Design of the Priora internal combustion engine cooling system
Below in the picture you can see a diagram of the engine cooling on a Priora with a description of its components.
The cooling system includes the following elements:
- Cooling radiator;
- Water pump (pump);
- Thermostat;
- Interior heater;
- Expansion tank and its cover;
- Cooling Fan;
- ICE shirt;
- Pipes;
All these details seriously affect the operation of the SOD, namely its effectiveness. Failure or improper operation of one of the parts can lead to malfunctions in the operation of the internal combustion engine and its overheating.
Device and features
The cooling system of the Priora internal combustion engine has a standard set of main components:
- radiator;
- thermostat;
- electric fan;
- water pump;
- heater;
- engine jacket;
- connecting hoses;
- expansion tank.
By circulating through the large and small circuits, the coolant prevents the engine from overheating, maintaining the desired temperature. Structurally, the cooling system of the Priora is simple and no different from other internal combustion engines with an injector, with the exception of small parts.
Radiator and forced cooling fan
They mainly serve to bring the working fluid to the optimal temperature for the functioning of the engine (the operating temperature of the Priora engine with 16 valves is 90–95 degrees). The predecessor of the Priora VAZ 2110 often installed a cooler made of copper alloys, but due to cheaper prices, designers switched to aluminum analogues.
The operation of the fan depends on the engine control unit.
It receives information from the DTOZH (this is a sensor that reads temperature readings) located in the water jacket of the power unit. If the permissible temperature values are exceeded, the control unit connects an electric fan to improve cooling efficiency. A faulty fan or clogged radiator can lead to a constant increase in optimal engine temperatures, which shortens the service life and can cause costly repairs.
Thermostat
Its task is to promptly open coolant access to a large circle of the engine cooling system (engine cooling system) after the engine reaches the optimal temperature. In simple terms, the thermostat allows you to quickly warm up the engine and regulates the operation of the entire system. During warming up, the thermostat valve is in the closed position, antifreeze does not flow through the large circuit (the radiator is not activated). As it warms up, the valve opens slightly under the influence of rising temperature, and antifreeze begins to move through the radiator along a larger circuit.
A thermostat malfunction can result in overheating of the power unit (if the valve is stuck closed) or, conversely, the operating temperature rises very slowly (when the valve is stuck in the open position). Overheating is much more dangerous. Beginners can identify this malfunction if the engine heats up all the time and the fan on the Priora is constantly running.
Pump (water pump) and heater
Without the first part, the coolant circulation circuit in the system is impossible. If the water pump is faulty, at best there will be a coolant leak from the system. In the worst case, the pump may jam, which will lead to a broken timing belt and subsequent problems, the solution of which will result in expensive repairs.
The heater, or simply the stove, consists of a radiator, pipes and a fan. Can additionally cool the antifreeze in the system. An indispensable unit in winter. Provides the interior with warm air.
Connecting elements and expansion tank
It serves as a receiving compartment where gases and vapors are discharged when the coolant is heated. Also, the expansion tank is the level for the entire cooling system. One of the main elements in the tank is the valve cover through which air is forced out. There is antifreeze, it begins to boil when the engine temperature rises critically.
The connecting hoses serve as a pipeline for the circulation of coolant and connecting elements of all structural units, thus creating a single looped and sealed circuit.
The design of the cooling system also includes an engine temperature sensor on the Priora and an engine jacket. The sensor constantly reads information about the current antifreeze temperature and transmits it to the ECU. The location of the power plant jacket is structurally assumed in the cylinder block housing; it serves to remove heat through the coolant.
Reasons why Priora overheats
There can be many reasons for overheating, but they are all of the same type and finding the cause of this illness is quite simple.
Cooling radiator
This part serves to cool the liquid, which, passing through the radiator, is cooled by a counter flow of air and then enters the engine, cooling it. When a radiator becomes dirty or damaged due to an impact, its tubes become bent, preventing the free flow of fluid through the system, thereby preventing the fluid from cooling to the required temperature. Due to this problem, overheating of the internal combustion engine is possible.
The problem can be solved by replacing the radiator with a new one, or by flushing it.
water pump
The water pump is used to help circulate coolant through the system. The pump is a part with a gear, shaft, housing, impeller and bearings. Quite often on a Priora it happens that the impeller on the pump breaks or turns, and this leads to the impossibility of antifreeze circulating through the system and, consequently, to overheating of the internal combustion engine.
The problem is solved by replacing the pump with a new one.
Thermostat
To limit engine cooling and maintain its optimal temperature, a special thermostat valve is used. It stops the circulation of fluid through the radiator, thereby heating the engine to operating temperature; as soon as the optimal temperature is reached, the thermostat opens and allows fluid to flow through the cooling radiator.
It happens that the thermostat gets stuck in the closed position and this leads to overheating of the motor. It is quite simple to determine this malfunction; you just need to touch the lower radiator pipe; it should be hot; if it is colder than all the others, it means that the thermostat is jammed and must be replaced.
Cooling Fan
To cool the engine of a car sitting in a traffic jam, a special fan is used, which simulates the flow of air encountered and cools the radiator. If this part fails, then there will be no cooling of the engine in the plug, which will lead to overheating of the engine.
If the engine cooling fan does not turn on, you need to check the temperature sensor, fuse and power connector.
