Replacing the engine exhaust manifold gasket.

Replacing the exhaust manifold gasket on a VAZ-2114 with your own hands

Replacing the exhaust manifold gasket on a VAZ-2114 is a very complex procedure and requires certain knowledge and experience.
So, not all experienced car enthusiasts are able to do this correctly. In addition to the fact that exhaust gases exit through the exhaust manifold, it is also responsible for the normal operation of the engine, since a lambda probe is installed on it. Video about replacing the exhaust manifold gasket on a VAZ-2114

The video will tell you how to properly replace the exhaust manifold gasket, and also tell you about some of the subtleties and nuances of this process.

How much does a repair at a service station cost?

How much will 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 seal, 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 your own without much difficulty. Especially if you have a set of hand tools and you have even the slightest idea about the design of your car’s engine.

Exhaust manifold functions

It consists of several pipes that merge into one, but has different mountings and configurations for different engines. To produce VC, high-carbon cast iron, stainless steel and titanium are used, sometimes coated with ceramic/chrome.

The task of the “spider” (as the exhaust manifold is called in the Russian Federation) is to transfer combustion products collected from all cylinders to the exhaust pipe. Gases from the AC enter the catalyst or directly into the exhaust pipe and then to the muffler. The exhaust manifold is attached to the engine, or more precisely to the cylinder head (cylinder head), sealing the joint using a special element.

Types of elements

Today two types of exhaust manifolds are produced:

Solid parts have shorter channels, which are then combined into one chamber. Material: heat-resistant cast iron. The part has low gas removal efficiency. This is because the shorter manifold passages act as a barrier to gas pulses from the cylinder block.

Most parts are produced for mass use, and their quality often suffers. Such collectors do not have a vacuum zone. If they get too hot and then cool, the cast iron can crack. Then you will need to remove the VAZ 2114 exhaust manifold and replace it.

For sports and extreme use, a large number of exhaust manifolds are produced with various shapes and methods of connecting pipes. They are made of stainless steel. Car enthusiasts call these parts spiders. There are short spiders and long ones.

For example, on a 4-cylinder engine, the pipe system is represented by the formula 4-2-1. So, each cylinder has its own pipe. Then these pipes are connected into two, and then into one. This system is used in tuning. It allows you to increase the car's power and torque. The short 4-1 system is used in sports.

As already mentioned, the VAZ manifold gets very hot during operation. Heating sometimes leads to thermal stress. The consequence of this is the movement of the surface of the part along the surfaces of the cylinder heads. To ensure that the connection between the manifold and the cylinder head is airtight, AvtoVAZ engineers used a manifold gasket. Sometimes the gasket may need to be replaced, and sometimes the manifold needs to be replaced entirely.

The gasket is an important part that serves as a seal. The correct operation of the exhaust manifold depends on its condition. If replacement is not made, the vehicle's performance may noticeably decrease.

The gasket is located between the exhaust manifold and the cylinder head. Its task is to under no circumstances allow gases to enter the space under the hood. The gasket is the weakest link of this assembly. She has to perform her functions in particularly difficult conditions. It is these gaskets that car enthusiasts often have to replace.

In addition, the car will start every once in a while, and from under the hood you can hear sounds that are unnatural for a car. To replace the gasket, you need to remove the air intakes, then you will need to remove the VAZ exhaust manifold. Sometimes this requires dismantling the thermal screen. Now you need to unscrew the bolts that connect the exhaust manifold to the engine.

Next, the VAZ exhaust manifold is removed. Immediately below it you can see the remains of the gasket. It will be necessary to work hard, because what is left of the gasket is strongly stuck to the cylinder head. First you need to remove the carbon deposits, and then clean the area where the VAZ manifold is adjacent to the cylinder block. Next, you need to apply a special graphite lubricant to the surface, and then you can install a new gasket.

Signs of a burnt gasket

The easiest way is for the owner of a car with an injection engine, the operation of which is monitored by an ECU (electronic control unit). It sends a signal about a gasket failure to the dashboard, where the Check light comes on. This means that the lambda probe, which is usually equipped with the manifold, detected a change in the volume of oxygen in the exhaust, informing the ECU. The engine begins to operate in emergency mode until the defect is eliminated.

