Replacing the exhaust manifold gasket: device, diagram and features

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The exhaust manifold (EC) of an automobile engine is an element of the exhaust system. Its role is to collect combustion products from all cylinders and, by combining them, transfer them to the exhaust pipe. From there they will go to the catalyst, and after it - to the muffler.

The exhaust manifold is attached to the cylinder head of the power unit (cylinder head). The tightness of this connection is ensured by a special gasket. Due to constant temperature loads, it sometimes fails. And although such a malfunction does not pose a serious threat to the engine, it is better to fix it immediately after detection.

In this article we will look at how the exhaust manifold gasket is replaced using the example of domestically produced VAZ cars. But first, let's figure out what the VC itself is and how to determine that it's time to change its seal.

Exhaust manifold design features

Structurally, the exhaust manifold is several pipes brought together into one. Its geometric shapes andmounts for each engine are different. VK is usually made of high-carbon cast iron or steel. That side of it, which is attached to the cylinder head, has a certain shape corresponding to the location of the exhaust windows. The connection of the manifold to the cylinder head for VAZ vehicles is provided by special studs screwed into its body. Their number depends on the form of VK.

Gasket

The manifold gasket is made by stamping from asbestos. This material is the best suited for these purposes: it has excellent resistance to high temperatures, is strong enough, and is also able to compress, ensuring the tightness of the connection. For greater strength, VK seals can be reinforced with steel.

How long does an exhaust manifold gasket last

The exhaust manifold gasket does not apply to those elements, the replacement of which is provided for by the maintenance plan. She can serve two years, and five, and ten. Her condition does not depend on age and mileage. The only factor that affects the duration of its service is the correct operation of the engine. If it runs normally, doesn't overheat, uses good fuel, the gasket will last a long time. If the opposite is true, it may burn out even after three months of operation.

Signs of a burnt VK gasket

Signs of a burnt gasket can be:

• changing the sound of a running engine;
• the appearance of a characteristic smell in the car interiorexhaust gases;
• violation of the stability of the engine, the burning CHECK lamp on the dashboard.

As for the sound of the power unit, when the gasket is burnt, a characteristic “chirring” is usually heard. In such cases, they say that the engine "cuts". This sound is created by exhaust gases escaping at the site of damage to the seal. Naturally, the exhaust from under the hood enters the cabin through the heating and ventilation system. This creates additional inconvenience for the driver and passengers, and also poses a certain threat to their he alth, so in any case, replacing the exhaust manifold gasket if it is damaged is a necessary necessity.

In vehicles with injection engines, the operation of which is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU), if the integrity of the gasket on the dashboard is broken, the CHECK lamp may light up. This is due to the fact that the lambda probe, installed on the manifold itself or the downpipe, captures the change in the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and transmits a signal to the computer. Until the malfunction is eliminated, the controller forces the engine to work in emergency mode.

How much does a repair cost at a service station

How much does it cost to replace the exhaust manifold gasket? The price for this type of work depends on the type of engine (carburetor, injection, 8-valve, 16-valve), the model of the seal itself, as well as the prices of the service station where you plan to repair your car.

On average, the work itself, together with the compactor, costs somewhere around 1,500 rubles.

But you don't have to spend money on work. Replacing the VAZ exhaust manifold gasket can be done on its own without any special difficulties. Especially if you have a set of hand tools, and you have at least the slightest idea about the design of your car engine.

What will be needed for repairs

Replacing the exhaust manifold gasket involves the use of the following tools:

• set of box wrenches;
• slotted and Phillips screwdrivers;
• sharp knife or spatula (to remove old gasket);
• a container with a wide mouth with a volume of at least 5 liters (for draining the coolant);
• rust remover (WD-40 or similar);
• dry rags.

Important: replacement of the exhaust manifold gasket 2114, like other VAZ models, provides for a preliminary drain of the coolant. Otherwise, you risk flooding the engine intake windows with it.

