Engine VAZ-21213
Engines

Engine VAZ-21213

For the mass SUV Lada Niva, a more reliable and durable power unit was required. AvtoVAZ engineers managed to design and implement it.

Description

In 1994, VAZ engine builders developed and introduced into production a new (at that time) engine, designated VAZ-21213. Its design took place in parallel with the creation of a motor for the Lada VAZ-2107, but the installation priority was given to Niva SUVs.

The VAZ-21213 engine is an in-line gasoline four-cylinder aspirated engine with a volume of 1.7 liters and a power of 78,9 liters. with and a torque of 127 Nm.

Engine VAZ-21213

Installed on Lada cars:

  • 2129 (1994-1996);
  • 4x4 Niva 2121 (1997-2019);
  • 4x4 Bronto (1995-2011);
  • Niva Pickup (1995-2019).

Additionally, it can be found under the hood of Lada Nadezhda, Lada 21213 and Lada 21313. On Ladas 21214, 21044 and 21074, it was exported abroad.

Many motorists are sure that the VAZ-21213 is nothing more than a "bored" VAZ-2121. Such an opinion is erroneous. The fact is that the VAZ-21213 is a completely new development. When it was created, innovative technologies used in the classic 2101-2106, diesel and front-wheel drive 2108 were used.

The cylinder block is traditionally cast iron, not lined. At the bottom there are five crankshaft bearings. The main bearing shells are steel-aluminum. The block has two repair sizes - 82,4 and 82,8. Thus, the VAZ-21213 internal combustion engine can painlessly make two overhauls.

The crankshaft is made of ductile iron. Equipped with eight counterweights to reduce second order inertial forces causing engine vibration. A timing sprocket and a drive pulley for attachment units (pump, generator, power steering) are installed on the toe of the crankshaft. The flywheel is attached to the opposite side.

Engine VAZ-21213
Left crankshaft VAZ-2103, right - VAZ-21213

Steel rods. The bearings (inserts) of the lower head are steel-aluminum, the upper one is a steel-bronze bushing. Due to the very small gap in the bushings, the connecting rod cap cannot be tilted during assembly, otherwise there will be problems with bearing lubrication. The top head is made for a floating piston pin.

The pistons are original, aluminum, with three rings, two of which are compression, one is oil scraper. The recess in the bottom is an additional combustion chamber (the main one is located in the cylinder head). Piston pin floating type, fixed with two circlips.

The cylinder head is original, aluminum. Equipped with one camshaft and 8 valves. Valve hydraulic compensators are not provided, so the thermal gap has to be adjusted manually every 7-10 thousand kilometers. A disposable metal-reinforced gasket is installed between the block and the head.

The camshaft is cast iron. Mounted on five pillars. It has a special shape of the cams, providing a longer opening of the intake valves. This innovation leads to improved filling of the combustion chamber with the working mixture, which in turn increases the power of the power unit.

Timing chain drive. To improve performance, a new design tensioner with an elongated shoe is used. Stretching the chain causes the valves to bend and break the piston upon contact.

Combined lubrication system. Gear type oil pump.

The original oil recommended by the manufacturer is Lukoil Lux 10W-30 or 10W-40. From non-original, preference can be given to domestic brands Rosneft, G-Energy and Gazpromneft.

Carburetor fuel supply system. An innovation is the use of the 21073 Solex carburetor.

The ignition system is non-contact with one common high-voltage coil. Recommended candles - AU17DVRM or BCPR6ES (NGK).

The remaining systems and nodes remained classical.

Technical specifications

ManufacturerAutoconcern "AvtoVAZ"
Release year1994
Volume, cm³1690
Power, hp from78.9
Torque, Nm127
Compression ratio9.3
Cylinder blockcast iron
Number of cylinders4
Fuel injection order1-3-4-2
Cylinder headaluminum
Cylinder diameter, mm82
The piston stroke, mm80
Number of valves per cylinder2
Timing drivechain
Turbochargingno
Hydraulic compensatorsno
Camshaft adjusterno
Lubrication system capacity, l.3.75
Applied oil5W30, 5W40, 10W40, 15W40
Fuel systemcarburetor
Fuelgasoline AI-92
Environmental standardsEuro 0
Resource, outside. km80
Locationlongitudinal
Weight, kg117
Tuning (potential), l. With200*



*without reducing the resource 80 l. With.

Reliability, weaknesses, maintainability

Reliability

Discussions of car owners on the reliability of the VAZ-21213 cannot be reduced to an unambiguous solution to the issue. Some tend to consider it "fragile", problematic and not reliable. But the majority is of the opposite opinion.

Despite the fact that the manufacturer has not determined a long service life, many motorists claim that it has been exceeded. Naturally, subject to certain nuances.

So, Dmitry from the city of Kushva writes: “...for 10 years I changed only the carburetor, but the wheel bearings, the rest - on trifles: a faucet on the stove, a thermostat, the slider burned out several times". Vovan fully agrees with him: “...traveled 282 thousand, changed two sets of ball joints and one set of steering rods, there were no more problems". An interesting review on this topic was written by Sergey from the village. Almetevsky (KhMAO): "...passed 112000km engine components and assemblies native. I only changed protective covers and shock absorbers and another battery».

Thus, exceeding the mileage resource clearly indicates the reliability of the engine.

Equally important is the style of operation of the motor. Often in the reviews of car owners you can read that "at the beginning I drove at a speed of 140 km / h, then the engine began to take". There is nothing to say in defense of the engine. A dashing rider deliberately disables the engine, and then declares its unreliability. Apparently not every motorist understands that the Niva is not a racing car.

Compliance with all recommendations of the manufacturer for the operation of the engine significantly increases its reliability and, as a result, the declared resource.

Weak spots

Their presence is characteristic of every engine. On the VAZ-21213, they can be summarized in four main groups.

  • Overheat. It can be caused by a faulty thermostat or a dirty radiator. The malfunction is easily eliminated by the car owner himself.

The result of overheating

  • The occurrence of unauthorized noises and knocks. This requires a thorough check of many engine components. Misadjusted valves, malfunctions in the timing drive (problems in the dampers or chain tensioners), wear on the piston pins, main or connecting rod bearings are the cause of the increased noise of the motor. Diagnostics at a specialized service station will reveal the true cause of the malfunction that has appeared.
  • Oil and coolant leaks. The reason for their occurrence is the weakening of the fastening of the pipe connections and the loss of tightness of the gaskets or seals. If leaks of technical fluids are found, immediate measures must be taken to eliminate them.
  • Electrical part. The generator and starter have a short service life. Here, the only way to fix the problem is to replace them.

To reduce the negative consequences of the manifestation of weaknesses, it is necessary to take measures for their timely detection and elimination.

Engine VAZ-21213

Maintainability

Repair of the VAZ-21213 engine does not cause difficulties. It can be carried out even in garage conditions. Certain inconveniences are caused by the absence of liners in the cylinders. For a complete overhaul, the cylinder block will have to be delivered to the enterprise, where it will be bored, ground and honed.

The selection and purchase of spare parts for repairs is problem-free. The only recommendation is not to run into a fake if you buy them yourself. The abundance of counterfeit goods on the market causes certain difficulties for inexperienced car owners.

For successful operation of the motor after repair during restoration, it is necessary to use only original components and parts.

Before you make a major overhaul in full, you need to carefully and scrupulously calculate the possible material costs. It may happen that the purchase of a contract engine becomes a more profitable option.

VAZ-21213 is a completely reliable and unpretentious power unit with proper handling. Timely and high-quality service will significantly increase the period of its uninterrupted operation, increase the operational resource.

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