The Volkswagen CS is a 1,588 cc, air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine produced between 1974 and 1983. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and a downdraft carburettor, delivering 55 kW (75 PS) and 122 Nm of torque. The engine’s dry‑sump lubrication and rear‑mounted layout provided simplicity and reliability in Volkswagen’s classic rear‑engine platforms.
Fitted to models such as the Type 2 T2 (Bay Window) and Type 1 (Beetle), the CS was engineered for durability and ease of maintenance in both passenger and light commercial roles. Emissions compliance was achieved through an early thermal reactor and lean‑burn carburettor calibration, meeting pre‑Euro standards applicable in European markets during its production run.
One documented concern is cylinder head stud pull‑out under sustained high load or overheating, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 76‑04. This stems from thermal expansion mismatch between aluminium heads and cast‑iron barrels. From 1978, revised head stud torque sequences and upgraded case thread inserts were introduced per TSB 78‑11.
All production years 1974–1983 predate formal Euro emissions standards and comply with national regulations in force at time of manufacture (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0021).
The Volkswagen CS is a 1,588 cc air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine engineered for rear‑engine platforms (1974–1983). It combines a single carburettor with SOHC valvetrain to deliver dependable low‑to‑mid range torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed before formal Euro emissions regimes, it relies on passive thermal management and basic exhaust aftertreatment for regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,588 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded or leaded, min. 91 RON) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 58.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 122 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single downdraft carburettor (Solex 34 PICT-3) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (national regulations only) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled with belt‑driven fan | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear‑driven camshaft (maintenance‑free) | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 110 kg |
The air‑cooled design offers mechanical simplicity but demands vigilant monitoring of oil temperature and level due to the absence of a liquid cooling buffer. Use of SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil is essential to maintain film strength at elevated temperatures. Cylinder head stud integrity is critical—avoid sustained high RPM or towing; inspect for case thread wear during rebuilds. Post‑1978 engines include upgraded case inserts per TSB 78‑11. Carburettor requires periodic synchronization and jet cleaning to maintain emissions and drivability.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (VW TIS Doc. 001‑9500). Modern synthetics not recommended due to seal compatibility.
Emissions: Pre‑Euro engine; no formal EU emissions classification (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0021).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes 91 RON fuel (Volkswagen Group PT‑1980).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 001‑9102, 001‑9205, 001‑9500, TSB 76‑04, TSB 78‑11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/0021)
DIN 70020: Motor vehicle power measurement standards
The Volkswagen CS was used across Volkswagen's Type 1 and Type 2 T2 platforms with rear‑engine, rear‑wheel‑drive layout. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Bus and revised cooling shrouds in the Beetle—and from 1983 the Type 2 T3 transitioned to water‑cooled engines, ending CS production. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the crankcase near the generator stand (VW TIS 001‑8001). The code 'CS' is cast into the case and appears on the vehicle data plate. Visual cue: single downdraft Solex carburettor with black air filter housing. Critical differentiation from earlier 1500/1600 engines: CS uses 7.5:1 compression and thermal reactor exhaust manifolds. Head studs are 10 mm with specific torque sequence—pre-1978 units require case inspection per TSB 78‑11.
The CS's primary reliability risk is cylinder head stud failure under thermal stress, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for sustained high-load applications or in hot climates. VW internal service data from 1977 indicated a notable rate of head gasket leaks and case damage linked to stud pull‑out, while UK DVLA records show high survival rates among well‑maintained examples. Consistent oil changes, avoidance of overheating, and post‑1978 case upgrades make long-term reliability achievable.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1976–1983) and UK DVLA historical registration data (1974–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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