Cooling system Lada Granta: description, characteristics, malfunctions, repairs

Design features of the LADA Granta engine cooling system

The LADA Granta engine cooling system is liquid (with forced circulation of liquid), sealed, with an expansion tank. The system is filled with ethylene glycol-based coolant (antifreeze), which does not freeze at ambient temperatures down to -40 'C.

The design of the cooling system of all engines installed on Lada Granta cars is fundamentally the same and is described using the example of a car with a VAZ-21116 engine.

Location of elements of the LADA Granta cooling system:

water pump provides forced circulation of fluid in the cooling system of the Lada Granta, is installed on the front plane of the cylinder block and is driven by a timing belt. The pump has sealed bearings that do not require replenishment of lubricant. The pump cannot be repaired; if it fails (liquid leakage or bearing damage), it is replaced as an assembly.

A thermostat with a solid heat-sensitive filler maintains normal operating coolant temperature and reduces engine warm-up time. The Lada Granta thermostat has a main and additional bypass valve. At a coolant temperature of up to (85±2) °C, the thermostat is completely closed and the liquid circulates through a small circuit, bypassing the radiator, which speeds up engine warming up. At temperatures above 85 C, the thermostat begins to open, and at 102 ° C it opens completely, allowing fluid to circulate through the radiator. An electric fan with a plastic impeller ensures that the radiator is purged with air at low vehicle speeds, mainly in urban conditions or on mountain roads, when the oncoming air flow is not enough to cool the radiator. To increase operating efficiency, the fan is installed in casing 7 and attached to it at three points through rubber pads. The casing, in turn, is attached to radiator 3 at four points. The electric fan is controlled by the engine control unit, which receives information about the coolant temperature from sensor 5 (see Fig. 1), located in thermostat socket 4.

The radiator is tubular-plate, aluminum, with plastic tanks, two-way, with a partition in the left tank. At the bottom right there is a drain plug 6. The tanks contain inlet and outlet hose pipes to the engine water jacket, as well as a hose pipe connecting the radiator to the expansion tank.

The expansion tank serves to compensate for the changing volume of coolant depending on its temperature. The tank is made of translucent plastic. The “MAX” and “MIN” marks are applied to its walls to control the coolant level; on top there is a filler neck, hermetically sealed with a plastic plug 1 with two valves inside (inlet and outlet), assembled in a single block. The exhaust valve opens at a pressure of 110 kPa (1.1 kgf/cm2), ensuring an increase in the boiling point of the coolant and preventing intense vaporization. When a liquid cools, its volume decreases and a vacuum is created in the system. The inlet valve in the plug opens at a vacuum of about 3 kPa (0.03 kgf/cm*) and allows air into the expansion tank.

As you know, when creating the Lada Grant, engineers and mechanics borrowed ideas for the embodiment of the car not only from the body part of the Lada Kalina, but also from the technical side as well.

For example, Grant’s car with the “Standard” package is equipped with a 1.6-liter Kalina engine with a capacity of 80 horsepower. The “Norma” and “Lux” packages have a modified engine with an increased piston stroke and an output power of 90 hp.

It is worth noting that these statistics are not only in numbers; in fact, the machine performs its performance at full strength. This is a fairly powerful characteristic for the domestic Lada Grant; the engine cooling system plays a vital role here.

How to fix breakdowns

Repair of ODS elements is not considered as part of troubleshooting. In most cases, replacement of failed parts is necessary.

Replacing the thermostat

Lada Granta is available with two types of engines: one of them is 8-valve, the other is 16-valve. The location of the thermostat on these power plants is somewhat different, which means that replacement is carried out with certain differences.

To replace the thermostat on an eight-valve engine, you will need a small set of tools: socket wrenches, screwdrivers, a Torex wrench and a container for draining the coolant.

