The catalyst VAZ-2114 - the device and replacement

The catalyst VAZ-2114 (also known as a catalytic converter) is one of the main components of the exhaust system of the car. This part serves to reduce the level of toxicity of exhausts to the atmosphere. And today we will talk about the device of this element and tell you how the catalyst is being replaced on the VAZ-2114 with our own hands.

Device

By its design, this part includes such elements as:

• The body;
• Heat insulation;
• Carrier unit.

Particular attention should be paid to the last point. The carrier unit is the base for a part such as a catalyst. VAZ-2114 and many other domestic cars are supplied with ceramic carriers that do not undergo deformation at high temperatures and vibrations. By its design this element represents a set of longitudinal cells that increase the area of contact with the exhaust gases.

Catalyst means

On their surface, catalyst substances are applied. Platinum, rhodium and palladium are used as such agents. These substances significantly accelerate the course of reactions in the neutralizer. By their properties, palladium and platinum refer to oxidative catalysts. These substances promote the oxidation of hydrocarbons in water vapor. In this carbon monoxide CO they convert into carbon dioxide.

Rhodium is a reducing catalyst. It is able to restore nitric oxide to harmless components. That is, all these substances can reduce the concentration of harmful substances in the exhaust gases that go into the environment.

The carrier unit itself is placed in an elongated metal casing, between which there is a layer of thermal insulation. The housing also houses an oxygen sensor. By its size, this element is not too large compared to an automobile silencer.

How effective is the catalyst?

As practice shows, at an operating temperature of 300 degrees Celsius this element is able to hold up to 90 percent of all toxic substances. Thus, the catalyst significantly increases the exhaust emissions toxicity standard.

How to determine if this part is faulty?

Over time, the insertion of the catalyst (VAZ-2114 "Samara") and the mechanism, like any other technical detail, has the property of wear (in this case, clogged). Among the main signs of malfunctions are the following:

1. Significant drop in engine power. When you move, you get the feeling that the car is not pulling anymore, especially for lifting and overclocking.

"Floating" turns at idle. Of course, this may indicate a number of other problems. For example, this is incorrect tuning of the carburetor or malfunction of the throttle, or the incorrect operation of the mass air flow sensor.

And since these symptoms of malfunctions can be caused by completely different elements of the car, we also draw attention to the very resource of such a detail as the catalyst. VAZ-2114 nurses with this element about 60-80 thousand kilometers. Then the part is clogged and it needs to be changed. True, not always a resource can be so. Sometimes even one refueling at an unscrupulous gas station is enough to hammer this part together with all the fuel filters. By the way, in western countries, catalysts are operated and 100 thousand kilometers. True, the quality of fuel supplied there, is much inferior to domestic.

How to replace this part with your own hands?

First you need to find where it is. And the VAZ catalyst is located on 2114 models of "Lada" behind the exhaust manifold of the ICE.

So, first we find the mounting of the resonator. The latter should also be located behind the exhaust manifold. Then unscrew all fasteners and remove washers spring type.

After this, unscrew the mounting of the intake pipe. Here we need to remove the bolts together with the spring. At the same time, the catalyst should be kept from below. Everything, the detail is completely freed from the fastenings. Then we safely remove the catalyst (VAZ 2114 "Lada") to the side and pull it out. Now mount the new one in the reverse order similar to the removal.

By the way, our car owners are not always able to change the catalyst for a new one. The fact is that in Russia there are no such strict standards for toxicity of exhausts, and therefore drivers install a conventional flame arrester there. With him, according to motorists, much less trouble than with a regular catalyst. However, the final decision will be yours - to install a new catalyst or mount a flame arrester. The latter can be purchased at the store or made by yourself (it takes no more than 1-2 hours of free time).

So, we found out what an automobile catalyst is and what function it takes for a car.