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24.05.2020
VAZ-2101 is a compact rear-wheel drive car, which is a copy of the Italian Fiat 124. It was produced from 1972 to 1988. It was this model that became the founder of the “classic family of VAZ cars,” which were on the assembly line until 2012. Model 2101 in the early 70s was considered the most advanced civilian car in the USSR for the mass consumer. Moreover, in 1972, AvtoVAZ was awarded the Golden Mercury award for the production of this model. In 2000, the magazine “Behind the Wheel” held an all-Russian vote, according to the results of which the VAZ-2101 became the best domestic model of the 20th century. The total production volume of all modifications of the 2101 sedan over the years of production (1970-1988) amounted to 4.85 million units.
Criteria for selecting VAZ 2101 oil
All oils are selected based on compliance with SAE, ACEA, API.
- In terms of composition, it is optimal to use semi-synthetics for used VAZs.
- ACEA A3/B3-B4.
- API SF and higher.
AvtoVAZ offers the following table to select the appropriate viscosity:
| Minimum engine cold start temperature, °C | Viscosity grade according to SAE J 300 | Maximum ambient temperature, °C |
| -35 | 0W-30 | 25 |
| -35 | 0W-40 | 30 |
| -30 | 5W-30 | 25 |
| -30 | 5W-40 | 35 |
| -25 | 10W-30 | 25 |
| -25 | 10W-40 | 35 |
| -20 | 15W-40 | 45 |
| -15 | 20W-40 | 45 |
But most often drivers fill in with 10w-40.
Information on viscosity for a specific engine can be found in the motor oil interchangeability catalog: https://www.northsealubricants.com/en/oil-advisor
The catalog can be trusted, the data is taken from car manufacturers. In this case, you can choose not only oil for the engine, but also for the gearbox, power steering, brake system, and cooling system. That is, all liquids.
Oil filter
An important component in the lubrication system of any car. Motor oil lubricates rubbing parts, and the oil filter retains metal debris (crumbs, sawdust, dust, sand and other debris) and in this way cleans this oil.
When should you change the filter?
Each filter must be replaced along with changing the engine oil. They must be considered one mechanism and must also be serviced together. Recommendation for replacement every 10-15 thousand km or once a year.
Which filter should you choose?
For the Lada “Kopeyka” oil filters cost a reasonable amount of money. Below is a suggested list with filters that are suitable for a penny. Sorting from cheap to expensive. At the same time, the cheapest one costs a little more than $1, and the expensive BOSCH costs ~$3.
- Industrial business M-005
- LA OF 3102(920/21)
- Industrial business M-001
- Zollex Z-104
- WIX WL7067-12
- BOSCH 0 451 103 033
Oil selection table by season (winter, summer)
| Year | Viscosity SAE all season from +25 to -25 °C | winter from -35 to 0 °C | summer from 0 to +35 °C |
| 5W-20 10W-20 | 20W-20 25W-20 |
| 5W-20 10W-30 10W-20 | 20W-20 25W-20 |
| 5W-30 5W-20 10W-20 | 20W-20 25W-30 25W-20 |
| 5W-20 10W-20 | 20W-30 20W-20 25W-20 |
| 5W-20 10W-20 10W-30 | 20W-20 25W-30 25W-20 |
| 5W-20 10W-20 10W-30 | 20W-30 20W-20 25W-30 25W-20 |
| 5W-30 5W-20 10W-20 | 20W-20 20W-30 25W-20 |
| 5W-30 5W-20 10W-40 | 20W-20 20W-30 25W-20 |
| 5W-30 5W-20 10W-40 | 20W-20 20W-30 20W-40 25W-20 |
| 5W-20 5W-30 10W-40 | 20W-30 20W-20 20W-40 25W-20 |
| 5W-20 5W-30 10W-30 10W-40 | 20W-30 20W-20 20W-40 25W-30 25W-20 |
| 5W-20 5W-30 10W-30 10W-40 | 20W-30 20W-20 20W-40 25W-30 |
| 5W-20 5W-30 10W-30 | 20W-30 20W-20 25W-30 |
| 5W-20 5W-30 10W-30 | 20W-30 20W-20 25W-30 |
labavto.com
In order for the engine to work properly, it is necessary to monitor the serviceability of its parts and regularly change the oil filter and oil. For the classic VAZ 2101 model, this procedure is simple, so any car enthusiast can do the replacement. To do this, you need to purchase consumables and follow the instructions.