The replacement procedure is simple; to do this, you need to follow a number of steps:

1. Place the car on a level surface and use a jack to raise the front end.
2. After unscrewing the bolts securing the engine protection, remove it.
3. Place a suitable container under the plug to drain the coolant from the radiator.
4. Unscrew the cap from the expansion tank neck.
5. Unscrew the drain plug and wait until the liquid drains.
6. Loosen the thermostat pipe clamp from the rear and disconnect the hose.
7. Loosen the clamp on the front thermostat pipe and disconnect it.
8. The ground wire is secured with a nut on the thermostat stud - unscrew it and disconnect the wire.
9. Unscrew both nuts that secure the thermostat to the studs and remove it.
10. Remove the O-ring and, unscrewing the three nuts, remove the thermostat cover.
11. Press and rotate the locking plate to remove the cover.
12. Remove the spring with the valve mechanism.

Installing a new thermostat is carried out in the reverse order. If the hoses will not be changed, then to prevent possible leakage of antifreeze, it is recommended to lubricate them from the inside with a small amount of sealant before installation.

After installing the thermostat, all pipes are tightened with new clamps, and coolant is poured into the expansion tank.

Then you need to start the engine and check the operation of the cooling system, if necessary, remove the air lock. To replace the thermostat on a 16-valve engine, the same set of tools is used, steps for an 8-valve engine are repeated from 1 to 6, then the process is as follows:

1. Disconnect all pipes through which coolant is supplied to the thermostat by loosening the clamps.
2. Unscrew the fastening bolts and remove the thermostat cover from the seat.
3. Remove the sealing ring, turn the fixing plate by pressing and remove the spring with the valve mechanism.

Installation of a new thermostat is carried out in the reverse order. All hoses are connected, antifreeze is poured into the system, the engine is started, and if necessary, the air lock is removed, after which antifreeze is added to the tank to the mark between the minimum and maximum. There are many fakes and low-quality parts on the car parts market, so it is advisable to check the thermostat before installation. To do this, you need to heat water in a container to a temperature close to boiling and place a thermostat there; if the valve begins to open slightly, it means the device is working.

Replacing the thermostat can be done with your own hands in a regular garage. There are no difficulties, but you will have to spend money on a new part, pipes, if changed, and coolant. To save time, you can contact any car service center, where within 20-30 minutes the technicians will change the thermostat for 200-300 rubles.

Replacing the coolant pump

To replace the pump on a Grant you will need a set of sockets, wrenches and screwdrivers. Many car owners combine pump replacement with timing belt replacement. At the initial stage, the process is identical for both procedures:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery.
2. Using a 17 mm wrench, rotate the camshaft pulley by the fastening nut until the mark on the pulley matches the mark on the rear casing cover. So the piston in the first cylinder will be at top dead center.
3. The nut securing the timing belt tensioner roller is unscrewed and the tension is weakened.
4. Drain the coolant through the drain hole on the radiator.
5. Unscrew the bolts securing the pump to the cylinder block and remove it together with the sealing gasket.
6. The new pump must be installed with the number facing up, and it is recommended to replace the sealing gasket.

Next, installation of the belt and pulleys (if the timing belt has been changed) is carried out in the reverse order. In this case, you need to ensure that the marks are not knocked down, otherwise the valve timing will be disrupted.

A car service center will charge from 800 to 1,500 rubles for such work, depending on the type of engine (8 or 16 valves).

How to repair an expansion tank

During engine operation, the expansion tank is constantly deformed from increasing and decreasing pressure in the system, as well as from temperature changes. Over time, the material wears out, and at peak pressure, microcracks form on the walls. In most cases, no one repairs this part - the tank is replaced. But there are also those who try to repair it with their own hands. The material from which the tank is made is incompatible with most adhesive bases, so it will not be possible to seal it. For repairs, you can use two available methods:

• soldering with a soldering iron using metal reinforcing mesh;
• repair cracks with epoxy resin or cold welding.

Compositions based on epoxy resins and similar substances act temporarily, so for high-quality repairs it is recommended to solder the tank. The crack site is thoroughly cleaned with fine sandpaper, degreased and dried. A thin metal mesh is placed over the hole and a continuous layer is sealed into plastic with a soldering iron.

The treated area is cleaned, puttied and, if necessary, primed and painted. The car service center does not do such things and offers to replace a cracked tank - the cost of the service is no more than 200 rubles.