Engine pipes
After any repairs, some pipes may sometimes become bent, which will lead to the cessation of fluid circulation through the system and overheating of the internal combustion engine. If the Priora is heating up, then it is necessary to check the pipes for integrity and compression.
Replacing elements
Structurally, the Lada Priora engine cooling system has a simple design. Therefore, we will consider replacing only individual components, with which certain difficulties are possible, especially for beginners.
Replacing the cooling system radiator
This unit on cars rarely changes. Typically, this procedure is necessary when a leak occurs that cannot be eliminated. Its service life can be 10 years or more. Cases when replacing the radiator are simply necessary are as follows:
- unprofessional repairs in the engine compartment, during which the radiator cooler tubes were damaged;
- damage as a result of an accident;
- Increased pressure in the system caused the leak.
Removing the old and installing a new radiator, as well as replacing antifreeze on a Priora with air conditioning, is somewhat more difficult. Therefore, to save time and nerves, it is better to entrust this matter to professionals. If there is no air conditioning, you can change the radiator yourself.
Algorithm of actions.
- Unscrew the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator and drain the antifreeze into a suitable container.
- Show all the pipes that go to the radiator.
- Unscrew the fastening nut from the top and right side.
- The fan can be left on the radiator; it can be removed at any time.
- Move the radiator towards the engine and lift it up, thereby removing it from the engine compartment.
If the fan remains on the radiator, you need to disconnect the terminal from it. Installation of a new radiator is carried out in the reverse order of removal. If necessary, you can change the antifreeze.
Replacing the thermostat
Another important element of the cooling system, which can be changed independently. This is done as follows.
- The car needs to be placed on a viewing hole, or at least hang the front part so that it is possible to crawl up from below.
- Unscrew the cap of the expansion tank.
- Remove the engine protection (if there is one) and unscrew the drain plug on the cylinder block from below (not visible from above).
- Before unscrewing the drain nut, you need to place a suitable container under it. Then you can unscrew the plug and drain the coolant. Work is carried out on a cooled engine, otherwise there is a high risk of getting burns.
- Under the air filter to the right of the cylinder block you need to find the thermostat and, by loosening the clamp nuts, remove the pipes from it.
- Using a hexagon, unscrew the thermostat fasteners and remove it.
Before installing a new thermostat, you should pay attention to the rubber seal where it is attached to the block. To improve the tightness, it is necessary to coat it with a silicone gasket sealant. Next, all that remains is to install a new thermostat, connect all the pipes and fill in the coolant. After this, you need to start the engine and warm it up to 90 degrees, then inspect the thermostat and pipes for leaks. If necessary, you need to add antifreeze and remove the air lock, if any.
After replacing the thermostat, all that remains is to check its functionality. If the thermostat is working properly, the lower radiator hose should be cool when starting and running a cold engine. You need to let the engine run until it reaches operating temperature.
After the pointer on the instrument panel shows 90 degrees, you need to touch the lower pipe again. It should heat up smoothly. If this does not happen, the thermostat is faulty.
Why does the Priora engine overheat, and what to do about it?
(09/03/13) Daniil I recently purchased a VAZ 2170 (Priora) and overall I’m quite pleased with everything. But if you stop without turning off the engine, the temperature sensor shows 98, or even 100ºС. The same thing happens when driving in first and second speed. What should you do in this situation?
Engine temperature in a Priora First of all, you need to find out what the operating temperature of the engine is, and what it is for the VAZ 2170. The car’s engine is equipped with a cooling system, inside which coolant circulates. The temperature of this fluid is the working temperature for the engine and is measured by a special sensor, and information about its value is displayed on the dashboard. What operating temperature of the Priora engine is considered average? When driving at a speed of 80 km/h, in a normally loaded vehicle and with environmental conditions not exceeding 20ºC, the coolant temperature is 95ºC. When the liquid heats up to 102ºС, the fan turns on, providing additional cooling. Thus, you have no reason to worry - your car's power plant is working normally. Overheating will be indicated by the indicator needle entering the red part of the scale.
It happens that the temperature sensor is faulty. What are the symptoms of engine overheating and what should you pay attention to:
- if in winter warm air suddenly stops flowing into the cabin, then perhaps the level of coolant in the power unit has dropped and it has stopped flowing into the heater;
- black puffs of smoke from the exhaust pipe and knocking may indicate detonation of the internal combustion engine, which can also be caused by its overheating;
- a sharp drop in engine power.
Most drivers, when overheating, immediately stop the car and turn off the engine. In fact, immediate stopping of the engine is necessary only in one case - if the cooling system has depressurized and its liquid is pouring out. In all other situations, the driver’s actions must be as follows:
- Turning on the interior heating at maximum power. Due to this, the fluid temperature will drop and the engine will begin to cool faster.
- Having turned on the emergency lights and depressed the clutch, try to smoothly roll to the side of the road or leave the roadway altogether.
- Let the engine idle for a couple more minutes without turning off the heating system.
After stopping the engine completely, you need to let it cool for 20-30 minutes (depending on the ambient temperature), after which you can measure the coolant level and, if necessary, add antifreeze to the cooling system.
Do not open the radiator cap immediately after stopping the engine! The liquid in it is under pressure and can cause serious burns. If for some reason the plug of a still hot radiator needs to be unscrewed, then it must first be wrapped in a thick rag in several layers. Further actions depend on the cause of the overheating and whether it can be eliminated on site or whether it is necessary to contact service.
