Expansion tank VAZ-2110: possible malfunctions and their elimination

The expansion tank is one of the components of the engine cooling system. Its role is to ensure that the coolant can increase without any consequences in the volume when heated, as well as in maintaining its working pressure.

When testing constant loads, the expansion tank may eventually fail. About its malfunctions, and also methods of their elimination we also will talk in this article.

What is the expansion tank

Consider the design of the expansion tank VAZ-2110. Its factory case is made of translucent soft plastic. On top of it, there are two openings: a filler neck and a seat for a coolant level sensor.

The expansion tank VAZ-2110 is equipped with three fittings, to which the corresponding hoses are connected. The top two "nipples" are connected to the steam pipes of the main and heating radiators. A thick filling hose is connected to the bottom fitting. Here, in principle, and the whole design.

Cover with a secret

The cover of the VAZ-2110 expansion tank is not a random element of the system. It is she who prevents the boiling of the coolant, maintaining the necessary pressure. The expansion tank VAZ-2110 is equipped with a cover, the design of which includes a double-sided spring-loaded valve. It opens and blows off the vapors when the pressure inside the tank reaches 1.1-1.5 kgf / cm ² . Its opening in the opposite direction occurs at 0.03-0.15 kgf / cm ² (with a cooling motor).

Why keep pressure in the system

Both antifreeze and antifreeze under normal (atmospheric) pressure boil when heated to 100 ⁰ C. But as we have already said, in the cooling system the working pressure is 1.1-1.5 kgf / cm ² . Under such conditions, the refrigerant will boil at no less than 130 ^° C. It is to ensure that the coolant does not overheat before the radiator fan turns on, and that a valve cover is needed. So if the VAZ-2110 boils the expansion tank at normal engine temperature, you can be sure: it's her fault. Naturally, if the refrigerant temperature sensor is faultless.

What can happen with the tank

The tank VAZ-2110 is not very reliable, therefore often presents unpleasant surprises to the owners of these cars. The most common faults include:

• Damage to the tank itself;
• Wear of the threaded connections of the throat or the seat of the coolant level sensor;
• Failure of the cover.

Damage to tank capacity

The most popular damage to the tank is its damage. First, microcracks appear on its body, and in time it simply bursts like a balloon. The causes of this phenomenon can be: industrial waste, natural aging of plastic and increased pressure in the system. With marriage everything is clear - you can buy a new device, install it on a car, and after a few days it will fail. All that can be done here is to go buy a new tank, cursing the manufacturer.

As for the aging of plastic, there is no one to blame. Material with time and under the influence of hot refrigerant can not help but lose its properties. Increased pressure in the system occurs for one reason - the failure of the lid, or rather, its valve. About it, we'll talk in more detail a little later.

When the tank capacity is broken, do not try to restore it by gluing it. It is better to buy a new device, especially since it costs quite a bit. The price for a plastic tank does not exceed 200 rubles on average. There are, of course, more interesting proposals. Now on sale there are expansion tanks VAZ-2110, made of aluminum. They will never run and will not burst. However, such devices cost not cheap - about 5500 rubles.

Worn threaded connections

If the lid of the device does not curl or curl, but does not provide complete tightness, you can try to wind it under some kind of seal. This applies to the thread, by means of which the coolant level sensor is attached. Naturally, such a "tuning" can be considered as a temporary measure. In the future, the tank will need to be replaced.

We reveal the fault of the lid

Having noticed that in your VAZ-2110 the expansion tank is boiling at normal engine temperature, first check the cover. This can be done with a car compressor with a manometer.

First, detach one of the upper thin hoses from the tank. Its end is tightly closed by bending. This is necessary in order that the coolant does not leak when we create pressure in the tank. To the released fitting we connect a hose from the pump and we start to swing. The lid must be tightly tightened. When the pressure reaches 1.1 kgf / cm ^{2, we} listen to the plug. It should begin to hiss, which indicates its ability to work. If the cap does not start to bleed when the pressure reaches 1.8 kgf / cm ² , you can safely throw it away. Otherwise the tank will burst in the near future.

In the event that the cover, on the contrary, started to let in air before it was put, discard it. If in your VAZ-2110 expansion tank is boiling, it is the reason.

Dismantling and replacement of the tank in the "ten"

To replace the device you will need to drain the coolant if it has not already drained out. демонтируется следующим образом: The expansion tank VAZ-2110 is dismantled as follows:

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery.
2. We disconnect a wire from the gauge of level of a coolant.
3. A screwdriver with a cross-like bit, unscrew the screws on the hose clamps of all the hoses, loosening them.
4. We disconnect all hoses going to the tank.
5. Unfasten the rubber strap of the tank and remove it.

Install the new device in the reverse order. Do not forget to add coolant to the required level!

Some useful tips

To ensure that the surge tank malfunction does not catch you unawares, follow these guidelines:

• Always pay attention to the reading of the coolant temperature sensor. If an excess of permissible values is detected, immediately go to the diagnostics or carry out a check of the capacity of the tank independently.
• At least once a month, inspect the expansion tank when the engine is hot to see if it has been damaged.
• Observe the refrigerant level. After discovering its fall, find and eliminate the cause of the leak.
• When boiling the refrigerant in the reservoir, do not continue to move - so you will damage the engine.
• When you are going to replace the tank, buy products of proven manufacturers in specialized stores.