An internal combustion engine is therefore called so that a fuel combustion process takes place inside its cylinders. At the same time, a huge amount of thermal energy is released, which, thanks to the crank mechanism, turns into mechanical. The temperature often exceeds 2000 degrees. No metal, no matter how strong and stable it is, can not withstand such a load for a long time. It is in order to reduce the thermal load and ensure normal temperature conditions for the operation of the engine, and the cooling system serves. In the event of its malfunction, the vehicle’s power unit begins to overheat, as a result of which the engine parts expand, the lubricant boils, the gaskets burn out. The result of such a destructive process may be the failure of the elements of the piston group and cylinder head. In order to prevent such an outcome, it is important to know the possible causes of engine overheating and be prepared to eliminate them immediately.
Signs indicating that the motor is overheated
Consider how the power unit VAZ-2114 behaves when its operating temperature exceeds the norm. The cooling system of this car is not much different from that of other cars, except that the simplicity and unreliability of its design. So, when the “fourteenth” motor overheats, it lets you know about it with the following symptoms:
- the arrow of the coolant temperature sensor goes far into the red zone;
- radiator cooling fan is in constant mode;
- in the cabin there is a specific smell from boiling antifreeze (antifreeze);
- a cloud of thick, sharp-smelling steam appears from under the hood - evidence of boiling refrigerant.
What to do when overheating
If, thanks to the listed signs, you understand that your VAZ-2114 engine is warming more than the norm, follow these steps:
- shut off the engine immediately;
- roll the car closer to the side of the road (if you are on the road);
- turn on the ignition and recheck the temperature sensor;
- raise the hood, inspect the engine compartment to determine the place of leakage of the coolant;
- pay attention to the amount of antifreeze (antifreeze) in the expansion tank, but in no case do not open it while the liquid is hot;
- try to determine the cause of the overheating.
In such a situation, it is better to deliver the car to the place of repair (to the service station or to the garage) by towing, but if this place is located no further than 1-2 km, in extreme cases, you can take a chance and get there on your own. Naturally, periodically letting the motor cool when the gauge needle exceeds 90 degrees.
Why does the engine on the VAZ-2114 heat up
Given that the “fourteenth” cooling system is quite simple, it is quite possible to bring it into working condition independently. But first, let's look at the main causes of engine overheating. They can serve as follows:
- insufficient amount of coolant in the system;
- the liquid pump (pump) is faulty;
- the radiator fan on sensor has failed;
- blower fuse blown;
- the fan itself has broken;
- clogged cooling radiator lamellas;
- the thermostat is out of order;
- defective expansion tank cap.
Consider these reasons in more detail.
Not enough coolant
Do you remember exactly that yesterday the refrigerant level was normal, and today your engine is warming in your VAZ-2114 and the expansion tank is empty? So, the tightness of the system was broken. And well, if only outside the motor. The worst thing in this case is the burnout of the cylinder head gasket. This malfunction is insidious in that the liquid from the channels of the cooling jacket can enter the cylinders, as well as into the oil channels. Because of this, the engine is often heated on the VAZ-2114 and the car stalls. The engine is accompanied by a gray exhaust with a characteristic odor. Here you will have to remove the cylinder head and flush the lubrication and cooling systems. In the worst case, an overhaul of the engine will be required .
More often, the coolant leaves the system through the joints of the hoses with the radiator pipes (cooling and stove), thermostat, expansion tank, engine. If the engine is warming in the VAZ-2114 and the refrigerant leak is obvious, first check these places! This problem is solved by pulling the clamps and adding fluid to the cooling system.
Next, inspect the hoses themselves. Often they simply crack from time to time, and antifreeze or antifreeze, being under pressure, flow from the system. Such a malfunction is eliminated by replacing one or another hose.
Fluid pump failure
The role of the pump in the cooling system is to create pressure through which the refrigerant circulates. Its failure can become not only the reason that the VAZ-2114 engine is warming, but also a disruption of the gas distribution mechanism. The fact is that the liquid pump is driven through the gear with a timing belt. Therefore, if the pump fails, it immediately affects the performance of the entire drive. In this case, it will be necessary to replace the fluid pump and, possibly, the timing belt.
Fan On Sensor Fault
The failure of the fan on sensor leads to the fact that during slow driving the radiator does not receive any forced airflow. In other words, the fan simply does not turn on and the liquid does not cool. Checking the sensor is easy. For the "fourteenth" with carburetor engines, it is enough to turn on the ignition, disconnect the terminals from the sensor located on the radiator, and close them together. If the fan works, the sensor needs to be replaced. If the VAZ-2114 engine is heating up (8-valve injector), with the ignition on, simply remove the terminals from the coolant temperature sensor located on the right-hand cylinder block. The electronic control unit will instruct the engine to operate in emergency mode, and the fan should turn on. If this happens, replace the sensor.
But there is another nuance - the fuse. If it burns out, the fan, of course, will not turn on. Locate fuse F4 or F8 in the mounting block under the hood. It is indicated by the corresponding symbol - the propeller. Remove it from the socket and check with a tester. Replace if necessary.
Fan failure
Well, if the fan does not turn on, the problem may be in it. Fortunately, it is also easy to verify. Just connect its terminals directly to the battery terminals. Do not reverse polarity. Earn money - look for the problem further. Does not work - fan for repair or replacement.
Malfunctioning thermostat
The thermostat VAZ-2114 is the main element of the distribution of coolant flows. It is he who regulates the direction of its movement with a cold engine and with a warm one. The essence of the thermostat is to switch the flow of refrigerant from a small to a large circle when it reaches a certain temperature. If it starts to wedge, the motor will either warm up for a very long time, or very quickly.
You can check the VAZ-2114 thermostat in the following way. Start the engine and warm it up to a temperature of 90-95 degrees. Without turning off the ignition, touch the lower radiator pipe. If it is warm (hot), then everything is in order: the coolant circulates in a large circle and overheating due to the thermostat is excluded here. If the pipe is cold, get ready to replace this part.
Tank stopper
Another cause of overheating may be the plug of the expansion tank. It is designed in such a way as to maintain a certain pressure in the system, which is higher than atmospheric in its indicators. This is necessary so that the water in antifreeze or antifreeze does not boil at 100 degrees Celsius. If the plug is defective and does not hold the required pressure, the coolant may boil prematurely. This will not cause much overheating of the motor, but may cause malfunctions of the system.
Cooling radiator
You ask, what if all the main elements of the cooling system except the fan work properly, but the engine heats up on the VAZ-2114 when driving, because the oncoming air flow, even at medium speed, can completely replace the propeller? There can be only one reason - the fins of the cooling radiator are clogged. Dirt, dust, leaves, branches, insects - all this day after day settles in layers, not allowing air to blow lamellas.
To prevent this situation, the radiator must be washed periodically with a stream of water, removing pollution.