consumption (calculated), l / 1000 km | 0.5 |
| Fuel system | carburetor |
| Fuel | gasoline AI-92 |
| Environmental standards | Euro 0 |
| Resource, outside. km | 125 |
| Weight, kg | 92 |
| Location | transverse |
| Tuning (potential), l. With | 65* |
* the engine is practically not amenable to tuning
Reliability, weaknesses, maintainability
Reliability
VAZ-21081 is noted by car owners as a reliable power unit. For example, one of them (SEVER2603) writes: “… I go to 1,1. Mileage 150 thousand, and still gives out passport data ...". Dimonchikk1 has the same opinion: “... from a friend 1,1, which ran 250 thousand km before the overhaul. In terms of dynamics, it did not lag behind my 1,3 up to 120 km / h, then it disappeared ...».
The reliability of the motor is due to several factors. Firstly, the VAZ-21081 was designed and produced exclusively for export.
Therefore, its development was carried out more carefully, in comparison with engines for the domestic market. Secondly, the factor of exceeding the mileage resource plays an important role. With 125 thousand km declared by the manufacturer, the engine in caring hands calmly nurses 250-300 thousand km.
At the same time, along with high reliability, low traction qualities of internal combustion engines are noted. As some car enthusiasts say -... the engine is weak and not moving". Apparently they forgot (or did not know) for what operating conditions this motor was created.
General conclusion: VAZ-21081 is a reliable engine subject to maintenance regulations and careful operation.
Weak spots
In the operation of the VAZ-21081, there are several problematic situations. It should be noted that some of them are manifested through the fault of the car owners themselves.
- Possibility of engine overheating. There are two main reasons for this phenomenon - a faulty thermostat and a breakdown of the cooling fan. The task of the motorist is to notice the increase in coolant temperature in time, then eliminate the cause of overheating.
- Loud knocking of a running motor. In most cases, they are the result of unadjusted valves or refueling with low-quality fuel.
- Unstable RPM. The source of the problem is a dirty carburetor. Unlike Ozone, Solex needs to be adjusted and cleaned very often.
- Engine tripping. The reason must first be sought in the state of electrical equipment. High-voltage wires, spark plugs and a distributor cover (distributor) require special attention.
- The need for manual adjustment of the thermal clearance of the valves.
- Deformation of the valves when they meet the pistons as a result of a broken timing belt.
Other malfunctions are not critical, they occur infrequently.
Any car owner can independently prevent the negative impact of weaknesses in the engine. To do this, you need to more often monitor the technical condition of the unit and immediately eliminate the detected malfunctions.
Depending on the experience and capabilities of the motorist on their own, or resort to the help of car service specialists.
Maintainability
VAZ-21081 has a high maintainability due to the wide unification with the basic version of the motor, the simplicity of the device and the availability of spare parts for restoration.
The cast-iron cylinder block has the ability to perform several major overhauls in full.
When choosing spare parts for the restoration of the unit, you need to pay attention to the possibility of buying an outright fake. It is possible to qualitatively repair the motor only with original components and parts.
Before restoration work, the option of acquiring a contract engine should be considered. The cost is not high, depending on the configuration and year of manufacture. The price ranges from 2 to 10 thousand rubles.
The VAZ-21081 engine is a reliable and economical unit with high-quality service and quiet operation. It is valued by foreign pensioners for its low contract value and endurance.
