Engine for VAZ 21124: characteristics, malfunctions and tuning

JSC AvtoVAZ, in the process of producing cars of the tenth family, was constantly improving their power units. And engine 21124 is no exception.

Created on the basis of the 2112 engine in 2004, this engine differed favorably from other engines in this series due to its high environmental characteristics and increased cylinder capacity.

Later it became the prototype of more powerful VAZ power units:

• 21126, which has been installed on the VAZ 2170 Priora since 2007;
• 21128 with a volume of 1.8 liters, mass-produced at the Super-auto enterprise and intended for installation on LADA 112 Coupe, LADA Priora, etc.

Short description

The VAZ 21124 engine was installed on VAZ-2110, VAZ-2111 and VAZ-2112 cars. The engine is a continuation of the development of the VAZ-2112 engine. The main difference is the increase in engine capacity to 1.6 liters. This result was achieved by installing a crankshaft with an increased crank radius of 37.8 mm (for 2112 - 30.5 mm), while maintaining the cylinder diameter of 82 mm. The 21214 engine has a different cylinder block, with an increased height. A model 2112 damper is installed on the crankshaft. The main goal pursued by the designers was to increase environmental performance to meet the requirements of European standards.

Tuning

Simple firmware or chip tuning for 124 engines not the technical characteristics . To significantly increase power, it is necessary to modify the engine.

• The simplest and most common tuning of the 21124 engine is the installation of sports camshafts, a direct-flow resonator, an increased throttle - in this way you can increase the power to 120 hp. Installing a lighter piston engine can add some power to this. This, at the same time, will reduce the fuel consumption of the VAZ 21124.
• About 150 hp can be ensured by modification of the cylinder head and installation of camshafts with increased valve opening phases.
• Installing a compressor has approximately the same effect; it is installed on eight-valve and sixteen-valve engines.
• Stable engine operation at any speed is ensured by installing four chokes, one for each cylinder. According to popular experience, the most suitable option is to install an injection system from ToyotaLevin. To do this, a set is assembled from the chokes themselves, an adapter manifold, a zero-resistance filter, injectors, an absolute pressure sensor and a fuel pressure regulator. Due to the fact that the speed exceeds the limit, it is necessary to install lightweight piston and wide-phase camshafts. With this modification, engine power can reach 200 hp. But such modernization sharply reduces the service life of the engine, is fraught with frequent breakdowns and the need to carry out serious repairs of the VAZ 124, due to the fact that the engine easily and often spins up to 9,000 rpm.

Engine characteristics VAZ 21124 1.6 16V

Weak spots

Unfortunately, the updated engine still has old weak points. Traditionally, the electrician is lame. Failures in the operation of sensors (DPKV, MAF, DPS) cause unstable (floating) idle speed. Additionally, the cause of this phenomenon may be an excessively dirty throttle valve or a malfunction in the idle air regulator.

Troubling at idle speed is not uncommon. Here the cause must be sought in faulty ignition coils or spark plugs. It must be remembered that tripping can be caused by burnt-out valves.

Extraneous unauthorized knocks are inherent in internal combustion engines. Most often they indicate wear of the hydraulic compensators. Less often - for wear of the CPG.

Weaknesses make themselves felt in cases of violation of the order and rules of engine maintenance. In any case, if any malfunction is detected, the engine urgently requires diagnostics at a specialized car service center.

Cylinder block

The cylinder block of the 21124 engine (installed 11193-1002011) is made of high-strength cast iron.

This block is distinguished by the presence of special nozzles pressed into the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th main bearing supports. These nozzles are designed to cool the piston heads with oil while the engine is running.

Maintainability

All car enthusiasts note the high maintainability of the engine. Indeed, a cast-iron cylinder block allows cylinders to be bored repeatedly, which means that major overhauls of the internal combustion engine can be done several times.

There are no problems in selecting spare parts for restoration. They are available in any variety in every specialty store. The only trouble that an inexperienced car owner can run into is experiencing the possibility of purchasing counterfeit products. The Chinese manufacturer is considered especially “dangerous” in the supply of such spare parts.

The interchangeability of parts, assemblies and mechanisms from other engines in the VAZ 16V line is of great help to the car owner when repairing the unit.

The repair itself is simple and accessible to anyone who has little experience in performing such work. Many car enthusiasts take advantage of this and restore engines in garage conditions.

By the way, car services are also happy to take on this work due to its simplicity.

Cylinder head

There are no significant differences from the cylinder head of the 2112 engine. The only thing is a large surface area for joining the intake pipe flanges. The intake and exhaust camshafts, valves, springs and hydraulic lifters remain from the 2112 model.

The Lada of the tenth family in the hatchback body is the VAZ-2112 model. All cars of this family were produced until 2009. The range of engines included four options. Among them, by the way, were two 8-valve engines. Below we present the characteristics of 16-valve engines, but engines with 8 valves do not deserve attention. The torque graph proves these words true. So, let's look at the characteristics of VAZ-2112 engines with four valves per cylinder.

