Replacing spark plugs for Lada Vesta. Advice from experts, reviews, service life

What kind of spark plugs are installed on Lada Vesta from the factory?

The type of igniters differs in size, depending on the number of valves. In an 8-valve engine the skirt is short, in a 16-valve engine it is long. The standard configuration is from a domestic manufacturer, but nothing prevents the owner from installing imported analogues.

Which spark plugs to choose for Lada Vesta: factory opinion

AvtoVAZ specialists recommend the manufacturer NGK BCPR6ES for both 8-valve and 16-valve engines.

Note to the driver! When replacing spark plugs 16-cl. motor, use a hex wrench set to “14” (it is smaller than for 8-kl).

Established rules for replacing spark plugs on a Lada Vesta car

Scheduled maintenance on the 2180 includes replacement of igniters. The operating regulations for classic devices indicate the following update frequency: every 30 thousand km (15 thousand km with high mileage). And iridium and platinum ones need to be updated every 100 thousand km.

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In addition, the condition of the engine may indicate the need for urgent replacement. If cracks appear on the ceramic part or the insulator has peeled off from the metal part, then it is time to replace the entire ignition system.

Features and purpose of spark plugs

Without the spark produced by the igniter, the engine will not start and the combustible mixture will not ignite.

The average life of an original spark plug is 40,000 km or three years, whichever comes first.

The following models are distinguished: conventional, iridium, one-, two-, three-, four-electrode. Iridium ones are 10–15% more expensive than all other types.

The greater the number of electrodes, the greater the likelihood of rapid combustion of the mixture. For domestic cars this is not so important: one electrode is enough.

Denso iridium spark plugs

Many owners of Lada Vesta choose the appropriate ignition elements made of iridium. In theory, spark plugs made from this material help reduce fuel consumption, have a beneficial effect on the life of the catalyst, and also guarantee high-quality operation at any speed.

Although, judging by the reviews of car owners, iridium spark plugs have no significant advantages. Basically, it is enough that these candles meet the necessary requirements: resistance to high temperatures (up to 1000 degrees Celsius), inertness to substances resulting from chemical reactions during fuel combustion, resistance to thermal shock, and have sufficient thermal conductivity in accordance with standards , provide a voltage of 40 kV.

Ignition elements are sold in ordinary auto parts stores. Copper candles are the most common; they are almost always available in the store. Models from other brands usually need to wait, or can be ordered online. You just need to find what you need, order delivery, and pay either in advance or upon receipt. In online stores, prices are much more reasonable than in retail.

Main characteristics of spark plugs:

• must withstand high temperatures (up to 1000 degrees);
• operate at a voltage of 40 kV;
• resistance to substances formed during reactions during fuel combustion;
• resistance to thermal shock;
• thermal conductivity indicators must be in accordance with standards.

What is the difference between spark plugs for 8- and 16-valve engines?

By and large, there are no differences, except for the size of the key that needs to be used to unscrew the case.

Differences for 8-valve engine

Firstly, keep in mind that for an engine with 8 valves (VAZ-11189), a key of 21 mm is used, not 16. Second, instead of disconnecting the plug on each coil, you will need to disconnect the shank power cable on each plug.

There are also design differences - on an 8-valve engine, the spark plugs are located directly at the top of the cylinder block. However, as a result, there is nothing complicated here either; in short, the procedure looks like this (described for each candle):

• disconnect the shank wire;
• using the 21 socket, unscrew the spark plug;
• replace the old spark plug with a new one by tightening it (but not excessively);
• connect the tail cable back.

Replacing spark plugs on a Lada Vesta with your own hands

Necessary tools, materials

• rags;
• additional lighting (optional);
• a set of new igniters;
• torque wrench;
• hex key for “17”, “14”.

Work progress

1. We wait until the engine cools down. It is prohibited to carry out work when the engine is hot.
2. Open the hood and remove the power terminals from the battery.
3. We remove the plastic decorative trim.

4. Disconnect the coil from the harness connector.

5. Turn the screw securing the coil.

6. We remove the coil from the well.

7. Unscrew the igniter.

8. We insert a new igniter. Tightening torque 25–30 N.m.
9. Screw the coil and put on the block with wires.

In a Lada Vesta car with 8-cl. engine, the replacement process is similar, with the exception of the location of the igniter. The spark plugs are installed on the surface of the cylinder head cover.

Replacing spark plugs on a Lada Vesta with your own hands is completed.

What are the dangers of oil getting into spark plug wells?

Due to oil leakage, the spark plugs and ignition coil fail faster. The spark plugs and coil do not break immediately after oil gets on them. But over time, the parts will fail - they are not designed to work in such conditions.

Many drivers note that due to oil in the spark plug wells, the engine begins to stall. It may also be harder to start. This is especially true during the cold season.

Damage to spark plugs, ignition coils and overall engine load depend on operating conditions. Many drivers who use their cars in a gentle mode only find out about an oil leak when replacing the spark plugs.

Until this moment, the malfunction does not cause discomfort. If the driver likes to drive aggressively, then the working life of the spark plugs, ignition coil and engine is noticeably reduced.

Reviews

How to choose spark plugs for Vesta?

Often, car owners do not pay attention to the choice of igniters. Sometimes, in order to save money, old candles that have been cleaned of carbon are used. However, in a modern engine, high-quality ignition devices play an important role.

Vesta cars are factory equipped with Russian spark plugs AU17DVRM or imported DR15YC-1. In the future, for replacement, you can choose other options from the list recommended by the manufacturer.

Eight-valve devices can be dismantled with a regular spark plug wrench. If a replacement is made on sixteen-valve valves, then a smaller hexagon is required.

Where can I buy?

You can buy spark plugs for Lada Vesta both in stationary auto stores and online. The table shows the most popular options, indicating article numbers, types, prices and other parameters.

As you can see, there is a choice on the market. However, before placing an order, it is strongly recommended to consult with the manager, if necessary, indicating to him the engine model or dictating the VIN code.

Features of igniters for 16-valve VAZ 21129 and VAZ 21179 engines

Vesta is produced with a 16-valve engine. Let us dwell separately on sixteen-valve engines. Technologically, they are more complex and sensitive to the choice of fluids, and require greater oil consumption.

They have 4 valves per cylinder (a total of 16 valves), therefore fuel consumption is reduced and engine power is increased by 15-20%. In the 16-valve VAZ 21129 and VAZ 21179 engines, BCPR6ES and FR7DCU (manufactured by NGK and Bosch, respectively) are good options for replacing these spare parts. Models from well-known companies Denso, Brisk, JSC Robert Bosch Saratov.

We have listed the types of ignition devices that are needed for a Vesta car. By following the rules, you will ensure your car has a long service life and will be able to save on repairs in the future.