Connecting hoses, electric fans and radiators should be replaced if they fail. The latter can be soldered, but no one is responsible for the quality, since the process is labor-intensive and requires equipment and experience. Considering that soldering costs about 800 rubles, then it is more logical to purchase a new radiator.

Design of the engine cooling system on Grant

The cooling system on Grant is liquid, closed type. The design involves forced distribution of coolant to all engine elements that need it. The fluid flow diverges evenly.

Despite some differences in Granta engines of various configurations, the cooling system works the same on all.

Let's look at the main elements of ODS on Grant:

Liquid pump.

The regular and uniform supply of antifreeze or antifreeze (coolant) to the heated engine elements depends on it.

The pump is located on the front surface of the cylinder block. As soon as the gas distribution mechanism is activated, under the action of the toothed belt, the water pump begins pumping fluid. The pump does not require lubrication, as it is equipped with closed bearings.

If it breaks down, the liquid pump cannot be repaired. For the continued functioning of all parts of the cooling system, the old pump must be replaced with a new one.

2. Thermostat.

Equipped with a solid heat-sensitive filling, which helps maintain the required coolant temperature.

When operating a vehicle, this system significantly reduces the time spent warming up the engine.

The thermostat design implies the presence of a main and additional bypass valve. If the coolant temperature does not exceed 85 degrees, the thermostat is closed, preventing fluid from moving through the radiator. Due to this, the time for warming up the engine is reduced. The thermostat directs fluid to the radiator at temperatures above 85 degrees.

Radiator and expansion tank

The radiator device is equipped with plastic tanks and hoses leading to the engine water jacket and expansion tank.

The radiator on Grant is manufactured by a French manufacturer. The design and operating principle of the device is similar to the performance of radiators installed on Renault Logan.

The expansion tank has the function of compensating and smoothing the amount of liquid evaporating due to temperature changes.

Electric fan.

Made of plastic and has the function of cooling the radiator with air flow.

Usually, the radiator is cooled by a natural, oncoming flow of air when the car is moving, but sometimes it happens that this is not enough.

Problems caused by malfunctions in the Lada Granta engine cooling system

In a Lada Granta car, the cooling system in the operating scheme is quite typical. Accordingly, the problems associated with it are often typical.

Let's look at some known problems associated with the Lada Granta ODS, as well as their possible solutions:

The engine gets very hot.

This problem can be caused by several reasons:

– there is not enough coolant in the system (needs to be added);

– the thermostat does not open (you need to buy and install a new thermostat);

– the pump does not function (the liquid pump needs to be replaced);

– the valves in the expansion tank are faulty (check, replace).

The heater in the car blows a cold stream of air.

This problem is often accompanied by engine overheating. Most likely it's a bad cylinder head gasket. This leads to coolant leakage and the formation of vapor locks in the cooling system.

To resolve the problem, it is necessary to replace the cylinder head gasket.

The engine takes a very long time to warm up.

The problem is most likely a faulty thermostat. When broken, it hangs in a closed or open state (in this case, open).

A new thermostat needs to be installed.

Rapid decrease in coolant level in the tank.

The problem can be caused by several reasons:

– leaky connection between the radiator and expansion tank (check for integrity and tightness of the connection);

– hoses are damaged (check integrity, replace);

– leakage through the cylinder head gasket (check, replace).

Fogging of windows, oil stains on the windshield, decreased coolant level.

These problems together indicate a leaky stove heater. It is necessary to check all connections from the radiator for leaks.

You should regularly flush the elements of the engine cooling system, otherwise the accumulation of dirt and dust will cause clogging of the installation, which will also lead to engine overheating or other problems.

Protection against air lock formation in the cooling system.

In all matters related to malfunctions and subsequent repairs, the easiest way is to prevent the occurrence of breakdowns; in this case, it is necessary to prevent the appearance of an air lock. It is advisable to learn how to fix simple breakdowns and perform preventive maintenance yourself, then you won’t have to contact a car service center.