Two different 16-valve valves accelerate the car differently. Here is a video of the test drive.

In arctic conditions, a simple crane from model 2108 is more reliable.

In arctic conditions, a simple crane from model 2108 is more reliable.
In arctic conditions, a simple crane from model 2108 is more reliable.

For many people, shock absorbers work, as they say, until the bitter end - until they completely leak. Of course, you shouldn't wait for this. Body sway and loss of trajectory stability already by 60,000 km (a very worthy resource!) became quite noticeable, and we replaced the shock absorbers. Instead, they supplied SS20 products from System of Technologies. These, working to this day, do not knock, do not leak, and with them the car holds the road well.

The battery, after serving for three years, stopped accepting a charge. The reason is simple: the charging voltage is low - about 13.9 V, and even less when the headlights are on. The battery, remaining undercharged, quickly sulfates, and it is not always possible to “boost” it to its nominal capacity. Therefore, having bought a new one, we built a diode into the voltage regulator circuit, raising the voltage to 14.5 V. Since then, the battery has served faithfully.

Once, while traveling in the winter Arctic, the climate control failed - the heater damper drive burned out. There are no spare parts, and in the cold you can’t do much without a stove. We had to look for a solution. First of all, we forcibly opened and locked the damper. Heat entered the cabin, and its excess was dumped out the open window. The next day, the mechanics of an unknown service station cut a tap from a G8 into the heater hose, and its drive—a choke cable from a Lada—was brought into the cabin under the steering column.

Graphs of 16 valve engines - power and torque

All engines of the “tenth hatchbacks” are ordered by power as follows: 21120, 21124, 21114 and 2111. They develop 93, 90, 81 and 77 “forces”. The graph shows how power varies with rpm.

The first two engines, 20 and 124, are 16-valve. Both belong to the Euro-3 class.

Engines 21124 of later years of production meet Euro-4 standards. They have an improved catalyst installed. The ECU unit was also installed differently, updated.

124 engine under the hood of the “two-wheeler”

The pistons of the 124 series engines have grooves for the valves. Simply put, the internal combustion engine of the VAZ-21120 is plug-in (valve bending as a result of a broken timing belt, the valves will need to be replaced, and then it depends), and 21124 is not plug-in (does not bend the valve). Let's estimate the torque.

The most interesting thing here is the VAZ-21120 engine. In terms of “low-end traction” it is not much inferior to 8-valve engines.

Formal characteristics

Here are the characteristics of two different motors:

• ICE model: 21120/21124;
• Working volume: 1,488/1,596 l;
• Compression ratio: 10.5/10.3;
• Power: 93/90 hp;
• Rated power speed: 5600/5000 rpm;
• Maximum torque: 140/131 N*m;
• Recommended fuel: AI-95/AI-95;
• Ecology: Euro-3/Euro-4 or Euro-3.

The lower the compression ratio, the more “omnivorous” the engine will be in relation to fuel.

Reliability

The reliability of the VAZ-21124 internal combustion engine is indicated by the fact that it exceeds the mileage life established by the manufacturer. There are engines that have gone through more than 300 thousand km without major repairs. This is clearly visible from the communications of forum members. Thus, Maxim writes: “... an engine with a long service life. Mileage 330 thousand. Doesn't take oil. Replace the timing belt according to the regulations, every 45-50 thousand km, pump every 100 thousand. The oil was 5-40 synthetic.”

The manufacturer constantly makes changes to the design of the motor in order to increase its reliability. There has been a decrease in electrical failures (due to the abandonment of high-voltage wires, the installation of individual coils and other innovations).

Two more important reliability criteria - “stickless” pistons

The piston bottom is counterbored to prevent collision with the valves and the thermal clearance of the valves is adjusted without the participation of the car owner (due to the installation of hydraulic compensators).

The internal combustion engine has a fairly high safety margin. As a result of properly carried out tuning, you can painlessly remove 130-150 hp from it. With.

Reliability is indirectly indicated by the fact that VAZ-21120 engines can be easily purchased on the secondary market, but VAZ-21124 engines are not so easy to find.

Thus, the only conclusion that emerges is that the VAZ-21124 is a reliable power unit with timely and correct maintenance.

Some conclusions

The steel receiver looks powerful and beautiful

All VAZ-2112 hatchback engines differ in characteristics, and the differences are significant. It seems that the best option would be a 16-valve 1.5-liter engine. But the 21124 (1.6) engine has its advantages:

• Rated power is achieved at 5000 rpm rather than 5600;
• A broken timing belt does not lead to bending of the valves and their replacement;
• It is acceptable to use 92nd gasoline.

Heater radiator - change! The steam outlet fitting is broken.

Heater radiator - change!
The steam outlet fitting is broken. Heater radiator - change! The steam outlet fitting is broken.

