Replacing the exhaust manifold gasket: device, circuit and features

The exhaust manifold (VK) of the automobile engine is an element of the exhaust system. Its role is to collect combustion products from all cylinders and, combining them, transfer to the exhaust pipe. From there they will go to the catalyst, and after it - to the muffler.

The exhaust manifold is attached to the cylinder head of the power unit (cylinder head). The tightness of this connection is ensured by a special gasket. Due to constant temperature loads, it sometimes fails. And although such a malfunction does not pose a serious threat to the engine, it is better to eliminate it immediately after detection.

In this article, we will consider how to replace the exhaust manifold gasket using the example of domestic cars VAZ. But first, let's figure out what the VK itself is and how to determine that it is time to change its seal.

Exhaust manifold design features

Structurally, the exhaust manifold is several pipes combined into one. Its geometric shapes and mounts for each engine are different. VK is usually made of high carbon cast iron or steel. That side, which is attached to the cylinder head, has a certain shape corresponding to the location of the exhaust windows. The connection of the collector with the cylinder head for VAZ cars is provided by special studs screwed into its body. Their number depends on the form of VK.

Gasket

The manifold gasket is made by stamping from asbestos. This material is the best suited for these purposes: it has excellent resistance to high temperatures, is strong enough, and is also able to compress, ensuring the tightness of the connection. For greater strength, VK seals can be reinforced with steel.

How much is the exhaust manifold gasket

The exhaust manifold gasket does not apply to those elements whose replacement is provided for in the routine maintenance plan. She can serve two years, and five, and ten. Her condition does not depend on age and mileage. The only factor that affects the duration of its service is the correct operation of the engine. If it works in standard mode, does not overheat, uses good fuel, the gasket will last a long time. If the opposite is true, it can burn out after three months of operation.

Signs of a burnt gasket VK

Signs of a burnt-out gasket may include:

• changing the sound of a running engine;
• occurrence of a characteristic odor of exhaust gases in the passenger compartment;
• violation of the stability of the engine, a burning CHECK lamp on the dashboard.

As for the sound of the power unit, then with a burnt-in gasket, a characteristic “chirping” is usually heard. In such cases, they say that the engine "cuts." This sound is created by exhaust gases escaping at the place of damage to the seal. Naturally, exhaust from the hood enters the cabin through the heating and ventilation system. This creates additional inconvenience to the driver and passengers, besides, it carries a certain threat to their health, therefore, in any case, replacing the exhaust manifold gasket if it is damaged is a necessary necessity.

In cars with injection engines, the operation of which is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU), if the integrity of the gasket is violated on the dashboard, the CHECK lamp may light up. This is due to the fact that the lambda probe mounted on the collector or intake pipe, detects the change in the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and transmits a signal to the computer. Until the fault is fixed, the controller forces the engine to operate in emergency mode.

How much is a repair at a service station

How much does it cost to replace the exhaust manifold gasket? The price for this type of work depends on the type of engine (carbureted, 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 with the sealant costs somewhere in the amount of around 1,500 rubles.

But it is not necessary to spend money on work. Replacing the gasket of the exhaust manifold VAZ without special difficulties can be done on its own. Especially if you have a set of hand tools, and you have at least the slightest idea about the design of the engine of your car.

What will be needed for repair

Replacing the exhaust manifold gasket involves the use of the following tools:

• a set of ring keys;
• slotted and Phillips screwdrivers;
• a sharp knife or spatula (to remove the old gasket);
• a container with a wide neck with a volume of at least 5 liters (for draining the coolant);
• rust inhibitor (WD-40 or similar);
• dry rags.

Important: replacing the exhaust manifold gasket 2114, like other VAZ models, provides for a preliminary drain of the coolant. Otherwise, you risk flooding the engine inlet windows with it.

