Technical characteristics and operating features of ZIL 131

The history of the most popular ZiL SUV

The car was produced for 2 decades and became one of the most famous models with unprecedented cross-country ability at that time. That is why it was called the first Soviet SUV.

The model was first shown in 1956 as a prototype. After lengthy tests that stretched over 5 long years, the decision was finally made to launch the car into mass production, but for unknown reasons it, that is, the launch, was postponed again, and the first batch of ZIL-131 rolled off the assembly line only in 1966 .

True, during the tests the designers did not waste time - they improved their development, and in the end the car turned out to be of such high quality that it created a real sensation. As a result, it replaced the then obsolete ZIL-157, which was in service with the Soviet army.

The vehicle turned out to be excellent: high power, increased maneuverability and load capacity, unprecedented speed at that time, a comfortable cabin - all these qualities made the vehicle in demand in various sectors of the national economy.

Well, the reliability of the development of Soviet engineers can be evidenced by the fact that cars in working condition are often found on Russian and other roads, even in our time, with the current wealth of choice.

Cabin

The ZIL 131 truck was equipped with an all-metal, insulated cabin designed for three people.

The heating system in the cabin is combined with the engine cooling system and has a centrifugal fan. There is a special handle on the panel inside the cabin, through which the damper of the heating system channel is controlled.

The ventilation system is made as simple as possible. It is represented by roll-down windows, rotating door windows, as well as a channel near the right mudguard.

The cabin was equipped with separate seats. The driver's seat has several adjustments. The seats for passengers are combined and designed in the form of a small sofa. The seats have cushions made from sponge rubber.

Main modifications of ZIL 131 and their purpose

The robust chassis of the vehicle made it possible to install various superstructures, so its scope of application is more than wide.

Thus, the flatbed ZIL-131 is a classic truck with closed wooden sides. The tailgate folds down, and the body has folding benches on the sides for up to 16 people.

A manipulator was also produced on the basis of this model - a high-strength vehicle based on a carbon steel structure. Crane equipment was usually mounted on this modification; ZIL-131 winches were very popular.

The creators of the car made sure that their brainchild was maximally adapted for off-road driving. Its cross-country ability was in no way inferior to tracked vehicles, so the vehicle was in great demand among the military. So, for example, the legendary Katyusha and other military equipment were installed on its chassis.

ZIL KUNG deserves special attention (the abbreviation stood for a unified body of normal size). This modification was a covered van designed for transporting service stations and mobile radio communication points.

As for the ZIL dump truck, its history was short-lived. Over the entire period, only a few models rolled off the production line, and even those were produced to order.

The car was actively used in the aviation sector - special equipment for servicing aircraft was installed on its base.

The machine was also used to clear the area of ​​snow; it is quite logical that snow removal units were attached to it for this purpose. A common modification was the ZiL firefighter, as well as a tank version for transporting petroleum products.

Loading platform

The car body consists of a wooden platform with a metal frame and metal cross bars. The design is complemented by solid front and side sides. The rear platform was equipped with a folding side.

The standard ZIL 131 body is designed for wide use. In addition to transporting any cargo, the platform can also serve to transport people. To achieve this, the platform was equipped with folding benches, providing 16 seats, and an additional middle removable one, which can accommodate 8 people.

Pros and cons of the car

The key advantage of the model, which became the topic of our conversation today, was the unique chassis in its class, thanks to which it became possible to install any equipment and, as a result, create all kinds of modifications of this vehicle. High technical characteristics made it possible to use the model in any climatic conditions - this “workhorse” did not let down either in the heat or in severe frost.

The car is not afraid of off-road conditions; like a tank, it will make its way into any wilderness and complete the task. The reliability of the car deserves the highest praise; it is still actively used both in the military industry and to meet civilian needs.

Important

As for the shortcomings, they exist, but in minimal quantities. The only significant disadvantage is that the ZIL-131 is obsolete and has long been out of production.

If not for this, and if work on improving the model had continued in due time, it is likely that the modern version would easily give odds to most similar equipment, even imported ones. Some owners note too high fuel consumption and also complain about the lack of modification with a diesel power unit.

Truck Specifications

The technical characteristics of the ZIL 131 helped it gain such popularity, which the model retained for many years. To understand the features of this machine, it is necessary to consider each part separately.

Engine

The carburetor engine of a truck is distinguished by high power and excellent technical characteristics:

Transmission

The transmission had the following characteristics:

A distinctive feature of the ZIL 131 is access to only two rear axles. The front one is switched on automatically. For this purpose, the car has an electro-pneumatic drive in its design.