Replacing the exhaust manifold gasket VAZ 2114

The algorithm for performing work for the "fourteenth" model of "Samara" is as follows:

1. We install the car on a viewing hole or overpass, dismantle the engine protection, drain the coolant.
2. Remove the negative battery terminal.
3. Dismantle the air filter housing.
4. Disconnect the accelerator cable andfuel pipes from the throttle assembly.
5. Disconnect throttle sensor and idle speed control connectors.
6. Disconnect the crankcase ventilation hoses, brake booster from the receiver.
7. Dismantle the receiver itself, disconnect the wire connectors of the injection control unit.
8. Remove the fuel rail (do not unscrew the injectors).
9. Disconnect the downpipe from the VK.
10. Dismantle the intake manifold, followed by the exhaust manifold.
11. Remove the old gasket.
12. Using a knife (spatula), carefully clean the mating surfaces of the manifold and cylinder head.
13. Installing a new gasket.
14. We install in reverse order.
15. Fill up the coolant to the correct level.

Change the VK gasket on the VAZ 2110

Replace the exhaust manifold gasket 2110 in the following order:

1. We put the car on a flyover (inspection hole), remove the protection, be sure to drain the coolant.
2. De-energize the on-board network of the car by disconnecting the negative terminal from the battery.
3. Dismantle the air filter.
4. Disconnect the brake booster hose, pneumatic valve cover, fuel pressure regulator from the receiver.
5. Disable the throttle sensor, idle control.
6. Disconnect the air duct, turn off the air flow sensor.
7. Disconnect the crankcase ventilation hoses from the throttle pipe.
8. Remove the inlet and outlet hoses of the cooling system from the manifold.
9. Dismantle the receiver assembly with the throttle assembly.
10. Unscrew 5 fastening nuts and remove the intake manifold.
11. Unscrew the bolts (3 pcs.) that secure the exhaust manifold to the exhaust pipe.
12. Dismantle VK.
13. Remove the old gasket or its remaining fragments.
14. Cleaning the connections on the manifold and on the cylinder head.
15. Installing a new gasket.
16. We assemble the dismantled elements.
17. Do not forget to fill in antifreeze (antifreeze).

As you can see, for the VAZ 2110, the replacement of the exhaust manifold gasket is carried out almost according to the same algorithm as for the "fourteenth". Most importantly, do not forget to drain the coolant.

Replacing the exhaust manifold gasket: "Niva"

Replacing the gasket on the "Niva" is also not particularly difficult. The order of work is as follows:

1. First, follow the first nine points from the section for the VAZ 2110.
2. Remove the bolts securing the front and rear support brackets to the exhaust pipe. Remove the front bracket, move the rear bracket aside so that it does not interfere.
3. Remove the fuel rail with injectors.
4. Remove the nut securing the front eyebolt and remove it.
5. Remove the nuts securing the intake pipe heat shield, remove it.
6. Unscrew the two extreme, and then the two upper nuts securing the intake manifold to the cylinder head.
7. Using the wrench handle extension, remove the two remaining (lower) nuts.
8. Remove the intake manifold.
9. Remove the starter heat shield.
10. Remove the nut that secures the ground wire to the cylinder head. Remove the conductor end.
11. Unscrew the three nuts securing the VC and dismantle it.
12. Remove the seal, clean the mating surfaces and install a new gasket.
13. Reassemble the removed parts in reverse order, refill coolant.

How to prolong gasket life

Although replacing the exhaust manifold gasket is inexpensive and can be successfully done in your own garage, who wants to spend their time on this? It's better to let him serve longer. And to prolong its service life, heed the following tips:

• monitor the condition of the cooling system, check the level of antifreeze (antifreeze) to prevent engine overheating;
• use only quality fuel;
• check the tightness of the connection between the cylinder head and the exhaust manifold;
• if you find a violation of the integrity of the gasket, do not wait until it burns out completely, replace it;
• when buying an exhaust manifold gasket, choose a quality product from reputable manufacturers.