For those who don’t know what a thermostat is and how it works, a little theory...
The main function of the thermostat is to control the coolant temperature and prevent engine overheating. The temperature is regulated by a valve installed in the cooling system; it automatically opens when the temperature is higher than necessary and, vice versa, closes if the coolant is too cold. The second is necessary in order to reduce the engine warm-up time in cold weather. The coolant can move in a “small” or “large” circle. To warm up the engine faster, the thermostat closes the large circle and the coolant flows through the small circle; when the coolant temperature reaches 85 °C, the thermostat valve begins to open at 100 °C, it is fully open.
The thermostat operates solely under the influence of the laws of physics; it is completely mechanical. The opening of the valve occurs due to a solid heat-sensitive element, which melts when heated, opening the damper for the free movement of coolant in a large circle.
What is a thermostat?
A thermostat is a component of a vehicle's cooling system that maintains the recommended coolant temperature.
The main component is the valve.
Depending on the position of this valve, the liquid will flow in a large or small circle. With the help of a thermostat, the engine will not overheat as a result of constant operation over a long period of time.
In the case of winter cold, the device significantly saves the fuel needed to operate the engine. Plus, the time spent warming up the vehicle engine to the optimal temperature will be reduced. On a car such as the Lada Kalina, replacing the thermostat is necessary if, in the temperature range of +85...+100 degrees Celsius, its valve does not open.
The principle of operation is to comply with the normal laws of physics. The solid heat-sensitive element melts during the heating process, due to which the damper opens independently. The degree of openness depends, first of all, on how much the heat-sensitive element has melted. As the device operates, it determines the further path of coolant flow.
Let us remember that it can flow either in a small or in a large circle.
How can you modify the heater?
The new models Lada Kalina 2 and Lada Granta use a cooling system operating scheme with parallel connection of the heater radiator. Because of this, the operating temperature is reduced to 85 degrees, which is slightly lower than on previous models of the VAZ family. Many car owners seriously believe that this temperature cannot be normal - there is increased fuel consumption, as well as a decrease in the service life of moving engine parts due to premature wear. But according to experts, there is no connection between the reduced operating temperature and engine life.
The cooling system of the Lada Kalina works more efficiently thanks to a single-circuit design. Such a modernization only benefited the engine; it made it possible to change the ignition timing, resulting in fuel savings. The inertia of the thermostat is also reduced. The downside was the mediocre heating of the cabin at sub-zero temperatures. The way out of the situation is to independently modify the thermostat. Modification involves two main methods:
- shorten the rod of the solid-state temperature-sensitive element;
- replace the thermocouple.
For cars with a cable gas pedal, a heated throttle assembly from the cooling system is used. In this case, an additional circulation circle is added.
Adjusting the thermocouple rod
Shortening the end of the thermosensitive element rod will allow you to adjust the operating temperature to 90-95 degrees. Trimming is carried out sequentially in increments of no more than one millimeter. The metal is soft, so the procedure must be carried out carefully. It is advisable to reinstall the thermostat after each millimeter cut and check how much the operating temperature rises while driving.
If the result does not meet expectations, you can adjust the rod further until the arrow on the instrument panel shows 95 degrees and the air in the cabin begins to warm up faster. The method is simple but effective. Among the disadvantages, there is a slight increase in wear of SOD parts due to operation at high temperatures. If you overdo it with shortening, you can ruin the device.
Replacing the temperature sensor
The thermocouple can be replaced entirely. The Wahler brand thermostat insert is suitable for Lada Kalina: 3017.87 D (at 87° C) or 3091.92 B (at 90° C). The thermoelement is replaced as an assembly with a spring, and the device will have to be cut with a hacksaw to remove the insert. A more convenient option is to buy a thermostat from BEHR - you don’t have to cut or adjust anything
You can also use analogues from Daewoo Nexia or Renault Logan cars. Logan's thermal insert requires adjustment.
If a LUZAR thermostat is installed on Grant, then replacing the temperature-sensitive element is not possible.
Judging by the reviews of car owners who have made such modifications, fuel consumption while warming up the engine has decreased slightly.
Throttle body heating
Another way to upgrade the heater is to create an additional throttle valve heating circuit. Some drivers are trying to prevent the unit from freezing in winter in this way. The method is clearly not for beginners. It consists of drilling a hole in the cover of the device and welding an additional fitting to it, through which heated antifreeze will be discharged. The thermostat mounting studs will also have to be lengthened. The process is labor-intensive and ultimately impractical. Freezing of the throttle assembly is the exception rather than the rule, so there is no point in carrying out such an upgrade.
Symptoms and consequences
Like any other mechanism, the thermostat can break down instantly. If this happens, the main thing is to detect the breakdown in time. Most often, a faulty mechanism can be detected when:
- increasing the amount of time required to fully warm up the power unit;
- the presence of elevated temperature in the power unit or even overheating.
