How to correctly install the camshaft gear on a VAZ 2106

Camshaft VAZ 2106

The camshaft is an integral part in the design of the gas distribution mechanism (GRM) of any engine. It is made in the form of a cylinder on which necks and cams are located.

Description

On the sixth model Zhiguli, the timing mechanism shaft is installed in the cylinder head (cylinder head) of the engine. This arrangement allows you to repair and change the part, as well as adjust the valve clearances without any difficulties. The shaft is accessible after removing the valve cover. The camshaft (CV) is assigned the role of controlling the opening and closing of valves in the engine cylinders - at the right moment it admits the fuel-air mixture into the cylinder and releases exhaust gases. A gear is installed on the camshaft, which is connected to the crankshaft sprocket through a chain. This design ensures simultaneous rotation of both shafts.

Since the crankshaft and camshaft have gears of different sizes, the rotation speed of the latter is halved. A complete operating cycle in a power unit occurs in one revolution of the camshaft and two revolutions of the crankshaft . The valves in the cylinder head open in a certain order under the influence of the corresponding cams on the pushers, i.e., when the camshaft rotates, the cam presses on the pusher and transmits force to the valve, pressed by the springs. In this case, the valve opens and admits the fuel-air mixture or releases exhaust gases. As the cam rotates further, the valve closes.

Options

The “six” camshaft has the following characteristics:

On the sixth model Zhiguli, the timing mechanism has eight valves, i.e. two for each cylinder, the number of cams is equal to the number of valves.

Which camshaft is better to install

Only one gas distribution shaft is suitable for the VAZ 2106 - from the Niva. The part is installed in order to increase the power and dynamic performance of the car. It is possible to achieve the desired results, albeit small ones, by increasing the width of the phases and the lift height of the intake valves. After installing the RV from Niva, these parameters will have values ​​of 283˚ and 10.7 mm. Thus, the intake valve will be open for a longer time and raised to a greater height relative to the seat, which will ensure that more fuel enters the cylinders.

When replacing the standard camshaft with a part from a VAZ 21213, the engine parameters will not change dramatically. You can install a “sports” shaft intended for tuning, but it is not cheap - 4-10 thousand rubles.

Table: main parameters of “sports” camshafts for “classics”

Phase shifters and their function

Most new engines are equipped with phase shifters, which make it possible to adjust the operation of the power unit based on the crankshaft speed. This is necessary in order to obtain maximum torque over a larger rpm range.

If you take any car manual, it will indicate such characteristics as engine power in horsepower and the maximum torque that the engine is capable of producing at certain crankshaft revolutions per minute.

Take, for example, the common Renault Logan model. The engine is capable of producing 170 horsepower at 6 thousand crankshaft revolutions. The maximum torque is 270 Nm at 3250 rpm. From these figures it is clear that the maximum torque can be achieved already at medium speeds. And the greatest power becomes available only after 6000 rpm. If such a motor is equipped with a phase shifter system, it will have a wider range in which the motor will produce the highest torque, and not the one that is included in the design by the manufacturer.

The split camshaft gear performs approximately the same functions as the phase shifter. This part has a similar design as the camshaft. It can rotate at certain angles forward or backward.

Signs of Camshaft Wear

The operation of the camshaft is associated with constant exposure to high loads, as a result of which the part gradually wears out and requires replacement. The need for repair arises when characteristic symptoms appear:

There are a number of reasons why the RV fails:

The main malfunctions that impair the performance of the camshaft are scuffing on the working surfaces (journals and cams) and deterioration of the limiter.

It is quite problematic to determine from the sounds coming from the engine compartment that the problem is related specifically to the camshaft, but it is still possible. The knocking sound of the engine resembles the dull blows of a hammer, which become more frequent as the engine speed increases. However, the best way to diagnose a shaft is to dismantle, disassemble and troubleshoot it. During inspection, the shaft should not move in the housing relative to the axis, otherwise a dull sound will be produced when hitting the limiter.

Video: reasons for the longitudinal play of the VAZ camshaft

Power reduction

The drop in power on classic Zhiguli cars is a phenomenon caused by wear of the camshaft and rockers. With proper engine operation (timely oil changes, monitoring its level and pressure), the problem only appears over long vehicle runs. When the cams wear out, the required phase width and valve lift at the intake are no longer ensured.

