The Volkswagen EZ is a 1,588 cc, inline‑four air‑cooled petrol engine produced between 1972 and 1980. It features a flat‑four (boxer) layout, pushrod-actuated valves, and a downdraft carburettor. In standard form it delivered 44 kW (60 PS) and 108 Nm of torque, with mechanical simplicity and ease of service ideal for reliability in basic transportation.
Fitted to models such as the Type 2 T2 (Bay Window Bus), Type 181 (Thing), and late-production Beetle (1303/1303S)—including the 1600 variants—the EZ was engineered for economical urban and light-duty use with minimal maintenance complexity. Emissions compliance was achieved through a basic air injection system and evaporative canister, allowing compliance with early US federal and European national standards of the era.
One documented concern is overheating under sustained load, noted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 00‑05‑1975. This issue stems from marginal cooling capacity in hot climates or when used for towing, leading to cylinder head warping and valve seat recession. From 1976, revised cylinder head finning and oil cooler upgrades were introduced to improve thermal management.
Volkswagen
Production years 1972–1980 meet applicable national emissions standards of the era (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0321).
The Volkswagen EZ is a 1,588 cc flat‑four air‑cooled petrol engine engineered for light commercial and passenger vehicles (1972–1980). It combines a pushrod valvetrain with carburetted fuel delivery to deliver predictable performance and ease of field service. Designed to meet early national emissions standards, it prioritises mechanical robustness over high output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,588 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Flat‑4 (boxer), OHV, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.5 mm × 69.0 mm | |
| Power output | 44 kW (60 PS) | |
| Torque | 108 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-barrel downdraft carburettor (Solex 34 PICT-3) | |
| Emissions standard | National standards (pre‑Euro) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.7:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The EZ engine offers straightforward serviceability and predictable performance but requires vigilant monitoring of oil temperature and airflow to prevent overheating. Use of leaded petrol was standard during its production era; modern unleaded fuel is acceptable with hardened valve seat inserts (retrofitted in most surviving units). The air-cooled design lacks a thermostat, so warm-up is slow in cold climates. Cylinder head overheating—especially in T2 buses used for towing or in hot climates—can cause valve seat recession; post-1976 heads with improved finning and auxiliary oil coolers are recommended for high-load applications per Service Bulletin 00‑05‑1975.
Oil Specs: Originally specified SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (Volkswagen Owner’s Manual 1974). Modern high-zinc (ZDDP) formulations are recommended for flat-tappet protection.
Emissions: Pre-Euro emissions compliance applies to all 1972–1980 EZ engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0321). No Euro classification existed during this period.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified on 91 RON fuel (Volkswagen PT-1982).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 00A-A110, 00A-A112, 00A-A115
Volkswagen Service Bulletin 00-05-1975
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/0321)
DIN 70020: Motor vehicle power measurement standards
The Volkswagen EZ was used across Volkswagen's rear-engine platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised cooling ducts in the Type 2 T2 and modified exhaust routing in the Beetle—and from 1976 minor cylinder head updates were introduced for thermal management, creating service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the crankcase near the generator stand (Volkswagen TIS 00A-A101). The EZ code appears as a two-letter prefix followed by production digits. Critical differentiation from similar Type 4 engines: EZ is air-cooled flat-4 with 1,588 cc displacement and Solex 34 PICT-3 carburettor; Type 4 engines are larger and water-cooled. Cylinder head revisions from 01/1976 require production date verification—pre-1976 heads lack enhanced finning per Service Bulletin 00‑05‑1975.
The EZ's primary reliability risk is cylinder head overheating in pre-1976 units, with elevated incidence in Type 2 buses used for towing or in hot climates. Volkswagen internal quality reports from 1976 indicated a notable rate of valve seat recession before 80,000 km in high-load applications, while workshop data shows carburettor wear and ignition point degradation as common causes of drivability complaints. Infrequent use and ethanol-blended modern fuels accelerate carburettor corrosion and gasket degradation, making fuel system maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1972–1980) and workshop repair data (1975–1985). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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