One of the main preventive measures for the formation of an air lock is not to bring the coolant to a boil (do not overheat the engine). If antifreeze is poured in, it can withstand higher temperatures than antifreeze, and even more so than water. When the coolant boils, steam is formed, which is pressed into the most inaccessible corners of the ignition system. In such cases, certain types of breakdowns appear.

During operation, the car engine is cooled by a non-freezing liquid circulating through the water jacket and the main radiator. In normal operation, the small and large circulation circuits are hermetically sealed and under pressure. But if air penetrates into the pipelines from the outside, the movement of antifreeze will stop and the engine will begin to overheat. To avoid unpleasant consequences associated with repairing the power unit, you should remove the air lock from the cooling system. Why it occurs and how to remove it correctly is described in detail in this manual.

Is the absence of an engine temperature sensor a cost-saving measure?

An interesting point is the absence of an indicator on the instrument panel indicating the fluid temperature and engine condition. As the developers themselves say, this indicator does not correspond to the price category of the car and is too expensive for it.

The solution to the problem was to install a special light bulb on the panel, which lights up red in case of overheating. If the system is working properly, in this case, the fan automatically turns on, and the problem is resolved without driver intervention.

Despite everything, the Lada Granta, whose cooling system is very well thought out, works well and rarely causes breakdowns. This is a proven car, albeit of a budget class.

On cars of the Lada Granta family with an injector, a closed-type liquid cooling system is pre-installed. Antifreeze circulates through the system forcibly, performing two functions: removing excess heat and lubricating units.

The standard operating temperature of the cooling system is 94 – 99℃, regardless of the actual configuration of the car, body type, and other technical characteristics.

Elements of the Lada Granta cooling system

• stove heater radiators;
• electric pump;
• engine;
• throttle assembly;
• thermostat;
• antifreeze temperature sensor;
• overheat indicator;
• viscous fan drive coupling;
• fan;
• radiator cap;
• radiator;
• expansion tank cap;
• expansion tank;
• water pump;
• drain valve of the lower circuit.

And also, pipes of the Lada Granta cooling system, metal clamps - ties.

Thermostat

The cooling device on the Lada Grant is the main link in the chain. Performs the function of a valve that redirects the flow of antifreeze from a small to a large circle. When the operating temperature is below 94°, the thermostat is in the closed position. The liquid circulates in a small circle without “entering” the radiator.

Signs of an air lock in the cooling system

You can determine the presence of air in the engine refrigeration system by conducting independent diagnostics and eliminating the causes. We carry out diagnostics based on the above criteria.

1. Checking the system for leaks. Over time, clamps weaken, oxidize, or break completely. The hose also has shock absorption; over time, it bursts and cracks; either heat or cold gradually destroy the rubber.
2. Problems with the thermostat. If the engine heats up very quickly after starting, that is, the cooling fan has already turned on, and the temperature sensor shows that it is about to push the needle into the red scale, then this indicates a non-working thermostat or the presence of air in the pump discharge pipe. In this case, the thermostat valve will be in the closed position, the coolant will move in a small circle. The opposite may also happen. The engine takes a very long time to warm up after starting. This means that the thermostat valve is fully open or there is an air lock in the thermostat. In all cases, you will have to remove air from the engine cooling system.

It’s easy to check the thermostat yourself; you need to do the following:

• start the engine;
• after a couple of minutes, touch the radiator pipes (the top one should be warm first, then cold, the bottom one should be cold);
• when the engine temperature reaches operating temperature, 80-90 degrees, the thermostat should open and the lower pipe should heat up.

It's also easy to check functionality. It is determined by the noise level (it is not worth using a noise sensor and determining the level in decibels (dB)), by the sound you can already feel how the pump is working. The vibration of the pump is also checked. The pump bearing may have fallen off.

The main clue is that air has appeared in the engine cooling system in the heater. If the engine is hot and the heater is blowing cold air, then there is an air lock.

Cooling system Lada Granta - 8 and 16 valves, with and without air conditioning

Tips and tricks

If it is discovered that the cap on the designated reservoir is not sealing properly, it should be replaced immediately after replacing the coolant.