Electrical system

The ignition system in this model has been significantly improved. It is shielded, sealed, non-contact transistor, which ensures effective operation in any conditions. All electrical appliances operate from one 12 V battery and an alternator with a large power reserve.

Sealed shielded ignition system

Suspension

The suspension is located at the front. It operates on two springs. Shock absorbers are included in the design of the truck. The rear suspension is balanced, with six bars. The brakes operate using drums, pneumatics and a mechanical drive.

ZIL-131 with air suspension

Current prices for ZIL 131

As mentioned above, the design of the model is outdated, but the car is still in great demand. Naturally, since it was discontinued a long time ago, it is impossible to buy it new, but as for the used ZiL-131, its cost depends on several factors. So, pricing in this case will be affected by the year of manufacture, modification, mileage, technical condition, etc.

For example, a model of the 66th year of production with a mileage of 400 thousand km costs about 150 thousand rubles, more “fresh” copies of the last years of production with a lower mileage (however, finding such ones is very problematic) are sold at a price of 400 thousand roubles.

It is important to note that modification has a key influence on the formation of the cost of the machine. Having monitored thematic Internet resources, we found that a modification with a drilling rig costs one and a half to two million rubles; you can buy a ZIL-131 aerial platform for no less than 500 thousand.

Peculiarities

Advantages

The ZIL 131 truck has a fairly large number of positive reviews. In them, many drivers and owners noted its extreme reliability, impressive endurance and practically indestructible quality of all components and mechanisms. In addition, the truck was also famous for its cross-country ability, which at the time of mass production had practically no equal. Unless the competition could come from the brainchild of the Gorky Automobile Plant GAZ 66.

Having a fully loaded body, the truck could overcome wet and broken road sections without any problems. Clay slopes, sand dunes, and rough terrain blurred by heavy rains also did not become a problem for him. As you might guess, with such an excellent set of qualities, the ZIL 131 was a particularly popular vehicle in the army and national economies, where work was carried out in places difficult to reach for other vehicles.

In terms of design, the truck turned out to be as simple and understandable as possible. Much of what it has is almost completely similar to the 130th ZIL. The only difference was the cabin, the middle axle and all-wheel drive, which was not included in the plans for the predecessor.

Simple maintenance is also noted. The large hood and high ground clearance provide full access to all components and assemblies. Due to this, any malfunction could be resolved in a fairly short time, even in the field, if, of course, a certain set of tools was present.

Flaws

But besides its advantages, the ZIL 131 also has several disadvantages. First of all, it should be noted that a truck is not suitable for long-term travel. This is explained by the fact that the landing in it is quite rigid, although it provides excellent visibility. At speeds over 65 kilometers per hour, the truck shakes noticeably, and due to poor sound insulation, it becomes very noisy inside. Another drawback, which is currently very significant for the truck, is its fuel consumption.

The car consumes really large amounts of fuel. If earlier, when the truck was produced, fuel cost a penny, and besides, the cars were not private, but state-owned, but now it’s the other way around. If a truck is now privately owned, it is often converted to gas equipment.