Which oil is better to choose
To choose the right oil, you need to know its main characteristics and the possibility of use on the VAZ 2101. Any lubricant consists of a base oil base and additives that give it certain properties. There are additives that increase the viscosity and stability of the film formed by oil, and have detergent properties.
Based on the basic basis, lubricants are divided into: synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral. Synthetic ones have low viscosity and are divided into PAO synthetics and hydrocracking. The first ones are manufactured using complex technology, the highest quality and most expensive. The second ones have lower quality, simpler production, and are based on petroleum products.
Mineral oils are made from natural raw materials – petroleum. Thanks to simple manufacturing technology, they have an affordable price. The disadvantage is a short service life: they quickly lose their properties and are susceptible to oxidation. At low temperatures they quickly thicken and become viscous.
Semi-synthetics are a mixture of the first two types of lubricating fluids. Synthetics are added to the mineral base. As a result, a product is obtained with characteristics better than mineral water, but cheaper than synthetic analogues. The best combination of price and quality.
For modern lubricants, there is no concept of seasonality. If earlier oils with a lower viscosity were chosen for the winter season, and thicker ones for the summer, now they are all-season. For the VAZ 2101, the best option would be semi-synthetic all-season oil 10W40.
Reasons and frequency of oil changes
How well it will perform its functions depends on the condition and quality of the engine oil:
Recommended services for selecting automobile oils
If you already have preferences in the brand, then everything is even simpler. It is enough to go to any service for selecting automobile oils of the desired brand and the manufacturer will select the oil that will be compatible with your engine. The table contains the most popular brands and selection services from these brands. We go to any of the sites in the table and select the make, model of the car, engine and year of manufacture.
| Oil brand | Link to selection |
| LUKOIL | lukoil-masla.ru |
| Rosneft | rosneft-lubricants.ru |
| G-Energy | new.g-energy.org/ru |
| Gazpromneft | gazpromneft-oil.ru |
| GT OIL | gtoil.ru |
| Mobile | mobiloil.com.ru |
| SHELL | www.shell.com.ru |
| Motul | mymotul.ru |
| Castrol | applications.castrol.com |
| Kixx | kixxlube.ru |
| Lotos | lotosrf.ru |
| TOTAL | www.total-lub.ru |
| Liqui Moly | liquimoly.ru |
| Xado | xado.ru |
| ZIC | zicoil.ru |
| Valvoline | www.valvoline.com |
| TNK | www.tnk-oilcity.ru |
Engine malfunctions and repairs 2101
Engine VAZ 2101 1.2 l. base for the entire classic VAZ family, contrary to some opinions that the VAZ 2101 has a Fiat engine, this is not entirely true, the 2101 engine was created from a crude prototype of the FIAT 124 engine. Due to the increased center-to-center distance, in relation to the Fiat engine, it allowed VAZ engineers to repeatedly increase engine displacement. Subsequently, 1.3 l., 1.5 l., 1.6 l engines were built from it. up to 1.7 l. and 1.8 l. The kopek engine is an in-line 4-cylinder carburetor with an overhead camshaft, the gas distribution mechanism 2101 has a chain drive. The motor belongs to the Zhiguli so-called “classic” series with a low block. The service life of the VAZ 2101 engine, in quiet operation and timely maintenance, reaches 180-200 thousand km.