Deformation

The RV can become deformed under extreme heat, which is caused by problems in the cooling and lubrication systems. At first, the problem may manifest itself as a knocking sound. Therefore, if there is a suspicion of this breakdown, for example, the motor has overheated, then it is recommended to diagnose the shaft in order to avoid more serious troubles with the engine timing belt.

Main reasons for installing a split gear

Engine tuning specialists identify two reasons why many install this part. It is worth considering that a sports camshaft will not give anything unless a split camshaft gear is additionally installed (the VAZ will not go faster). During assembly work at the factory, the manufacturer often deviates from the data specified in the drawings. Therefore, the parameters of motors designed for one car model differ from the original ones. These errors are no more than ten degrees in each direction. Naturally, this affects the power characteristics of the motors. By installing a split gear, the car owner has the opportunity to adjust and optimize torque as needed.

Installing tuned camshafts allows you to significantly increase the torque of the power unit. VAZ split gear – another +5% to power characteristics. That's pretty good.

Dismantling the camshaft VAZ 2106

To carry out repair work or replace the camshaft on the “six”, you need to prepare the following tools:

We dismantle the unit in the following sequence:

When I carry out repair work on the camshaft after it has been removed from the cylinder head, I cover the head with a clean rag and press it, for example, with a tool. This prevents various debris from entering both the lubrication channels and the surface of the rockers. It is especially important to protect the exposed part of the engine during repairs outdoors, since the wind can cause a lot of dust and debris, which I have encountered many times. Before installing it into the housing, I also wipe the new shaft with a clean cloth.

Camshaft defect

After the PV is removed from the engine, all its components are washed in gasoline to remove contaminants. Troubleshooting involves a visual inspection of the shaft to identify damage: cracks, burrs, cavities. If they are detected, the shaft must be replaced. Otherwise, check the basic parameters characterizing the degree of its wear, for which a micrometer is used.

Table: main dimensions of the VAZ 2106 camshaft and its beds in the bearing housing

The condition of the RV can be assessed by other parameters, for example, runout, but special tools are required to remove them.

If, based on the results of the troubleshooting, it was revealed that the timing mechanism shaft needs to be replaced due to severe wear, then the rockers should be replaced along with it.

Camshaft installation

The shaft installation process occurs in the reverse order using the same tools as for its removal. Additionally, you will need a torque wrench that can be used to control the tightening force. The work is carried out as follows:

To ensure that the camshaft is evenly pressed against the cylinder head, tightening should be performed in several stages.

Video: installing the camshaft on classic Zhiguli cars

Installation by marks

Upon completion of the replacement, it is necessary to align the camshaft and crankshaft to the marks. Only after such a procedure will the ignition timing be correct and engine operation stable. An additional tool you will need is a wrench to rotate the crankshaft, and the work itself consists of the following steps:

When reinstalling the valve cover, I always pay attention to the condition of the gasket, even if it has recently been changed. There should be no tears, strong pressing or other damage. In addition, the seal should not be “oak”, but elastic. If the condition of the gasket leaves much to be desired, I always replace it with a new one, thereby eliminating possible oil leakage in the future.

Adjustment of valves

It is recommended to adjust the valves on the “classic” every 30 thousand km. mileage or after engine repair. Tools you need to prepare:

The work is carried out on a cooled engine after removing the valve covers and tensioning the chain:

Table: procedure for adjusting cylinder head valves on a “classic”

Video: adjusting valves on a VAZ 2101–07

Some car enthusiasts use a narrow feeler gauge from the kit to set valve clearances. I would not recommend using it for the procedure in question, since if the valve lever is skewed, and the rockers can be skewed even with normal springs and good condition of the valve, a narrow feeler gauge will not allow for precise adjustment. And it’s more convenient to set the gap with a wide feeler gauge.

Replacing the camshaft on a VAZ 2106 does not require the owner to have high qualifications or special tools. Repairs can be carried out in a garage with a regular car set of keys and screwdrivers. If you follow the step-by-step instructions, the procedure will take about 2-3 hours, after which the gas distribution mechanism of your car will work clearly and smoothly.

Source

Where is it located?

There are two types of motors. These are units with an overhead camshaft, as well as with a lower one. On older cars before 1950, mainly lower valve engines were installed. The camshaft was located at the bottom, the valve plates were directed upward. Motors of this design were cheaper to manufacture, but their performance was low. Then it was decided to move away from this scheme, and as a result, engineers and designers switched to the classic engine scheme with an overhead timing mechanism. However, it must be said that lower camshaft engines are still produced today.