The worst consequence of driving a car with a faulty thermostat is an overheated engine. There is no need to remind you once again about the consequences that overheating can cause. Therefore, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the issue of replacing a problematic thermostat on a Lada Kalina car.
The best thermostat for VAZ 2110, 2111 and 2112
| The main task of the thermostat is to prevent engine overheating, as well as rapid warm-up and timely removal of heat from heating parts. Is the thermostat not working on your VAZ 2110? No problem, just replace it with a new one. And to avoid problems with it in the future, you should choose the right thermostat in the store... |
Signs of a malfunctioning thermostat:
- The engine gets very hot.
- The engine does not reach operating temperature.
- What was the lifespan of the old thermostat?
- Which thermostat manufacturer is better?
- Is it better to replace the thermostat assembly or just its thermocouple?
ps All off-topic comments will be deleted. xn--2111-43da1a8c.xn--p1ai
Replacement Tools
First of all, you will need a working thermostat for your Lada Kalina car. During the work, you will have to drain the coolant. In order not to look for a suitable container already in the process, we recommend taking a simple five-liter container with you. In this case, even an ordinary five-liter bottle into which artesian mineral water is poured is suitable.
Just like in the case of other cars in which the thermostat is replaced, the 8-valve Viburnum will require two socket wrenches that secure the device. In this model, the nuts have two sizes - 12 and 13. Cleaning the seat is impossible without the use of sealant. To properly install the new thermostat, take with you a special silicone-based sealant; it will work fine. Plus, you will have to take a Phillips screwdriver. Finally, the main thing you can’t do without is one and a half to two hours of free time.
In what cases is it necessary to check pressure?
The pressure in the fuel rail should be checked if certain problems arise with the fuel system. The main signs of a malfunction include the following factors:
- Increased fuel consumption;
- Unstable engine operation at idle speed;
- Engine tripping occurs;
- An increased CO content is observed in the exhaust gases.
Sometimes the problems listed above may indicate a problem with the electronic control unit. Therefore, before starting to check the pressure in the fuel rail, the driver is recommended to make sure that the ECU is working properly.
Management
We bring to your attention detailed instructions for completely replacing the thermostat with a new one. Even if you don’t understand how to replace the thermostat on a viburnum, the video will help clarify the situation.
1. Disconnect the sensor from the air filter housing and remove the air filter. As a rule, it will take no more than ten minutes to dismantle it. This is done correctly like this:
- completely unscrew the 2 screws located on top, as well as the nut located on the side of the engine compartment. We recommend leaving these parts in one place so that later you don’t have to look for them separately on the market;
- remove the connector installed on the recirculation valve (it, in turn, is based on the filter housing);
- lift the valve up, and then, without disconnecting the tubes, move it all to the free side;
- by unplugging the plug from the air sensor, remove the air hose by loosening the clamp;
- Having slightly loosened and turned the air filter housing, it should come out.
2. Before carrying out direct disassembly, get rid of some of the coolant.
3. Take a 8mm socket wrench and a screwdriver. Use it to loosen the clamps , and then remove the four hoses.
A well-pumped system will not allow liquid to spill in large quantities.
4. Take a 12mm wrench and remove the wire by unscrewing the top nut on the thermostat.
5. Now take the key for 13. There is a nut and a stud on the thermostat - you will find the first in the upper part of the housing, the second at the bottom. Try to remove the thermostat by gently loosening it.
Helpful advice: loosen the thermostat carefully, sometimes helping yourself with a screwdriver.
These actions must be performed because during operation, high temperatures literally “solder” the thermostat, causing the housing to stick. Help with a screwdriver will solve this problem.
6. Next, clean the seat from accumulated dirt (there will be a lot of it there). Don't leave the old gasket in place - get rid of it completely. Wipe the seating areas with a clean cloth. Using sealant, 1-1.5 mm of substance per seat, or use a paper gasket. The best option at the moment is sealant. If you have applied it, stop working for 5-10 minutes. During this time, the sealant needs to crystallize. In the case of a paper gasket, work can be carried out immediately.
7. Installation of a new thermostat is carried out in the exact opposite order of removal. It is important not to forget to replace the temperature sensor from the old thermostat. It is also important to connect the ground wire. This is done by screwing the ground wire onto the top stud.
8. After all hoses are reconnected, add coolant to the system . Its quantity can be selected based on how much liquid you drained during disassembly of the old faulty device. To accomplish this task, the method of removing air pockets is used.
In test mode, start the engine. While it is idling, make sure that all hose attachment points are not leaking . If such a problem occurs, tighten the loose clamps.