By the end of the reporting period, the trunk floor presented a problem: its plastic base crumbled into fragments, the carpet turned into a shapeless rag. Based on the prints on the rug, we cut out 5 mm thick hardboard panels and glued them to the upholstery with “liquid nails” - it turned out they didn’t hold! I had to put him on wire braces. The decision was completely justified.

Each kilometer of our “two-wheeler” cost 2.23 rubles. We think it’s acceptable, and in general we’re happy with the car. Although, of course, it’s a pity that the energy and time wasted on numerous repairs.

Final table (click to open full size):

VAZ 16-valve engines: video comparison

• Engines
• VAZ
• 21124

The 1.6-liter 16-valve engine of the VAZ 21124 was produced by the concern from 2004 to 2013 and was first installed on models of the tenth family, and then for some time on the Samara 2. This engine was replaced on the assembly line by a 1.5-liter 16-valve power unit with the index 2112.

The VAZ 16V line also includes: 11194, 21126, 21127, 21129, 21128 and 21179.

• Characteristics
• Description
• Consumption
• Application
• Reviews
• Service
• Breakdowns
• Prices

Malfunctions

VAZ 21124 engines have the same set of characteristic disadvantages characteristic of all VAZ engines. The most common:

Technical characteristics of the VAZ 21124 1.6 16v engine

Change of oil

To replace, you will need a few tools and a special container for old oil. Procedure for draining old oil:

• Unscrew the special plug located under the power unit. To do this, you can use a 17 key or just your hands.
• You need to drain it very carefully so that the oil does not get on the floor or your skin, as it is very hot. If you are careless, you can get a serious burn and other troubles.
• After unscrewing, you should wipe the oil pan and the 2112 engine itself. This is necessary to keep everything clean. We wrap the cork and move on.
• We unscrew the oil filter located under the hood of the car. This action should be done using a special screwdriver or puller.
• After this, you can coat the gasket of the new filter with oil and screw the latter onto the fitting. You need to be very careful about the force applied so as not to damage the thread.

Procedure for filling:

• Remove the cap from the filler neck;
• We take high-quality oil and fill it in an amount of 3.4 liters. You should monitor the level very carefully so that the VAZ 21128 engine receives its amount of special fluid;
• After all this, you can start the power unit and let it run for a few minutes. This is necessary so that the oil passes through all systems and creates a protective film. Next, turn off the unit and check the oil level.
• If it is necessary to add, then add;
• You should also look at the dashboard. If the VAZ 21128 engine is running stably, then the check engine light should not be on.

Design features of the Lada 21124 16 valve engine

First of all, the internal combustion engine differs from the previous 1.5‑liter VAZ 2112 in a higher block. And an increase in the piston stroke by 4.6 mm made it possible to increase the engine displacement to 1.6 liters. Thanks to the holes in the piston bottoms, this power unit does not bend if the valve belt breaks.

This motor has received a number of modern design solutions. In addition to the previously used hydraulic compensators, it was the first to use individual ignition coils. And the catalytic collector allowed it to comply with strict environmental standards of EURO 3 (later EURO 4).

Popular blogger Evgeny Travnikov compares the characteristics of the 24th and 26th internal combustion engines.

The magazine Behind the Wheel wrote about the new AvtoVAZ engines 21114 and 21124

Some interesting details

If you decide to buy yourself a five-door hatchback, then give preference to 21124. This is the latest modification, which is considered one of the best. All previous versions had significant shortcomings, especially with regard to the bending of the pistons. In 21124 this problem does not arise. It was decided to increase the depth of the grooves in the piston crowns by several millimeters. Of course, you shouldn't expect anything supernatural. But the ground clearance allows you to drive on our roads, and the chassis can withstand serious loads, and if something happens, it can be quickly repaired.

Reviews of engine 21124 its pros and cons

This power unit at one time replaced the 1.5-liter VAZ 2112 engine and, in theory, should have become more powerful than its predecessor, but in reality it turned out to be even a little weaker due to the catalytic converter. The owners were upset that with the transition to a larger volume, the power did not increase.

Great progress was the emergence of individual coils; there were much fewer failures in the ignition system. In all other respects, this is a typical VAZ engine of its time.

Features of the fuel system and ignition system

First of all, it should be noted that the VAZ-21124 uses a new type of fuel rail, made of a stainless alloy and different from the one on the VAZ-2112, primarily in that there is no drain line in the fuel system. The required gasoline pressure in the line is maintained by a special valve installed in the fuel pump.

As for the ignition system, what is special about it is that high-voltage wires were excluded from its design. The fact is that on the 21124 engine, each spark plug received a separate ignition coil.

The coils are fixed directly to the spark plugs and, in addition, have an additional attachment to the cylinder head cover. Thanks to this innovation, the reliability and efficiency of the ignition system has increased significantly.

Maintenance regulations for internal combustion engine VAZ 21124

The service book recommends that you undergo zero maintenance at a mileage of 2,500 km and then service the engine every 15,000 km, but on the forums they advise reducing this interval to 10,000 km.