On models 1970-1974, the penny engine has higher reliability, since production was controlled by specialists from FIAT. Before describing the endless problems of the engine, I would like to answer the question where is the engine number on the VAZ 2101. We stand in front of the car, on the left side, looking at the front of the engine block, in the area where the breather and crankshaft pulley are located. Look carefully, the writing is small. Let's move on to the problems of the VAZ 2101; on engines there is a problem of increased camshaft wear. The engine also needs systematic (every 7-10 thousand km) adjustment of the valve clearances; this will be indicated by a loud knocking noise when the engine is idling, heard from the driver’s seat with the hood closed. Weber and Ozone carburetors constantly require CO adjustment and cleaning. High oil consumption of VAZ 2101, up to 0.7 liters per 1000 km. The VAZ 2101 engine gets hot very often, the reason for this is a malfunction of the cooling system thermostat. Occasionally, the cause of overheating of the VAZ 2101 engine can be a fan failure, a pump malfunction, the use of gasoline with an octane rating higher than the recommended one, and a number of various minor reasons. It is very common for a VAZ 2101 engine to smoke, for which there are a number of main reasons: burnt out piston rings, rich carburetor, faulty valve seals, wear of valve guides and much, much more. Most often, this is a sign that you are waiting for a major overhaul of the VAZ 2101 engine. It is also not uncommon for the VAZ 2101 engine to malfunction, which leads to its rapid wear. Among the reasons are a malfunction of the ignition system, which increases fuel consumption, loss of tightness in the cylinder during compression, timing faults, too lean mixture, piston or valve failure, incorrect valve adjustment, etc. Malfunctions of the VAZ 2101 engine can be listed endlessly, the most basic ones are described above , in other cases you need to contact the specialists.
Transmission oil
Finally, let's take a look at the transmission. In VAZ classic models, lubricant is poured into the gearbox and gearbox, and starting from the VAZ-2108 model and higher - only in the gearbox (they do not have a gearbox). Moreover, these units use a special oil - transmission oil. This lubricant does not require replacement as often as power plant lubricant, and the general requirements for it are much lower.
When choosing VAZ-2107 transmission oil for the winter, you don’t really need to take into account the nuances. Transmission elements use oils with SAE classification index 75W-85, 80W-90, etc. It is poured into both the gearbox and gearbox.
The same oil is used in more modern VAZ models. To more accurately select transmission oil for a particular car, it is better to find out in the operating instructions what kind of lubricant is needed.
Power steering (power steering)
For the VAZ 2101 (or as it is also called Lada, Zhiguli, Kopeika), the presence of power steering is in itself a high-class option. After all, on most cars there are simply no power steering systems. If you get your hands on a car with this auxiliary option, we congratulate you.
Power steering helps you turn the steering wheel along with the wheels, while you spend several times less force than a car without a power steering system.
There are marks on the power steering expansion tank by which you can understand whether the fluid level is currently high or, conversely, low and needs to be added. A quick inspection of the power steering system can solve many problems along the way, so look under the hood once a month.
What should you pay attention to?
- Monitoring the power steering fluid (oil) level and its color in the expansion tank;
- Checking the drive belt for the power steering pump;
- General condition of hoses (inspection for cracks, abrasions and chips);
- Hose connection points.
How to change
Changing the power steering fluid (oil) can be done in several ways, including partially changing the fluid and completely changing it. The first method is faster and easier, the second is better.
Partial replacement
Partial replacement of power steering fluid involves pumping fluid out of the power steering expansion tank using a large syringe or bulb. After the tank is completely empty, fill in fresh fluid to the maximum mark. Start the car and turn the steering wheel left/right. After a few minutes, turn off the engine and check the color of the power steering fluid. If it is too dark, repeat the procedure until the desired result.
Complete replacement
To replace the power steering fluid, remove the air duct and the reservoir with power steering fluid. Pour the old liquid from the barrel into another container. When draining, pay attention to the condition of the old oil and the presence of foreign metal particles. If they are noticeable, this may indicate wear on the pump. To completely drain the power steering, you can rotate the steering wheel left and right.
Viscosity
Let's start with the fact that one of the main parameters of a lubricant intended for filling into power plants is its viscosity. This characteristic determines the fluidity of the oil under different operating conditions. It must be fluid while cold (to ensure ease of starting the engine) and maintain viscosity, that is, not drain from the surface, after heating. It is the viscosity of the oil that is one of the main criteria when choosing. To designate lubricants by viscosity, a whole classification has been introduced - SAE.