The difference between the bottom-mounted internal combustion engine and the traditional one is that the timing mechanism additionally has rods to compensate for the distance from the shaft cams to the valve tappets in the cylinder head.

Video - Installation of gears on a VAZ 2108

To achieve an increase in power at certain speeds, you can do the following:

1. Loosen the split gear bolts and turn the camshaft in the same direction that the crankshaft rotates. Thus, the valve timing shifts: the intake valve will open later and, accordingly, close later. This setting allows you to achieve increased engine thrust when operating at low or close to medium speeds.
2. If you turn the camshaft against the movement of the crankshaft, it turns out that the valve will open earlier, which means that the combustion chamber will receive more mixture if the engine operates at higher speeds. Thus, you can greatly increase the engine power, but not the maximum speed.
3. When making this adjustment, do not get too carried away with this process. The fact is that the operation of the camshaft is cyclical, which means that its rotation angle is too large and can completely destroy the engine. Adjustment is allowed in the range of 3 to 4 degrees around the circumference, which is equal to approximately half a gear tooth.
4. If your car is equipped with a carburetor engine, then after each adjustment you must again set the ignition timing correctly. The fact is that the distributor of such engines has a mechanical connection with the camshaft, which means that its displacement necessarily leads to resetting the ignition system.

As for the 16-valve engine, there is nothing complicated here either, but the composition of the actions changes slightly:

1. First, cylinders 1 and 4 are installed at top dead center, and after that it is necessary to put on the timing belt. Naturally, before this it is necessary to install new gears and make the same marks on them as the old ones.
2. To adjust this time you will need a special indicator, which is made in the form of a clock. Each of them is installed on a special strip installed in the engine valve mechanism.
3. When the piston is at top dead center, these indicators should show valve overlap. This value is displayed as numbers and must be equal to zero. If this does not happen, then the position of the camshafts is adjusted in accordance with the instructions above.

This principle also applies to the Zhiguli engine. To do this, they also set the bar and set cylinders 1 and 4 to their top dead center. After this, exactly the same adjustments occur.

This is why a VAZ split camshaft gear is needed. As you can see, any car enthusiast who has a basic understanding of the operating principle of an internal combustion engine can handle the installation of such a part.

Operating principle

The peculiarity of these shafts is their shape. So, on a regular metal cylindrical shaft there are cams and journals. The product is manufactured by casting and machining. The shaft rotates, which means it must be equipped with a bearing. The latter has the shape of a sleeve or liner. The bearing is forcibly lubricated.

The camshaft of the VAZ-2106 rotates together with the crankshaft. But for every two revolutions of the crankshaft there is one revolution of the distributor. To transmit rotation from the crankshaft, a chain, belt, or gear drive is used. Due to the shape of the cams, gas distribution phases are formed. The inlet and outlet valves will open and close exactly at the right moment. By changing the geometry of the cams, you can improve the performance of the motor.

Through pushers, rockers (sometimes directly and through hydraulic compensators), the camshaft cam presses the valve. The last one opens. Then, as the shaft rotates, the top of the cam presses on the valve, and it opens completely and closes just as smoothly. The geometry of the cams allows for very smooth interaction with the valve lifter. The overall characteristics of the shaft also depend on the shape of the cams.

Setting up a split gear on a VAZ-2101

Installation of an alarm system with a turbo timer

A new camshaft is installed. The valve overlap is set using the standard gear marks, then the pistons of the first and fourth cylinders are brought to top dead center, and the timing chain is put on. A bar with three dial-type indicators is installed, the legs of which rest on the rockers. For the first cylinder, it is necessary to alternately find the camshaft position corresponding to the closed position of the intake and exhaust valves, as well as the position corresponding to the piston being at TDC. After this, the indicators indicate the required overlap using a gear. It should be remembered that it matters at which point of the rocker the indicator leg rests, and also that the rocker has a gear ratio (if the camshaft is multi-lift)

The gear ratio is not taken into account only for equal lift and equal phase camshafts. In this case, it is enough to simply align the shaft so that both valves are equally open. The fixing bolts are tightened, after which the crankshaft must be turned one turn and checked for correct settings. After a test drive, you can adjust the camshaft position if necessary.

