The Volkswagen CU is a 1,588 cc, air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine produced between 1975 and 1983. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per bank, pushrod‑actuated valves, and a Solex 34 PICT‑3 carburettor. In standard form it delivered 52 kW (70 PS) and 118 Nm of torque, prioritising simplicity and serviceability over performance.
Fitted primarily to the Type 2 T2b (Bay Window) and early Type 2 T3 (Vanagon) models, the CU was engineered for durability in commercial and passenger applications across global markets. Emissions compliance in later years was achieved through an air injection system and modified ignition timing, allowing limited Euro 0 compliance in European variants.
One documented concern is carburettor icing under humid, low‑temperature conditions, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 17‑03‑78. This issue stems from the venturi cooling effect in the Solex carburettor, which can cause ice formation and subsequent stalling. From 1979, some export markets received revised intake pre‑heat systems to mitigate this risk.
All production years 1975–1983 meet pre‑Euro (Euro 0) emissions standards; no formal VCA type approval applies to this era (Volkswagen internal emissions classification E‑75/83).
The Volkswagen CU is a 1,588 cc air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine engineered for light commercial and passenger vans (1975–1983). It combines a single-barrel carburettor with robust pushrod valve actuation to deliver dependable low‑speed torque and straightforward field maintenance. Designed before formal EU emissions frameworks, it complies with national standards of its era.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,588 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 91 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 58.0 mm | |
| Power output | 52 kW (70 PS) @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 118 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Solex 34 PICT‑3 single‑barrel carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (Euro 0 equivalent) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled with belt‑driven fan | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear‑driven camshafts with pushrods | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 102 kg |
The CU’s air-cooled flat-four design offers mechanical simplicity and ease of roadside repair but requires vigilant carburettor maintenance and correct ignition timing to prevent stalling or overheating. Use of minimum RON 91 petrol is essential to avoid pre-ignition in high-ambient conditions. The Solex 34 PICT-3 is prone to icing in humid climates below 10°C; installing the factory intake pre-heat kit (per SB 17-03-78) mitigates this. Oil changes every 5,000 km with SAE 20W-50 mineral oil are critical due to the lack of an oil filter in early variants. Valve clearances must be adjusted every 10,000 km to maintain performance and prevent burnt valves.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Volkswagen Owner Manual 1978). Synthetic oils not recommended due to seal compatibility.
Emissions: No Euro standard applies; engine classified under internal Volkswagen emissions category E‑75/83 (pre-regulatory era).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power output assumes RON 91 fuel and sea-level conditions (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 00-75-CU).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 00-75-CU, SB 17-03-78
Volkswagen ETKA Documentation 001-900-015
Volkswagen Owner Manual (1978 Bay Window)
DIN 70020: Motor vehicle power measurement standards
The Volkswagen CU was used across Volkswagen's Type 2 platforms with rear‑mounted longitudinal mounting and no licensing partnerships. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the T2b and updated cooling shrouds in the early T3—and from 1979 the European T2b adopted an air injection pump for emissions, creating minor accessory interchange limits. No cross‑manufacturer usage was documented. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the crankcase near the generator stand (Volkswagen TIS 00-75-CU). The code 'CU' appears as a two-letter prefix followed by a serial number. Critical differentiation from earlier 1600 engines (e.g., AH, AB): CU features a larger Solex 34 PICT-3 carburettor with automatic choke and an external air injection pump on post-1977 European models. Pre-1978 units lack the pump and use a manual choke. Engine displacement is confirmed by 93.0 mm bore (measured or via parts catalogue).
The CU's primary reliability risk is carburettor icing and valve train wear due to its pushrod design, with elevated incidence in high‑humidity or neglected‑maintenance vehicles. Volkswagen field reports from 1978 noted frequent stalling complaints in Nordic and coastal regions, while internal durability testing showed valve seat recession after 120,000 km without clearance adjustments. Infrequent oil changes and use of low‑octane fuel accelerate ring wear and overheating, making adherence to service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1975–1983) and internal field service reports (1976–1984). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CU.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VOLKSWAGEN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
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.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVOLKSWAGEN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