• cover with code “2108 2108-1311065” in the “Autodevice” version; cost not less than 150 rubles;
• a product with the article number “2108 LUZAR LL 0108” at a price of about 100 rubles;
• lid made by "Chistopol" with code "2108-1311065" at a cost of 70 rubles.

Replacing the coolant in the Lada Kalina car is complete, and now check the circuit for leaks. If it is present, then replace the clamps that hold the joint sections of the pipes.

Checking the radiator for leaks

The diagnostic process is not at all complicated; we carry it out ourselves, and if you don’t have free time, visit a service station to have the work performed by professionals.

Checking the radiator from the engine compartment side

1. We place the car within the perimeter of the repair area, on the inspection hole, and open the hood.
2. From the engine compartment side, we inspect the surface of the radiator for drips and traces of antifreeze (antifreeze) leakage.
3. We carry out similar actions from under the bottom of the car;
4. We inspect the antifreeze supply/return lines, upper and lower circuits.

The most common places for depressurization: corners around the perimeter, joints, ties with clamps.

How to drain antifreeze from the cooling system of a Lada Granta

1. The hood is open, the car engine has cooled down to a safe temperature so as not to damage the skin.
2. We unscrew 6 screws from under the bottom and remove the oil pan protection.
3. Unscrew the drain plug in the lower circuit of the radiator.
4. At the same time, unscrew the drain plug on the wall of the cylinder block. We substitute the container.

Unscrew the plastic drain plug of the radiator tank

Note to the driver!

The Lada Granta version has 8 valves. Place the container for testing below the ignition module, under the cylinder block (nut at “13”).

In the Lada Granta 16-valve, we first dismantle the starter, since it prevents free access to the plug. If you do not remove the starter, antifreeze will flood the part, temporarily rendering it unusable.

1. After the liquid is completely drained from the water jacket, screw in the drain plugs. Fill in new antifreeze in a volume of 7.5 liters to about or 8.0 liters to the recommended average level.

Replacing coolant in the SOD

The antifreeze level in the tank is checked only after the engine has cooled down. You cannot add coolant to the maximum mark - during operation the liquid heats up and increases in volume, after topping up the valve cover is screwed on tightly.

It is necessary to constantly monitor the level of antifreeze; a sharp decrease in its volume can cause a malfunction of the cooling system, which should be eliminated immediately. Every motorist can add antifreeze to the expansion tank:

1. The car must be on a flat surface, all work is carried out with the engine cooled down.
2. Unscrew the cap of the expansion tank.
3. Check the condition of the antifreeze; there should be no oil film or other contaminants on it. If the color of the coolant is dark or rusty, the ODS needs to be flushed.
4. If the fluid level is below the minimum level, all connections should be inspected for leaks. If they are missing, add antifreeze between the two marks and tighten the valve cover tightly.

The procedure is simple and can be performed by anyone without seeking help from a car service center. The price of the work does not exceed 100-200 rubles, depending on the region.

Preparing for replacement

According to the regulations, the coolant is replaced after reaching 75 thousand km or after 5 years of operation. In other cases, the procedure is carried out when antifreeze is contaminated or leaks. Lada Granta engines use ethylene glycol-based coolant without the addition of borates, silicates and other synthetic additives. To change the entire coolant, you will need to purchase at least 8 liters of fluid. It is not necessary to use the antifreeze used at the factory for this. As an alternative, you can take products from the brands Sintek, Felix, G-ENERGY.

For work, a 13 mm wrench, screwdrivers, rags, a container for draining the coolant and new antifreeze are used.

How to drain coolant

First of all, the engine must cool down. Then, by unscrewing the cap of the expansion tank, relieve pressure in the system. The engine protection is removed. A suitable container is placed under the radiator drain plug, and the valve cover is screwed on - this way the antifreeze will drain more slowly and will not flood everything around. Then the drain plug is unscrewed and the coolant is drained into the container. This way, not all the liquid comes out - you also need to drain it from the water jacket.

On an engine with 8 valves, the container is placed below the ignition module under the front part of the BC. Using a 13 mm wrench, unscrew the drain nut on the block and wait until the antifreeze drains from the jacket. Then tighten the nut.