“Symptoms” of a burnt gasket:

• the engine is unstable;
• makes an uncharacteristic sound during operation;
• The cabin smells like exhaust gases.

ATTENTION! The fact that the exhaust manifold gasket has burned out is indicated by a recognizable chirping sound created by gases that break through the seal. Motorists often say that the engine “cuts.”

Exhausts through ventilation and heating systems quickly penetrate into the cabin, which is fraught not only with a deterioration of the microclimate, but also with negative consequences for health. This is why replacing the exhaust manifold gasket becomes a forced but necessary measure.

Signs of trouble

Exhaust manifold gasket

One of the main signs of a leak in the system is a “sporty” growling sound when the engine speed increases. This may be a symptom of various exhaust system problems. To check, it is better to take an assistant and go to a garage with a pit or to an overpass. Most often, you can determine by eye whether the problem lies in the muffler, resonator or exhaust.

Gasket wear may become apparent during planting. Open the hood and start the car - white or grayish smoke rising from the manifold during warm-up indicates a leak for this reason. VAZ car owners usually encounter this problem once every 3-4 years. When using low-quality spare parts and before. The solution may be to manufacture a custom-made steel gasket. It can last as long as the entire collector.

Replacing the gasket

The marker of a failed gasket is considered to be soot that forms in the place where the exhaust escapes. In this case, proceed to replacing the defective seal.

What is needed for repair

To replace the exhaust manifold gasket, prepare the following materials and tools:

• screwdrivers (slotted and Phillips);
• sharp knife or spatula (remove used gasket);
• spanners included;
• anti-rust liquid (for example, WD-40);
• 5 liter wide-neck container (for draining antifreeze);
• dry rags.

ATTENTION! When replacing the manifold gasket on a VAZ 2114 (as on other factory models), it is necessary to drain the antifreeze in advance, otherwise the engine intake windows can be flooded.

Step by Step Actions

The process of replacing a seal when it fails is simple, but has nuances for different engines. In general terms, the algorithm for dismantling and subsequent installation of the VK gasket looks like this:

1. Open the hood and remove the air intake with the carburetor, under which there is a manifold.
2. Remove the thermal screen covering the VC (some older models do not have a screen).
3. Unscrew the bolts that attach the spider to the exhaust pipe, and then the bolts connecting it to the engine block.
4. Proceed to removing the exhaust manifold itself, on which sits a burnt-out gasket, which often “sticks” to the VC.
5. Carefully clean the area between the cylinder head and the manifold with a spatula, removing carbon deposits and fragments of worn gasket from the second.
6. Once the area is shiny, coat it with graphite lubricant and install a new gasket.
7. Treat the fasteners with the same lubricant (to prevent corrosion).

Finally, return all dismantled parts to their rightful places.

Replacing the gasket VAZ 2114

First, remove the engine protection from the car standing on the overpass, having previously drained the antifreeze, and then proceed as follows:

1. Remove the air filter, having first disconnected the negative terminal of the battery.
2. The fuel pipes with the accelerator cable are disconnected from the throttle.
3. Disable the idle speed/throttle sensors.
4. Disconnect the crankcase ventilation and brake booster hoses, turning off the receiver.
5. Remove the latter by disconnecting the wires at the injection control unit.
6. Dismantle the fuel rail without unscrewing the injectors.
7. The receiving pipe is detached from the VC.
8. Remove the intake and exhaust manifolds one by one.
9. Remove the old gasket.
10. Clean the joint between the manifold and the cylinder head with a knife.
11. Install a new gasket and perform reverse installation.
12. Fill in coolant.

The exhaust manifold gasket will last a long time if you use quality fuel and monitor antifreeze levels to prevent engine overheating. You also check the reliability of the joint between the cylinder head and the cylinder head and immediately change the gasket if you notice its malfunction. In addition, you need to buy gaskets from reputable manufacturers.

