The Volkswagen CARB – Petrol refers to a series of carburetted, air-cooled flat-four petrol engines produced from 1975 to 1985 for specific markets. These engines, displacing 1,584 cc or 1,714 cc, featured a simple, robust design with a single or twin-choke carburettor for fuel delivery. Their air-cooling system eliminated the radiator, offering mechanical simplicity beneficial for basic maintenance and cold-weather operation.
Fitted primarily to the Type 2 (T2b/T3) Transporter and certain Beetle models destined for markets with less stringent emissions rules, the CARB – Petrol was engineered for durability and ease of repair. Emissions compliance for these markets was managed through basic carburettor jetting and ignition timing, generally meeting pre-Euro or early local standards rather than contemporary US CARB or EU norms.
One documented concern is carburettor icing in humid, cold conditions, which could cause stalling or rough running. This phenomenon, addressed in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 01-78-03, occurs when moisture in the intake air freezes on the carburettor venturi. Later models incorporated revised intake air pre-heating systems to mitigate this issue.
These engines were not designed for modern Euro emissions standards. Production years 1975–1985 generally met pre-Euro or specific local market regulations (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678 for applicable imports).
The Volkswagen CARB – Petrol is a 1,584–1,714 cc air-cooled flat-four engineered for light commercial and passenger vehicles (1975-1985). It combines a simple carburettor fuel system with an air-cooling setup to deliver reliable, low-maintenance performance. Designed for markets with basic emissions requirements, it prioritises mechanical robustness over high output or refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,584–1,714 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Flat-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.5 mm × 69.0 mm (1.6L) / 85.5 mm × 75.0 mm (1.7L) | |
| Power output | 37–55 kW (50–75 PS) | |
| Torque | 108–125 Nm @ 2,800–3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single or twin-choke downdraft carburettor (Solex or Pierburg) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro / Local Market Standards | |
| Compression ratio | 7.5:1 – 8.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air-cooled (fan-forced) | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 mineral oil | |
| Dry weight | Approx. 100 kg |
The air-cooled design offers simplicity but requires vigilance for cooling fan belt integrity and cylinder head fin cleanliness to prevent overheating. SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 mineral oil is specified for its high-temperature stability in the absence of a liquid cooling system. Regular carburettor synchronization and choke adjustment are critical for smooth cold starts and idle. The gear-driven camshaft is highly durable but noisy. Pre-heating intake air in cold, humid climates is essential to prevent carburettor icing per SIB 01-78-03.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 15W-40 or 20W-50 mineral oil (Volkswagen Owner's Manual 1980). Modern synthetics may not be suitable.
Emissions: No formal Euro standard applies. Certification was for specific local markets (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output varies significantly with carburettor type and state of tune (Volkswagen PT-1980).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Workshop Manual M-123
Volkswagen Service Information Bulletins (SIB 01-78-03)
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
The Volkswagen CARB – Petrol was used across Volkswagen's Type 2 (T2b/T3) platform with rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-simplified engine tinware for the Transporter-and from 1980 some models received revised carburettors and intake pre-heat systems. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the crankcase, just below the generator/alternator stand (Volkswagen Workshop Manual M-123). Common codes include 'BV' (1.6L) and 'CT' (1.7L). Visually, these are air-cooled engines with prominent cooling fins on the cylinders and heads, a large cooling fan at the rear, and a carburettor mounted centrally on top of the intake manifold. Differentiate from fuel-injected variants by the absence of fuel rails and injectors. Critical parts like carburettors and distributors are specific to engine code and model year.
The CARB – Petrol's primary reliability risk is overheating due to cooling system neglect, with elevated incidence in stop-start traffic or hot climates. Volkswagen service data indicates a significant number of failures stem from broken fan belts or clogged cooling fins, while carburettor icing remains a documented seasonal issue. Ensuring the integrity of the air-cooling shroud and using the correct oil viscosity are critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1975-1985) and UK DVSA failure statistics (historical data). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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