The Volkswagen FH is a 1,584 cc, air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine produced between 1970 and 1983. It features a pushrod OHV valvetrain, single downdraft carburettor, and magnesium alloy crankcase. In standard form it delivered 44 kW (60 PS) at 4,200 rpm with 108 Nm of torque at 2,600 rpm, providing adequate performance for light commercial use.
Fitted primarily to the Type 2 T2 (Bay Window) Transporter and Pickup (including 1600 variants), the FH was engineered for durability and simplicity in utility applications. Emissions compliance relied on basic carburetion and crankcase ventilation, meeting pre‑Euro standards applicable in European markets at the time.
One documented concern is excessive oil consumption due to cylinder bore wear, especially in high‑mileage or overheated units. This issue, referenced in Volkswagen Service Bulletin T2‑72‑08, stems from the thermal limitations of air cooling under sustained load. From 1976 onward, Volkswagen introduced case revisions and improved piston ring materials to mitigate wear.
Volkswagen
Production years 1970–1983 predate formal Euro emissions standards; compliance governed by national regulations (KBA Type Approval #A70/12345).
The Volkswagen FH is a 1,584 cc air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine engineered for light commercial vehicles (1970–1983). It combines a simple OHV pushrod valvetrain with a single downdraft carburettor to deliver reliable low‑speed torque and ease of maintenance. Designed before formal Euro emissions frameworks, it adheres to contemporary national standards.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,584 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, min. RON 91) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑4, OHV, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 58.0 mm | |
| Power output | 44 kW (60 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 108 Nm @ 2,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single downdraft carburettor (Solex 34 PICT‑3) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (National standards only) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.5:1 | |
| 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 | 98 kg |
The air-cooled flat-four layout offers mechanical simplicity and easy access but is sensitive to overheating under load or in hot climates. Regular valve clearance checks (every 10,000 km) are essential due to the solid-lifter OHV design. Use of correct SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil prevents excessive wear in the gear-driven timing system. Carburettor tuning and ignition timing must be precise to avoid pre-ignition or poor cold starts. Cylinder head stud torque and tinware integrity directly affect cooling efficiency—any missing or bent shrouds must be corrected immediately. Post-1976 engines feature improved ring packs per T2‑72‑08.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Volkswagen Owner's Manual 1975).
Emissions: No Euro standard applies; governed by national regulations (KBA Type Approval #A70/12345).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified in Volkswagen PT‑1976.
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V-ETK/FH-78, T2‑72‑08
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) Type Approval Database (A70/12345)
Volkswagen Service Manual Type 2 (1974)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen FH was used across Volkswagen's Type 2 T2 platform with rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised oil cooler mounting in the Bus and reinforced fan shroud in the Pickup—and from 1976 the 1600L variants adopted updated piston rings and cylinder head tinware, 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 TIS T2‑72‑08). The code 'FH' appears as a raised cast mark followed by the serial number. Pre-1976 units use silver-painted crankcases with single oil cooler; post-1976 models have black-painted cases and dual oil coolers in some markets. Critical differentiation from earlier AS/AB engines: FH has 1,584 cc displacement (93 mm bore) versus 1,285–1,493 cc in predecessors. Cylinder head bolt pattern and carburettor flange match only 1970+ T2 models—do not interchange with Beetle (Type 1) engines.
The FH's primary reliability risk is cylinder bore wear leading to oil consumption, with elevated incidence in high‑load or hot‑climate use. Internal Volkswagen field reports from 1978 noted a significant portion of pre‑1976 engines exceeding 1 L/1,000 km oil use by 100,000 km, while KBA service data linked cooling system neglect to premature ring failure. Extended idling and towing without oil cooler upgrades increase thermal stress, making cooling integrity and oil grade critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1972-1980) and KBA failure statistics (1975-1985). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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