Replacing the gasket of the exhaust manifold VAZ 2114

The execution algorithm for the “fourteenth” model of “Samara” is as follows:

1. We install the machine on a viewing hole or overpass, dismantle the engine protection, drain the coolant.
2. Remove the negative battery terminal.
3. Dismantle the air filter housing.
4. Disconnect the accelerator cable and fuel pipes from the throttle assembly.
5. We disconnect the throttle flap sensor and idle speed sensor connectors.
6. Disconnect the crankcase ventilation hoses, brake booster from the receiver.
7. We dismantle the receiver itself, disconnect the connectors of the wires of the injection control unit.
8. Remove the fuel rail (do not unscrew the nozzles).
9. We disconnect a reception pipe from VK.
10. Dismantle the intake manifold, and after it the exhaust manifold.
11. Remove the old gasket.
12. Using a knife (spatula), gently clean the mating surfaces of the collector and cylinder head.
13. Install a new gasket.
14. We install in the reverse order.
15. Pour coolant to the desired level.

We change the gasket VK to the VAZ 2110

The exhaust manifold gasket 2110 is replaced in the following order:

1. We put the car on the overpass (inspection hole), remove the protection, be sure to drain the coolant.
2. We de-energize the car's on-board network by disconnecting the negative terminal from the battery.
3. Dismantle the air filter.
4. Disconnect the brake booster hose, pneumatic valve cover, fuel pressure regulator from the receiver .
5. Turn off the throttle sensor, idle speed control.
6. We disconnect the air pipe, turn off the air flow sensor.
7. Disconnect the crankcase ventilation hoses from the throttle body.
8. We remove from the collector the underwater and outlet hoses of the cooling system.
9. Dismantle the receiver assembly with a throttle assembly.
10. We turn off 5 fastening nuts and remove the input manifold.
11. We unscrew the bolts (3 pcs.) That secure the exhaust manifold to the exhaust pipe.
12. We dismantle VK.
13. Remove the old gasket or its remaining fragments.
14. We clean the connection points on the collector and on the cylinder head.
15. Install a new gasket.
16. We make installation of dismantled elements.
17. Do not forget to fill in antifreeze (antifreeze).

As you can see, for VAZ 2110 the exhaust manifold gasket is replaced by almost the same algorithm as for the “fourteenth”. Above all, do not forget to drain the coolant.

Replace the exhaust manifold gasket: Niva

Replacing the gasket on the Niva will also not be particularly difficult. The order of the work is as follows:

1. To begin, follow the first nine points from the section for the VAZ 2110.
2. Remove the front and rear support brackets securing bolts to the exhaust pipe. Remove the front bracket, take the rear to the side so that it does not interfere.
3. Remove the fuel rail with injectors.
4. Turn off a nut of fastening of a forward eye bolt and remove it.
5. Unscrew the nuts fixing the heat shield of the inlet pipe, remove it.
6. Unscrew the two extreme and then the two upper nuts securing the intake manifold to the cylinder head.
7. Using the extension for the key handle, loosen the two remaining (lower) nuts.
8. Remove the intake manifold.
9. Remove the heat shield of the starter.
10. Unscrew the nut that secures the ground wire to the cylinder head. Remove the tip of the conductor.
11. Turn off three nuts of fastening of VK and dismantle it.
12. Remove the seal, clean the mating surfaces and install a new gasket.
13. Install the removed parts in the reverse order, fill with coolant.

How to extend gasket life

Although replacing the exhaust manifold gasket does not require special expenses and can be successfully carried out in the conditions of your own garage, who wants to spend their time on this? Better to let it serve longer. And to extend its life, listen to the following tips:

• monitor the condition of the cooling system, check the level of antifreeze (antifreeze) to prevent overheating of the engine;
• use only high-quality fuel;
• check the tightness of the connection of the cylinder head and exhaust manifold;
• if there is a violation of the integrity of the gasket, do not wait until it burns completely, replace it;
• Buying the exhaust manifold gasket, choose a quality product from well-known manufacturers.