Replacing the cylinder head gasket on a VAZ 2101-2107

If you disassembled the engine on a VAZ 2101-2107 car, then in any case the cylinder head gasket will need to be replaced, since it is not intended for re-installation. Also, there are other cases when it needs to be replaced. The most common reason you have to change it is if it burns out or is damaged during installation.

If you notice such symptoms on your car as bubbling in the expansion tank, as well as the appearance of antifreeze or antifreeze at the junction of the head and cylinder block, then this indicates a damaged gasket. In this case, the engine does not run for a long time, it will constantly overheat, and the coolant will always leave through leaking connections.

On the “classic” Zhiguli models, such as the VAZ 2101-2107, in order to remove the cylinder head, it is necessary to remove the camshaft, since it is impossible to get to the mounting bolts in another way.

So, to do this work, we need:

• Key for 10, preferably a head with a wrench or ratchet
• Head for 13, 17 and 19
• Flat and Phillips screwdrivers
• Extension Cords
• Winches and ratchet handles
• A torque wrench is the main tool that is required to complete this job.

Step-by-step guide with photos to replace the cylinder head gasket

I must say right away that the photographs presented in this article show the process with the complete removal of the carburetor, intake and exhaust manifolds. But in fact, you can do without removing all these nodes. You can completely dismantle the cylinder head with the carburetor and manifolds installed on it.

So first check out instructions for removing the camshaft on the VAZ 2107... After that, we unscrew the coolant supply pipes:

And after that we take it aside:

Also, do not forget to disconnect the wires from the oil pressure sensor:

We check if all hoses and pipes are disconnected so that nothing is damaged when removing the cylinder head. Then you can unscrew the bolts securing the head to the cylinder block, first tear them off with a crank, and then you can twist them with a ratchet so that things go faster:

After all the bolts are completely unscrewed, you can gently lift the cylinder head:

And finally we remove it from the block, the result of which can be seen in the photo below:

Carefully inspect the surface of the head from the inside to understand why the gasket burned out and antifreeze passed between the joint (if such symptoms were on your car). If there are traces of corrosion close to the channels, then this is not allowed and it is advisable to replace such a cylinder head. If the traces of corrosion are not very deep, then you can grind the surface of the head to equalize the grooves with the entire area. Of course, after such a procedure, it will be necessary to select a thicker gasket in order to maintain the value of the compression ratio.

If everything is fine with the cylinder head and you just need to replace the gasket, then be sure to thoroughly clean its surface. I do this with a special spray for removing pads, which is applied for 10-15 minutes and then brushed off.

After that, we carefully wipe the surface dry, install a new gasket on the block so that it lies flat along the guides and the cylinder head can be installed. Next, you need to tighten the bolts in a strictly defined sequence:

It is also worth noting that this should only be done with a torque wrench. I personally use the Ombra ratchet. It is suitable for most works with domestic cars, and the torque ranges from 10 to 110 Nm.

As for the moment of force when tightening the cylinder head bolts on the VAZ 2101-2107, it is as follows:

• the first stage - we twist with a moment of 33-41 Nm
• the second (final) from 95 to 118 Nm.

The photo above does not show the assembly process itself, so I ask you not to pay special attention to the repair conditions. It is simply shown clearly how all this is done. Ideally, everything should be clean so that no debris gets into the engine.

After all the bolts are finally tightened, you can install all the removed parts in reverse order. The price of the gasket is within 120 rubles. You do not need to use a sealant!