VAZ 2104 diesel: history, main characteristics, pros and cons
Content
The domestic auto industry is represented by many different models. However, in the history of AvtoVAZ there is one modification, which even today causes the most controversial reviews. This is a VAZ 2104 equipped with a diesel power plant. Why was such an engineering move necessary? Did you manage to create a car with clearer characteristics and capacities? What do the owners themselves think about the diesel version of the "four"?
VAZ 2104 diesel
For the domestic automotive industry, diesel power plants are not typical. Therefore, the appearance of the VAZ 2104 with a diesel engine became a sensation. However, how successful can this modification be considered?
The VAZ-2104 vortex-chamber diesel engine was installed on the VAZ 341. The engine was produced at the domestic enterprise JSC Barnaultransmash. Because of this device, AvtoVAZ engineers somewhat changed the very design of the car:
- installed a five-speed gearbox;
- connected a radiator of increased power;
- increased battery capacity to 62 Ah;
- developed a new form of starter;
- finalized the front suspension springs;
- enhanced sound insulation of the cabin.
At the same time, in practice, thanks to the use of a diesel unit, it was possible to significantly reduce fuel consumption, when, in all other respects, the diesel VAZ 2104 was in no way inferior to the gasoline one.
The history of the diesel engine VAZ
For the first time VAZ 2104 was released in Togliatti in 1999. Initially, it was planned to equip the car with a more powerful 1.8-liter power plant, but this idea was never implemented.
The new VAZ-341 diesel engine was characterized by high cost and reduced power. And even taking into account the low price of diesel fuel in 1999, the expediency of such a modification was questioned by experts.
The VAZ-341 diesel engine was created in 1983. In fact, the new sample was the result of the modernization of the "triple" engine. Engineers have significantly strengthened the existing cylinder block and piston stroke ratio. Due to many minor improvements, the VAZ-341 engine was first tested on cars only at the end of the 1999s.
Technical specifications
The engine on the VAZ 2104 (diesel version) consists of four cylinders arranged in a row. The working volume of the engine is 1.52 liters. As mentioned earlier, there were originally plans to install a 1.8 liter engine, but the tests failed. The power of the unit is only 52 horsepower. Initially, the diesel version of the VAZ 2104 was designed for beginners in driving and leisurely drivers.
The engine uses a liquid cooling system.
An important difference from the gasoline installation is the additional equipment with a high-power starter and a modified block of glow plugs. This is necessary so that the engine starts quickly in the winter.
Thus, the VAZ-341 cannot be called a powerful power plant. However, it is thanks to this that the car received the title of one of the most economical in the VAZ line: fuel consumption on the highway is only 5.8 liters, in an urban environment - 6.7 liters. Given the low prices for diesel fuel at the turn of the 2000s, we can say that the operation of the model was not expensive.
The acceleration time to a speed of 100 km / h for a leisurely diesel VAZ 2104 is 23 seconds.
Manufacturers have also indicated the resource of the diesel engine - it requires a major overhaul after passing every 150 thousand kilometers.
Advantages of the VAZ-341 diesel engine
Why did manufacturers need to experiment with VAZ 2104 engines? The race among automakers at the turn of the XNUMXth - XNUMXst centuries led to the need for new modifications and developments in order to win "their" segment of customers.
The main advantage of the diesel VAZ 2104 is low fuel consumption, which, at the lowest fuel prices, makes the car the most budgetary in the manufacturer's lineup.
The second advantage of the model can be considered its reliability - a diesel engine and reinforced components made the car more efficient. Accordingly, the owners did not need frequent repairs and specialized maintenance in the way that it was necessary to do on the gasoline versions of the “four”.
And the third advantage of the VAZ 2104 can be considered high engine thrust even with a power of 52 horsepower. Therefore, the car is very actively acquired:
- for suburban transportation;
- for use in large families;
- lovers of traveling in large groups.
And, of course, the VAZ-341 diesel engine perfectly withstands Russian frosts. For example, the set temperature of a cold start of the motor is possible even at a temperature of minus 25 degrees. This advantage is very important for Russian drivers of all categories.
Disadvantages of the VAZ-341 diesel engine
Owners of diesel versions of the VAZ 2104 note several disadvantages of their cars:
- The complexity of repairing the fuel system. Indeed, the use of low-quality fuel or the neglect of the necessary level of maintenance quickly leads to the fact that the high-pressure fuel pump fails. Its repair is possible only in specialized auto repair shops and is not cheap.
- When the timing belt breaks, the valves bend. That is, with an ordinary breakdown, you also have to spend money on the purchase of new valves and their adjustment.
- High price. For all their efficiency in operation, VAZ 2104 diesel models are much more expensive than gasoline ones.
VAZ 2104 diesel: owner reviews
The advertising campaign at the start of sales of the diesel VAZ 2104 was aimed at unhurried and economical drivers. At the same time, the manufacturer promised to provide Russian motorists with a model that would start well at low temperatures:
Diesel in my car is really Barnaul. However, the build quality is not complaining. It doesn't smell of salary like in Ikarus. So far there are no problems with winter start-up. Rescues fuel heating installed on the fuel fine filter. From experience - in minus 25 it starts up without problems. As for the dynamics, it suits me quite well. In the city, I do not fall out of the traffic flow.
With enhanced sound insulation of the cabin, drivers still continue to complain about loud noise while driving:
The disadvantage of my car, and, apparently, of all 21045 is a high noise level when the clutch pedal is depressed. I already read an indication of the same defect somewhere on the Internet. The rumble (weak) was heard even on a new car when it was purchased. Perhaps this phenomenon is due to increased vibration of the diesel engine. The clutch uses a special driven disc 21045 or 21215 (from the diesel Niva) /
However, most owners emphasize the reliability of the VAZ 2104 (diesel) car and its long service life:
The car was bought in 2002 in August. The folder went to Togliatti for the seven. And in the end I saw this Diesel snail =)) and decided to buy it))) During all this time of operation, they changed the clutch disc and the fifth gear. More breakdowns and no faults occurred. -Engine VAZ-341, 1,5 liters, 53 HP, diesel, pulls very well on bottoms.
Thus, in general, the idea of AvtoVAZ engineers was a success: drivers received a high-quality car for many years of operation. However, the production of diesel VAZ 2104 was discontinued in 2004, because due to high competition in the market, the manufacturer could not maintain its position.