I like it I don't like it

Timing gears

This is worth talking about separately. The gas distribution mechanism requires very precise gear adjustment. Often it is enough to align the gears according to the camshaft marks on the VAZ-2106. But for more precise adjustment there is a special split gear. The teeth in it are fixed with bolts to the base. If the bolts are unscrewed, the position of the gear can be adjusted up to 10 degrees. You can find its most optimal position.

More expensive cars have modern engines where this process is automated. Instead of a camshaft gear (as on the VAZ-2106), hydraulically controlled clutches are used. The sensor knows the current shaft angle as well as the engine speed. In this way, the gas distribution phases are adjusted for different engine operating modes.

Installing the Split Gear

Why is a split camshaft gear needed and how necessary is its installation? This is needed for the following:

• When an engine is assembled on a conveyor belt in factories, a certain number of errors are allowed in any case. It is not possible to make a millimeter-accurate installation, and therefore manufacturers warn about this. Two cars of the same build and configuration may differ from each other in the crankshaft area by 10 degrees or 1 tooth of a split gear. These discrepancies are very important. The engine power directly depends on them. But this can be adjusted independently and this split camshaft gear will help with this.
• It is possible to install a special sporty camshaft. The motor must have more power in order to reach the required speed. Adjusting the outer part of this part will help add five percent to the turnover.

Repair and operation

This part is considered quite reliable. With reasonable operation, the VAZ-2106 camshaft can run until the engine is overhauled. If the power unit does not have hydraulic compensators (and the VAZ-2106 does not have them), then every 15 thousand kilometers you need to check the clearances of the camshaft with rockers. These gaps also need to be adjusted. This operation is carried out using special measuring probes. Each of them has its own thickness, according to which the gap is set.

In all types of engines, it is necessary to control the tension of the timing belt or chain. Both the chain and belt have a certain service life. After a certain mileage, they tend to stretch or tear.

Malfunctions

Let's look at typical malfunctions of the VAZ-2106 camshaft. This element, like other friction pairs, is subject to natural wear. Bearings and seals also wear out or are destroyed. A broken camshaft can also damage other engine components.

Among the causes of malfunctions are natural wear, low quality oil, insufficient pressure in the lubrication system, low lubrication level, overheating, and mechanical damage. All these malfunctions entail the need for repairs.

Repair and diagnostics

A faulty camshaft will cause noise during operation. Experienced specialists identify a worn bearing among the causes of noise, which requires replacement.

If there are knocks from the camshaft, then, most likely, the working surfaces have worn out and, as a result, critical backlash has formed. There are often tolerances for wear and distortion. When knocking, take measurements and see if the VAZ-2106 camshaft needs to be replaced. Installing a new one is not always necessary. Now these parts can be restored.

A decrease in pressure in the oil system can also be a consequence of critical wear of the mechanism.

Replacement

It must be borne in mind that this is a serious procedure, and it is better to perform it if you have experience in engine repair. The replacement process is performed as follows. Remove the air filter housing along with the filter. Next, remove the valve cover. Then bend the edge of the camshaft lock washer. It is necessary to loosen the timing chain - use a pry bar to loosen the tensioner nut and fix its position with a nut.

The crankshaft is installed in a position when the compression stroke ends in the fourth cylinder. The camshaft sprocket mark must match the one on the bed. Next, remove the camshaft sprocket bolt. The chain together with the sprocket is tied with wire and placed in a block.

The camshaft housing is unscrewed and removed from the studs. Then remove the fasteners, dismantle the thrust flange, and remove the camshaft from its housing.

All components and parts are assembled in the reverse order. The tightening of the camshaft on the VAZ-2106 is strictly controlled using a torque wrench.

How to set it up correctly

What a split camshaft gear does and how to set it correctly - you can find out in this section. Its setting is carried out using a dial indicator, which is used to shut off the valve system. The piston part must be moved upward.

Adjustment actions are carried out to stretch and shift the amplitude value of the torque at average speed or, in a simple way, to achieve maximum values ​​at the bottom of the torque. On different brands of cars, the settings may have slight differences. But it should be borne in mind that the actions follow similar scenarios.

How to configure:

• On the pulley part of the camshaft, align the special marks on both parts of the gear (moving and fixed).
• Return the timing belt part to its place. Additionally, check the placement of all parts relative to the marks.
• Open the intake and exhaust valves to the single-phase position. They are located in the fourth cylinder. If their positions are not the same, you need to use a special screwdriver to lower the bolt on each part.
• Rotate the camshaft, making sure that the moving part of the gear remains in its original position.