Reviews from owners and drivers

• I have a ZIL 131 - an updated 130 with a medium axle. The car impresses with cross-country ability and copes with the assigned tasks. My car is used as a timber carrier, as well as technical assistance. This is an army heavy truck with military camouflage. Honor and praise to those car enthusiasts who convert these cars into mobile bathhouses, although this is purely business. The car is more power hungry than the 130th model. This modification has an extended side platform and so-called “conics”. ZIL 131 copes well with the duties of a log carrier with an average load capacity of 5 tons. In addition, this model has proven itself well as a timber truck. Of course, the cost of owning such a car costs a tidy sum, but this, of course, is not compared with foreign analogues). The machine has a high degree of survivability and maintainability. The interior has a “Spartan” seating position, so you can immediately see that this is a pure workhorse. The 6.0 liter engine produces 150 hp. With. and consumes at least 30 liters at 60 km/h.
• An excellent rogue as the main source of income. When I was very young in the era of the USSR, my father’s ZIL-131 seemed quite huge to me, but in theory it is a medium-tonnage truck, and in the 131 version it also has increased cross-country ability. The 6.0 liter engine regularly produces 150 horses and is prone to overheating. In winter, it pleases with a confident start. The presence of three bridges is impressive in terms of cross-country ability - the car confidently moves through swampy areas. The tread of the tires is, to put it mildly, not shabby. And yet, there are also force majeure situations: once we got stuck in a deep river - we drove there specifically to wash the truck. But alas, we didn’t notice - the car was sucked into this abyss much deeper. Fortunately, we had a winch then. Otherwise, this heavy ZIL would hardly have left without outside help. The fuel consumption of this middle-class “tractor” is 35-40 liters, depending on the load. The carburetor is powerful enough for such a weight of car.
• I am the owner of a ZIL-131 truck, which has a set of disadvantages and advantages, like any other truck for comparable money. Yes, it has a gigantic consumption of 40 liters. And this car is also poorly suited for long-distance travel. But the driving performance of the 131 is excellent. It's nice to meet this "old guy" in the village, in the city, at a construction site, in a quarry, etc. I use it for off-road driving, as a towing vehicle, etc. The ZIL 131 must be admitted as a worthy investment if you need a stable source of income. Of course, you need your own auto repair shop, since third-party maintenance of the ZIL will cost serious money. ZIL has a durable engine that can work in hot or cold weather. The transmission shifts predictably and doesn't overheat. As far as I remember, a similar combination (ICE + manual transmission) from ZIL was installed on the famous Lviv LAZ bus. The engine consumes a lot of gasoline and oil, which can be considered its main disadvantage.
• I work on a ZIL 131 manufactured in 1984. I must admit, this car is a legend of the Soviet automobile industry, because thanks to such cars it was possible to rebuild an entire large country. Like a great power, ZIL also has many disadvantages, but there are many more advantages! In terms of dynamics, the car pulls well even uphill or on a country road, as well as in muddy ground. But you need to understand that the higher the load, the greater the fuel consumption. I fit in 40-45 liters depending on the load. But how ZIL overcomes mud barriers cannot even be described in poetry. You can drive in reverse uphill - however, to do this you need to lower the tire pressure to 0.5. It is noteworthy that on the highway you can squeeze out as much as 70 km/h from this hard worker. The car drives easily, given the large traction reserve. Perhaps the only thing better than this car is the GAZ-66.
• I have a Soviet-made ZIL 131. Equipped with a 6-liter gasoline engine and manual transmission. It’s a pity, such a car is very difficult to find in diesel version - with this engine ZIL is much more economical. But the 6-liter gasoline engine impresses with its acceleration dynamics. The car is capable of confidently crossing a deep ford, unless the Urals passes in front of it - you yourself understand how deep the ruts are from its wheels. It is precisely for such cases that the modification with a winch came in handy. I would like to note the convenient operation of the transmission and transfer case. The brakes are pneumatic. We were pleased with the very strong axles - in fact, this is a real cargo-class SUV. However, the consumption of 40-45 liters does not correspond to current standards. Unfortunately, a diesel option could not be found.
• Once I was lucky enough to drive this truck - to earn extra money on vacation, so to speak. I have the 131st ZIL with a D-245 engine running on heavy fuel. This unit is perfect for a truck and heavy vehicle with fancy off-road capabilities. Reliability, reliability and maintainability are the main advantages of this vehicle with timely maintenance. The diesel engine has a large reserve of thrust at low speeds. obstacles can be overcome without acceleration. The truck doesn’t care about hills, ditches, foxes or swamps. The car is equipped with a centralized tire inflation system, which allows you to deflate the tires at the right time and thereby turn the ZIL into a kind of tracked vehicle. This feature, as well as the 6x6 wheel formula, easily compensate for the lack of inter-wheel locks. If necessary, the front axle can be disabled. There is a power take-off drive, as well as an 80-meter winch. With such an off-road arsenal, of course, it would be a sin to hope for good driving performance in urban conditions. The car rolls heavily and is almost uncontrollable. The steering wheel is very heavy, the truck is clumsy. The roar of the engine in the cabin makes the voice of the passenger almost inaudible. There is yaw, and already at medium speed. However, the braking system is worth praising – by class standards, of course. It must be admitted that nothing can replace the ZIL 131 where the road ends and Russian land begins.
• This truck is worth the money spent. I have a version with a 6.0 liter engine, which is considered the most controversial for this model. Okay, there it shows itself quite well on the 130th model, but the 131st ZIL with such an internal combustion engine consumes even more fuel and oil. Of course, this is due to the 6x6 wheel arrangement and more toothy tires - almost like the Ural. At least these “slippers” are installed on my modification. Fortunately, the car is so repairable that it is not a problem to even replace the engine - there are heaps of them in stock. I had a case where I was sent on a flight, there were a couple of kilometers left to the final point, but suddenly the engine suddenly stalled. I thought the carburetor had failed - it wouldn’t pick up speed and generally wouldn’t start. After being driven to the base, the engine was opened and shavings were found, as well as a flying corkscrew ring. The main journal and engine were ground down for replacement, fortunately we have several of them. But this time they installed a diesel engine - it is much more economical.