The Volkswagen AL is a 1,588 cc, air — cooled, flat — four petrol engine produced between 1973 and 1983. It features a horizontally opposed cylinder layout, pushrod — actuated valves, and a single downdraft carburettor. In standard form, it delivered 50 kW (68 PS), providing adequate power for its lightweight applications.
Fitted primarily to the Type 4 411/412 and early Type 2 (T2) ‘Bay Window’ vans and pickups, the AL was engineered for durability and simplicity in varied…
Volkswagen
Production years 1973–1983 predate formal Euro standards; compliant with national regulations of era (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345).
The Volkswagen AL is a 1,588 cc air-cooled flat-four petrol engine engineered for rear-engine applications (1973-1983). It combines a simple pushrod valvetrain with a single carburettor to deliver reliable, low-maintenance performance. Designed for pre-catalyst emissions norms, it prioritizes mechanical robustness over high output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,588 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Flat-four, OHV, 2 valves per cylinder | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 58.5 mm | |
Power output | 50 kW (68 PS) @ 4,300 rpm | |
Torque | 123 Nm @ 2,600 rpm | |
Fuel system | Single 34 PICT-3 downdraft carburettor | |
Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (National Standards) | |
Compression ratio | 7.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Air-cooled (fan-forced) | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Gear-driven camshaft | |
Oil type | SAE 30 or 10W-40 (non-detergent for early models) | |
Dry weight | 100 kg |
The Volkswagen AL was used across Volkswagen's Type 4 platform with rear, longitudinal mounting. This engine received minor carburettor updates throughout its production run, but no major revisions affecting core compatibility. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The AL's primary reliability risk is overheating due to neglected maintenance of the cooling system or oil leaks. VW internal service data indicates a correlation between oil cooler seal failure and subsequent engine damage in high-mileage units. Ensuring proper valve clearance and carburettor function is critical for smooth operation and preventing undue stress.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1973-1983) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1985-1995). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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The AL is renowned for its mechanical simplicity and durability when properly maintained. Its air-cooled design avoids radiator and water pump issues. Long-term reliability depends on regular valve adjustments, oil changes, and addressing oil cooler leaks promptly. With care, these engines can easily surpass 150,000 miles.
The most frequent issues are oil leaks from the cooler seals, carburettor malfunctions causing running problems, cracked exhaust manifolds creating noise and fumes, and generator/alternator failures. These are well-documented in Volkswagen service literature and are generally straightforward to fix.
The AL 1.6L engine was primarily used in the Volkswagen Type 4 (411/412) sedans and estates (1973-1974) and the Type 2 'Bay Window' vans, pickups, and kombis (1973-1979). It was also used in the US-spec Porsche 914 (1973-1976) as their 1.8L variant.
Yes, the AL responds well to tuning. Common upgrades include dual carburettors, performance camshafts, larger valves, and exhaust headers, which can increase power to 80-90 PS. The bottom end is robust, but significant power gains require balancing and blueprinting. Ensure the cooling system can handle the extra heat.
Real-world fuel economy for an AL-powered Type 2 Bus is typically 18-22 mpg UK (12.5-15.5 L/100km) in mixed driving. Highway cruising can return 25-28 mpg UK (10-11.5 L/100km). These figures are for a well-tuned engine; a poorly adjusted carburettor will significantly increase consumption.
No. The AL is a non-interference engine. If the timing gears were to fail (an extremely rare occurrence), the pistons and valves would not collide. This is a safety feature of its simple OHV design, making it more forgiving of timing issues than modern engines.
Volkswagen originally specified SAE 30 for warm climates and SAE 10W-40 for varied conditions. Modern high-quality 15W-40 or 20W-50 diesel-rated oils (with higher zinc content) are often recommended for better protection in air-cooled engines. Change intervals should be 5,000-7,500 km.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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