Design Features
Initially, at the design stage, a feature for the engine was the overhead camshaft:
- The piston stroke decreased by 5.5 mm compared to the Fiat 124 standard;
- the cylinder diameter increased by 3 mm.
This modernization ensured acceleration and rapid acceleration. In addition, the 2101 engine had the following design nuances:
- timing chain transmission;
- unfinished carburetor models;
- major overhaul after 20,000 km.
Valve train chain
Immediately after the release of the first internal combustion engine of this series, the manufacturer AvtoVAZ released a manual in which it indicated which oil to fill in the engine and provided a description of the internal combustion engine parameters to increase the service life of the engines. Thus, the owners of the next three generations of engines had no questions about what oil to pour and in what quantity.
Timing mechanism
Engine oil
Any big thing can be done if it is divided into many small tasks - Henry Ford once said. And in truth, it would seem that such a job as changing engine oil can be completed without haste if you prepare the necessary tools and consumables in advance.
Required Tools
Engine oil change period (interval or interval)
Manufacturers (not only VAZ but also other brands) take the replacement interval of 15 thousand km as a basis and recommend “relying” on this figure. However, many car enthusiasts perform maintenance earlier, already at 10 thousand. They justify this with terrible roads and the quality of fuel and lubricants.
Malfunctions: causes, elimination
Unlike motors with a timing belt drive, the 2101 valve bends much less frequently. The main malfunctions of the internal combustion engine are:
| Breaking | Cause | Elimination |
| Blue smoke | rupture of valve seals, bushings and cylinder head gaskets, wear of rings | replacement of consumables and seals |
| Engine overheating | Fan or thermostat failure | replacement of attachments |
| Oil consumption increases | leaks in valve covers, worn out pistons/cylinders | replacing gaskets, installing the next repair size of pistons and rings |
| Knock | crank bearings, connecting rod bearings, increasing valve clearance | replacement of consumables field of qualified diagnostics |
The speed limit of “kopecks” with 2101 engines was 145 km/h, and the car accelerated to “hundreds” in 18–20 seconds in a straight line.
Car VAZ 2101 Kopeyka
Equipment and tools
What equipment will you need to change the oil:
- Syringe for filling oil.
- Watering can for pouring oil.
That, in fact, is all that is required.
Maintenance
Considering the design of the internal combustion engine, the manufacturer recommends the following maintenance schedules:
| Maintenance object | Time or mileage (whichever comes first) |
| Valve train chain | replacement after 100,000 km |
| Battery | 1 year/20000 |
| Valve clearance | 2 years/20000 |
| Crankcase ventilation | 2 years/20000 |
| Belts that drive attachments | 2 years/20000 |
| Fuel line and tank cap | 2 years/40000 |
| Motor oil | 1 year/10000 |
| Oil filter | 1 year/10000 |
| Air filter | 1 – 2 years/40000 |
| Fuel filter | 4 years/40000 |
| Heating/Cooling Fittings and Hoses | 2 years/40000 |
| Coolant | 2 years/40000 |
| Oxygen sensor | 100000 |
| Spark plug | 1 – 2 years/20000 |
| Exhaust manifold | 1 year |
With timely cleaning, the lubrication, cooling and fuel supply system operates longer without major repairs.
Advantages and disadvantages
In the first years of operation, the 2101 engine revealed the following shortcomings:
- noisy operation of the chain drive;
- increased gasoline consumption in the engine due to defects in carburetors;
- frequent ignition adjustments;
- Difficult adjustment of valve clearances.
Solex carburetor
However, a cylinder head improved with a camshaft, an improved intake manifold and an exhaust manifold of the simplest design compensated for these shortcomings. A little later, DAAZ Ozone carburetors were developed, replacing which made it possible to improve the characteristics of internal combustion engine modes.
Carburetor Ozone
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