According to the official technical regulations of AvtoVAZ, spark plugs on Lada Priora cars (VAZ 2170, 2171, 2172) are replaced every 30 thousand km. It is for this mileage that the life of the spark plugs is designed.
However, some drivers neglect the factory recommendations and change spark plugs less often, as a result of which engine wear increases. In the article we will look at this issue in more detail, we will tell you which spark plugs to choose and how to change them.
Manufacturer's recommendations
It is unlikely that anyone will doubt which spark plugs the manufacturer will recommend for a Russian car? Naturally, domestic production. And this is natural - not always European, let’s say, refined quality can work effectively with our equipment. And so, spark plugs for Priora 16 valves must be marked - AU17DVRM. For an 8-valve engine – A17DVRM. A15DVRM are best suited for winter driving, as they are characterized by a low heat rating and, accordingly, will be easier to ignite in cold conditions.
Spark plug markings
However, many motorists choose foreign-made spark plugs for their Priora cars. Thus, the German companies BOSCH (WR7DC, FR7DCU), BERU (14R-7DU, 14FR-7DU) are very popular. The English company CHAMPION (RN9YC, RC9YC) is not far behind them. Automotive stores also have Czech ones, for example BRISK (LR15YC, DR15YC). These are high-quality, reliable spare parts, which, however, are no better or worse than domestic ones. Just a little more expensive.
What happens if you make the wrong choice?
If you install unsuitable or low-quality spark plugs in your car, the following troubles may arise:
- deterioration of engine ignition. When starting the engine, the owner will have to crank the starter for a long time, and this can reduce the functionality of the battery. In some situations it will be impossible to start the vehicle;
- excess fuel consumption;
- Once started, the engine will be much noisier and the sounds will subsequently increase in volume. This is especially noticeable during the process of warming up the car;
- the production of harmful substances in exhaust gases will increase. The analysis can be carried out using special equipment;
- the power and dynamics of the motor will decrease. This will be noticeably felt as you climb the hill.
In order to avoid such problems with your car, we recommend buying only high-quality spark plugs from trusted manufacturers.
In this article, we discussed how to change spark plugs and the principles of choosing the right part for the full functioning of the power unit. It is necessary to pay due attention to the choice of spark plugs, since they play a major role in the operating system of vehicles.
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Many drivers and owners of Lada “Priora” know that a 16 cl engine differs from an 8 valve one. A distinctive feature lies in the parameters, namely the diameter of the threaded zone. On an engine with sixteen valves, the diameter is smaller. Despite this factor, replacing spark plugs on a Prior 16 valve or other modification is no different.
Suitable spark plugs for such an engine from a national manufacturer are marked:
- A17DVRM for warm months;
- A15DVRM for the winter period.
The reduced heat number on the marking helps to quickly start the engine at negative air temperatures. If desired, it is possible to purchase imported analogues, for example:
- GNR, Bosch (WR7DC) or Beru (14R-7DU);
- UK, Champion (RN9YC);
- Czech Republic, Brisk (LR15YC).
Replacement
The process of replacing spark plugs is a very simple task that does not require special training; you just need to prepare the necessary tool.
Tool
- A driver or ratchet with an extension (you can use a special wrench for spark plugs);
- Long head “16 mm” or “21 mm” (depending on the number of valves 16kl-16mm, 8kl-21mm);
- TORX E8 head or 10mm socket (depending on the year of manufacture of the car, new models use TORX sprockets);
Process
- We remove the decorative trim of the engine with the inscription “16 valve”, it is attached to rubber clamps; to dismantle it, you need to pull it up from each corner.
- We take out the connectors of the individual ignition coils (4 pcs.).
- Using an E8 or “10mm” head, unscrew the IKZ and remove them.
- Using a ratchet with an extension and a 16mm socket, unscrew the spark plugs; to remove the spark plug from the cylinder head well, you can use a coil.
- We install new spark plugs; it is advisable to tighten the spark plugs without a wrench. This is necessary in order to feel the effort; if the spark plug is skewed, you will not ruin the thread in the head.
- New spark plugs must be tightened 180° after they stop.
- We assemble everything in the reverse order and start the engine.
Replacing spark plugs on an 8-valve engine is simpler and easier; you just need to remove the high-voltage wires and unscrew the spark plugs with a 21mm socket.
We hope our article was useful to you.
How to replace spark plugs in VAZ 2170, 2171, 2172 Lada Priora with your own hands
If you have everything, then you can proceed:
1. First, remove the decorative plastic casing.
2. Next, disconnect the ignition coil terminal.
3. Unscrew the coil mounting bolt.
4. Using a flathead screwdriver, remove the ignition coil.
5. The spark plug is located in a recess, in the so-called spark plug well, so to unscrew it you will need an extension cord.
6. Be careful, if you notice traces of oil in the spark plug well, be sure to find out its origin; the engine may need immediate replacement of the cylinder head gasket.
7. If this is your first time replacing spark plugs, then unscrewing the spark plugs will require force; in some cases it is simply impossible to do this with a simple spark plug wrench. To do this, you will have to buy a special spark plug socket with a knob.
8. So, unscrew the spark plug, be careful not to accidentally break the spark plug insulator, since it will be quite difficult to remove the fragments, and if, God forbid, they get into the cylinder, then you will need to completely disassemble the cylinder head.
Mechanism of action
Replacing spark plugs on a 16-valve Priora is carried out on a cold, not warmed-up engine, according to the following step-by-step instructions:
- The plastic motor protection is removed. To do this, you will need to unscrew the filler cap where the engine oil is poured. Additionally, on the left side (in the top corner), you need to remove the plastic latch. After removing the protective housing, we recommend returning the oil filler cap to its place. This will prevent external elements such as dust, dirt and foreign particles from getting inside the container.
- Be sure to disconnect the terminals from the ignition units.
- Screws intended for coil fixation are unscrewed. Depending on the types of fasteners used in the Priora 16 valves, you may need a star-shaped wrench or a head with a number ten.
- To remove the coil, you need to pry it using a flat-tip screwdriver;
Unscrewing the spark plug on a Priora
- The candles are unscrewed. To do this, use a spark plug wrench with an extension. After performing these actions, you should visually evaluate the functionality of the part. By appearance, the car owner is able to determine how correctly the engine is working.
At the next stage, the spark plugs on the Prior 16 are replaced or the base part is returned, provided that it is fully functioning. Next, it is important to return the coil to its place, screw in the fixing screw and place the terminal.
In the process of twisting the candle, do not apply much effort; the part is placed with ease. If over-tightened, the thread may be damaged, and this will lead to a complete and expensive repair of the cylinder head (cylinder head).
Similar actions are carried out with the remaining ignition elements. After the procedure is completed, the plastic cover on the motor is returned to its place.
Consequences
Driving a Priora with faulty spark plugs is fraught with failure of other internal combustion engine components. Operating the vehicle with a non-functioning spark plug can lead to failure of the catalyst or oxygen sensor. The cost of these parts is quite high compared to a set of spark plugs.
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You can read which spark plugs to choose for your car here.
Varieties of candles
Spark plugs are divided into multi-electrode and two-electrode. For multi-electrode spark plugs, one is located in the middle and the rest are located at the edges. It is believed that such spark plugs last longer than two-electrode spark plugs. They have only two electrodes - one in the center, the other on the side. Spark plugs are also divided into regular, iridium or platinum.
Iridium spark plugs for Priora
Another characteristic of candles is their potassium number. The heat number is the average pressure at which it is easier to heat candles during testing. So, they are distinguished by types: cold (heat number above 20), medium (17-20), universal type (11-20), hot (11-14).