The Volkswagen DB is a 1,588 cc, air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine produced between 1970 and 1983. It features a pushrod-operated valvetrain, single Solex carburettor, and 8.2:1 compression ratio. In standard form it delivered 44 kW (60 PS) at 4,500 rpm and 108 Nm of torque at 2,800 rpm, providing adequate performance for light commercial and passenger use.
Fitted to models such as the Type 2 T2 (Bay Window Bus), Type 3, and early Type 4 variants, the DB was engineered for durability and simplicity in varied climates and load conditions. Emissions compliance was rudimentary by modern standards, meeting pre‑Euro norms under German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) type approvals.
One documented concern is oil sludge accumulation due to infrequent oil changes and marginal crankcase ventilation, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 201.01.03. This issue stems from the engine’s non‑filtered breather system and low oil capacity, which accelerates contamination in stop‑start or short‑trip usage. Later DB variants introduced improved breather hoses and revised dipsticks.
Production years 1970–1983 predate Euro emissions standards; compliance governed by national type approval (KBA #56789).
The Volkswagen DB is a 1,588 cc air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine engineered for light commercial and passenger vehicles (1970–1983). It combines a single-barrel carburettor with pushrod valve actuation to deliver predictable low‑end torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed before Euro emissions regulations, it complies with contemporary German KBA standards.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,588 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded or leaded, pre‑1986) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑4, OHV, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 58.0 mm | |
| Power output | 44 kW (60 PS) @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 108 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Solex 34 PICT-3 carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (KBA national approval) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled (fan‑driven) | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 97 kg |
The air-cooled flat-four layout provides mechanical simplicity and ease of access but demands vigilant oil management due to limited filtration and a small sump. Oil changes every 5,000 km are critical to prevent sludge buildup, especially in urban or cold climates. The non‑filtered crankcase breather recirculates blow-by into the air cleaner, requiring periodic cleaning of the oil separator box. Carburettor tuning must account for altitude and temperature due to lack of electronic compensation. Use of modern unleaded fuel is acceptable, but valve seat recession may occur in pre‑1976 units without hardened seats.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Volkswagen TB 201.01.03). Modern synthetics not recommended due to seal compatibility.
Emissions: Pre-Euro emissions regime; governed by KBA national type approval (KBA #56789). No DPF/EGR systems.
Power Ratings: Measured per DIN 70020 standards. Output verified under KBA certification testing (KBA #56789).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Workshop Manual 1972, ETK 1975
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) Type Approval Database #56789
Volkswagen Service Bulletin 201.01.03
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Volkswagen DB was used across Volkswagen's Type 2 and Type 3 platforms with rear-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Type 2 Bus and modified cooling shrouds in the Type 4 412—and from 1975 the Type 2 L models adopted revised carburettor jets for altitude compensation, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the crankcase near the generator stand (Volkswagen Workshop Manual 1972). The code 'DB' appears as a raised cast mark followed by the serial number. Visual identification: silver aluminium crankcase, single Solex carburettor with manual choke, and upright oil filler on the right rear. Differentiate from earlier 'AE' or 'AH' engines by displacement (1,588 cc vs. 1,500 cc) and carburettor model (34 PICT-3 vs. 30 PICT-1). Cooling fan shroud design changed in 1973—pre-73 units have smooth shrouds; post-73 feature ribbed reinforcement.
The DB's primary reliability risk is oil sludge formation in the crankcase, with elevated incidence in short-trip or cold-climate use. Volkswagen internal service data from 1978 indicated over 30% of warranty oil-related claims involved DB engines with <5,000 km service intervals, while KBA field reports noted frequent carburettor icing in humid winter conditions. Infrequent oil changes and marginal crankcase ventilation make strict maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1970-1983) and KBA failure statistics (1975-1985). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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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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