How to extend gasket life

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

• monitor the condition of the cooling system, check the level of antifreeze (antifreeze) to prevent engine overheating;
• use only high-quality fuel;
• check the tightness of the connection between the cylinder head and the exhaust manifold;
• If you find that the integrity of the gasket is damaged, do not wait until it burns out completely, replace it;
• When buying an exhaust manifold gasket, choose a quality product from well-known manufacturers.

Replacement of exhaust manifold gasket VAZ-2114 8 valves

I decided to solve the problem with the sound that was in the previous post. I stopped by the station, the man listened and said that the manifold gasket needs to be changed, there is a sound, and it’s because of the “clatter”, I asked how much it would cost to replace the gasket? They told me that the price would be 3800-4500, here I’m a bit of an ass, previously 2800-3500 for a pant liner, but now 4000 for a manifold. Okay, I understand, I went to the store, took the gasket, the price turned out to be 170 rubles, the original one, I thought it would be more expensive, but oh well. I chose a day and went to the garage, watched some videos on how to change this gasket, but everywhere they wrote that you don’t need to change it yourself, it’s very dangerous, etc. My arms grow straight, so I’ll do it myself. But unfortunately, I didn’t find a detailed example for beginners with photographs, so I decided to make one, because you never know, it will be useful for someone. Let’s start:

Attention, I will immediately warn you that when you unscrew the manifold, do not under any circumstances allow your nuts or washer, no matter what, to fall into the intake and exhaust holes!

Required tool for replacement

Before you begin the process itself, you need to decide on the necessary tools. So, what will you need: a ratchet and sockets for 17, 19; screwdrivers with flat and Phillips tips; a set of keys and the gasket itself.

Now that everything is prepared, you can start working directly. In order for the manifold to be removed without any problems and rusted bolts not to create trouble, everything must be lubricated with WD-40 before performing the operation. It is advisable to do this several times. Before performing the operation, you need to think again, weigh everything and calculate your strength.

The main signs and causes of failure of the VAZ 2114 intake manifold

• The main symptom of a failed intake manifold is a sudden loss of car engine power.
• at the same time, there is an increase in fuel consumption , with a deterioration in traction and a drop in engine performance.

It is important to determine the cause of the breakdown and eliminate it in time.

1. Often a problem is indicated by a missing stud in one of the manifold flanges. It simply comes off when the collector goes “screw”, that is, due to temperature changes, for example in winter, or over time (average service life is 7 years), the collector begins to bend along the plane, and the pin simply “spits out”, pulls out .
2. Due to the fact that the manifold has “leaded”, a crack may form and, as a result, exhaust gases from the engine escape, and the manifold must be replaced.

Before changing the gasket, make sure that all the studs are in place. When you remove the manifold, you also need to check the flatness of the exhaust manifold, because often these areas require grinding or replacing the entire part.

Manifold flaps often fail. This happens for several reasons: low-quality material used to make these dampers, too high a temperature, and the presence of oil condensate.

A sign that oil has entered the intake manifold is increased oil consumption.

• The control valve for these dampers may also fail.

Causes of malfunctions

The key factor that causes 90% of exhaust manifold malfunctions on VAZ 2114 cars is high temperature and poor quality materials from which the parts are made. During operation, the steel repeatedly heats up and cools down, which leads to the appearance of cracks in the body. This is a common occurrence for VAZ cars older than 7-8 years.

Auto repair shops offer crack welding services using argon welding. However, for a number of reasons, this activity is useless for cars older than 7 years.

1) Just removing and installing the exhaust manifold will cost about 2.5 thousand rubles. Taking into account the work of the welder and other actions, the cost of repairs can be 4-5 thousand rubles. If you do the work yourself, buying a new part will cost less.

2) Welding, even argon welding, disrupts the structure of “tired” metal. A boiled part rarely lasts longer than a year, after which new holes appear. The older the car, the faster the problem returns, and the collector has to be removed again.

If the car is older than 8 years and there are problems with cracks in the manifold, it is better to remove the part and replace it with a new one.