The Volkswagen CA is a 1,588 cc, air‑cooled, flat‑four petrol engine produced between 1972 and 1980. It features a pushrod valvetrain and a single downdraft carburettor, delivering outputs around 44 kW (60 PS) and 108 Nm of torque. This engine, part of the Type 4 family, was designed for durability and ease of maintenance in rear-engined applications.
Fitted primarily to the Volkswagen Type 4 (411/412) and early Vanagon (T2) models, the CA was engineered for dependable, economical motoring. Emissions compliance for its era was achieved through precise carburetion and ignition timing, meeting the prevailing standards before the widespread adoption of catalytic converters.
One documented service concern is oil leakage from the pushrod tube seals and valve cover gaskets, a common characteristic of air-cooled engines noted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletins of the period. This seepage is often attributed to the thermal cycling inherent in air-cooled designs.
Production years 1972–1980 meet pre-Euro emissions standards applicable at time of manufacture (VCA UK Type Approval historical records).
The Volkswagen CA is a 1,588 cc air-cooled flat-four petrol engine engineered for rear-engined vehicles (1972-1980). It combines a simple pushrod valvetrain with a single carburettor to deliver dependable, low-stress performance. Designed for the emissions regulations of its time, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,588 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Flat-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 58.6 mm | |
| Power output | 44 kW (60 PS) @ 4,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 108 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single downdraft carburettor (Solex 34 PICT-3) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (1970s standards) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 30 or 10W-40 (non-detergent for early models) | |
| Dry weight | Approx. 100 kg |
The air-cooled, pushrod design offers mechanical simplicity and easy access for repairs but is sensitive to overheating if cooling fins are obstructed. It requires regular valve clearance adjustments (every 10,000 km) and meticulous attention to oil levels, as it lacks a pressurized sump. Oil seepage from pushrod tubes and valve covers is common and should be monitored. Using the correct non-detergent or low-detergent oil (as specified for the model year) is crucial to prevent sludge buildup in the dry-sump system. Ignition timing and carburetor synchronization are critical for smooth operation and fuel economy.
Oil Specs: Early models (pre-1975) often specified non-detergent SAE 30; later models used 10W-40 (Volkswagen Owner's Manual 1975).
Emissions: Meets pre-Euro standards applicable in the 1970s (VCA Historical Records). No catalytic converter fitted.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards (Volkswagen Group PT-1980). Output is for standard compression (7.5:1).
Volkswagen Workshop Manual (Type 4, 1974)
Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletins (1970s)
UK Vehicle Certification Agency Historical Records
Volkswagen Owner's Manual (1975)
The Volkswagen CA was used in Volkswagen's rear-engined Type 4 platform. This engine featured specific mounting points and cooling shrouds for the 411/412 sedan and the early T2 Vanagon. Minor revisions occurred during its production run, but major interchangeability exists within the Type 4 engine family.
The engine code is typically stamped on the crankcase, near the generator/alternator stand on the fan housing side (Volkswagen Workshop Manual 1974). It can also be found on the vehicle's M-plate, usually located in the front trunk (frunk) or on a door pillar. Visually, the CA is identifiable as an air-cooled flat-four with a single carburettor and a distinctive cooling fan housing on top. It is distinct from the smaller Type 1 (Beetle) engines by its larger displacement and different cooling tin configuration. For parts, cross-reference the engine code with the ETKA catalogue, as other Type 4 engines (like the 1700 'AB' or 1800 'AH') share many components but have different displacements.
The CA's primary reliability considerations stem from its air-cooled design and age. Oil leakage is a well-documented characteristic, while overheating due to blocked cooling fins or a failing thermostat is a critical risk. UK DVSA data for historic vehicles highlights ignition and fuel system faults as common MOT failure points. Regular, preventative maintenance focused on cooling, lubrication, and ignition is paramount for safe operation.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen workshop manuals (1970s) and UK DVSA historic vehicle inspection data. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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VOLKSWAGEN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
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