On an engine with 16 valves, due to design features, the starter prevents the fluid from draining from the jacket. For this reason, you must first remove it and only then unscrew the drain nut. If this is not done, the coolant will flood the starter, and this will lead to the failure of the starter. The drain nuts use tapered threads so no O-ring is required.

How to remove air from the cooling system of a Lada Granta

There are several effective ways to bleed air from the system.

Purge using a pump

Method No. 1

1. We move the stove heater lever to the “Maximum” position (car interior). Be sure to follow basic safety measures and place wheel chocks under the rear wheels.
2. Unscrew the valve cover, having first removed the decorative trim.
3. Using a screwdriver, loosen the clamp on the throttle body fitting and remove the rubber pipe..
4. Unscrew the cap on the expansion tank
5. Through a gauze bandage, blow air through your mouth in the direction of the expansion tank.

It is important not to overdo it, as you can start a new portion of air again.

Method No. 2

1. We warm up the car to 40 - 45°, turn off the engine.
2. Unscrew the throttle clamp and remove the hose.
3. If liquid leaks out of the hose, put it back on, otherwise wait until the air comes out.
4. We assemble the structure in reverse order.

One time is not always enough to remove air. We repeat the procedure as necessary.

Method No. 3

1. We drive the front wheels of the car onto a hill so that the highest point in the cooling system is the “plug”.
2. We twist the cap on the expansion tank and the cap on the radiator.
3. We start the engine, it runs at idle speed.
4. We warm up the car to an operating temperature of 40 - 45°.
5. As soon as the antifreeze level begins to decrease, we replenish the missing amount.
6. We repeat the procedure until the maximum amount of plug comes out.
7. Screw the lids on.

How to flush the cooling system on a Lada Grant

Violation of the deadlines for replacing the fluid, the purchase of cheap analogues contributes to the formation of sediment in the line and clouding of the antifreeze.

Due to the loss of chemical and physical properties, the water jacket of the power unit is subject to corrosion and peeling.

A constantly elevated operating temperature is the first sign of contamination, deposit formation, or thermostat malfunction. The manufacturer recommends cleaning the lines every 50,000 km. Replacement of antifreeze after 75,000 km.

The volume of the Lada Granta cooling system is 8.0 liters.

Cleaning methods

• external;
• internal.

In the first case, all dirt is removed from the outside using water pressure and adding detergent. In the second case, washing is carried out inside with special chemicals.

If the flushing does not give a positive result, then we replace the standard radiator with a new one, since an excess amount of fossils has accumulated at the bottom and the corrosion process has begun.

Distilled water

There are several ways to get distilled water:

• buy at a pharmacy;
• melt clean snow;
• let tap water stand for six months.

The washing process is as follows:

1. We place the car on the inspection channel, unscrew the fastenings of the oil pan protection.
2. We twist the drain plug of the system and grind off the antifreeze. First, unscrew the cap from the expansion tank and relieve pressure.
3. After the waste has been drained, tighten the plug and pour 8.0 liters of distilled water into the system.
4. We start the engine, run it at medium speed for several minutes, and turn it off.
5. We repeat steps 2 and 3. As soon as the water comes out with a pure color, the washing is complete.
6. Refill with new antifreeze. Next replacement after 75,000 km.

Soda, acid and vinegar

Mix the indicated ingredients in the percentage ratio: 25 / 50 / 25, add a liter of water. We drain a similar volume from the system, add the “potion”, leave the car motionless for 6 – 8 hours, preferably overnight.

In the morning we grind off the waste, rinse the system once, and fill in clean antifreeze.

Special means

The process is similar to the one described above. We carry out in compliance with basic safety rules. You can purchase additives at any specialized auto store or car market.

Typical malfunctions of the Lada Granta cooling system

Checking the Lada Granta fan circuit

Reviews

Conclusion As practice shows, most calls to service stations are caused by a jammed thermostat on the Lada Grant. The reasons are different. The factor of manufacturing defects cannot be ruled out, but the fault also lies with the owner of the car.

Buy original spare parts, maintain your car in a timely manner - then the number of breakdowns will be reduced several times.