Operating temperature of 8-valve
The normal operating temperature for eight-valve engines on Kalinas and Grants is exactly 90 ºC. But owners complain that sometimes it has difficulty reaching 80 degrees even in warm weather. The reason lies in the thermostat - it opens fully at a temperature of 85 degrees. Moreover, the permissible deviation from this value is very large - (85±8.3) ºС.
But the fuel mixture can only ignite normally if the engine temperature is about 90 degrees. This is the value stored in the electronic control unit. If the temperature is too low, the mixture becomes richer (the amount of gasoline increases). This is the main problem that occurs when the temperature drops. And in winter the heater works worse.
Your case
Temperature diagram. Normal operating temperature is at 90 on the instrument panel.
A stuck thermostat valve is a typical malfunction of the engine cooling system.
That is, the liquid that has not yet been heated is supplied to the cooling radiator and blown by a strong wind flow. Indeed, with an increase in air temperature, the problem will partly go away. That’s why they used to put cardboard on it and drive like that for years. But we don't recommend doing this.
Solution
The problem of low temperature of the engine cooling system can be eliminated by installing a thermostat that opens at 92ºC. The WAHLER 3091.92D element performs excellently.
Original packaging of Wahler 3091.92d thermostat.
The element itself - the opening temperature is stamped on the body.
You just have to disassemble it and transfer the inside to Kalina’s original thermostat.
We saw off the plate, bend the body and take out the thermoelement.
We sharpen the spring so that the pressure point becomes flatter.
For comparison, thermoelements Wahler 3091.92d and the original one.
Be sure to use new gaskets and lubricate them with a small amount of sealant - this will prevent coolant leaks.
How the device works
Photo 2 (Heater valve operation diagram)
Heater valve operation diagram
When the engine is cold, the thermostat valve is in the closed position, and antifreeze circulates in a small circle, passing only through the heater core and through the water jacket of the block. When the engine warms up to operating temperature, the valve opens completely and the liquid begins to circulate in a large circle, passing through the radiator, where it cools. This prevents overheating of the power unit.
In winter, warming up takes less time thanks to the thermostat - the heater radiator heats up earlier, and the cabin becomes warm within a few minutes, while saving fuel. The thermostat must be replaced if, when the temperature reaches 95 degrees or more, the valve does not open - the engine begins to overheat. If the motor, on the contrary, cannot warm up, it means that the device does not close and must also be replaced.
In design, this is a simple product consisting of a body, a main and bypass valve, a temperature-sensitive element, two inlet and one outlet pipe. Depending on the manufacturer, the thermostat is made of copper, brass or heat-resistant plastic. The heat-sensitive solid element is based on technical wax. When heated, it melts and, expanding, presses on the main valve, forcing it to open, thereby passing coolant in a large circle. The wax melts quickly thanks to the copper, aluminum and graphite powder that is included in its composition.
You can check the performance of the heater without installing it in the cooling system. To do this, place the device in a container of water and place it on the stove. As the liquid heats up, the thermostat valve opens approximately 3 centimeters. This way you can make sure that the device is working properly before installing it.
Characteristics of the Lada Kalina thermostat
The thermostat is an important engine cooling system; it occupies a place between the radiator and the cylinder block of the power unit. By design, this is a housing with an automatic valve, which, when the coolant is heated to a certain temperature, opens a large circulation circuit through the main cooling radiator. By closing the large circuit when the engine is cool, the car warms up much faster when circulating through the small circuit. The wear of its moving parts is reduced, overheating is eliminated, and the volume of harmful substances released into the environment is reduced.
A working thermostat allows you to warm up the engine to operating temperature, which for Kalina is 90-95 degrees. Over time, the valve wears out, and the heater maintains a temperature of no higher than 80 degrees. A working device helps the engine quickly warm up even in severe frost. Thanks to this device, the stove on Kalina is considered one of the warmest on VAZ cars. According to experts and car enthusiasts, the best price-quality ratio is the standard thermostat produced by DAAZ. It's all about a special screw, with which you can independently adjust the valve opening temperature. It is impossible not to take into account the reliability of factory products, which in this regard are superior to most analogues.
The same thermostats are used for 8- and 16-valve engines.
Bottom line
Now we check whether we did everything correctly and how the new thermostat works. We start the engine and let it warm up to operating temperature. We touch the lower pipe, determining its temperature. If it is hot, then the thermostat is working as it should.
Do not forget to check the tightness of the connections between the pipes and the thermostat housing.
Sources
- https://expertVAZ.ru/lada-kalina/zamena-termostata.html
- https://enginehack.ru/termostat-kaliny/
- https://LadaKalina.club/service/zamena-termostata-avtomobilya-lada-kalina
- https://mylada.net/remont/zamena-termostata-kalina.html
- https://vaz.today/zamena-termostata-lada-kalina
- https://vaz-remont.ru/samostoyatelnaya-zamena-termostata-lada-kalina-poshagovaya-instrukciya/
