The Volkswagen FZ is a 1,584 cc, air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine produced between 1973 and 1983. It features a pushrod OHV valvetrain, single downdraft carburettor, and magnesium alloy crankcase. In standard form it delivered 51 kW (70 PS) at 4,800 rpm with 112 Nm of torque at 2,800 rpm, offering improved performance over earlier 1,600 variants through higher compression and revised porting.
Fitted primarily to the Type 2 T2 (Bay Window) Transporter, Pickup, and Westfalia camper variants, the FZ was engineered for enhanced drivability in both commercial and recreational applications. Emissions compliance relied on a leaner carburettor calibration and positive crankcase ventilation, meeting pre‑Euro national standards applicable in European markets during its production run.
One documented concern is premature valve seat recession in unleaded‑fuel operation without hardened seats, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin T2‑75‑12. This issue stems from the original soft valve seat material used in early FZ units. From 1976 onward, Volkswagen introduced induction‑hardened exhaust valve seats to address wear.
Volkswagen
Production years 1973–1983 predate formal Euro emissions standards; compliance governed by national regulations (KBA Type Approval #A73/67890).
The Volkswagen FZ is a 1,584 cc air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine engineered for light commercial and camper vehicles (1973–1983). It combines a simple OHV pushrod valvetrain with a single downdraft carburettor to deliver responsive low‑speed torque and ease of field 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; leaded compatible pre-1976) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑4, OHV, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 58.0 mm | |
| Power output | 51 kW (70 PS) @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 112 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single downdraft carburettor (Solex 34 PICT‑3 or Pierburg 1B3) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (National standards only) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.0:1 | |
| 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 FZ’s higher 8.0:1 compression ratio improves responsiveness but demands careful attention to fuel quality and valve seat integrity. Pre-1976 engines lack hardened exhaust valve seats—use of unleaded fuel without additives may cause recession and loss of compression. Post-1976 units feature induction-hardened seats per T2‑75‑12. Regular valve clearance checks (every 10,000 km) are essential due to solid lifters. Cooling efficiency depends entirely on intact fan shrouds and cylinder tinware; missing components cause localized overheating. Use only SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil to maintain proper lifter quietness and gear lubrication.
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 #A73/67890).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified in Volkswagen PT‑1976.
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V-ETK/FZ-78, T2‑75‑12
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) Type Approval Database (A73/67890)
Volkswagen Service Manual Type 2 (1974)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen FZ 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 carburettor jetting in the Westfalia and reinforced fan shroud in the Pickup—and from 1976 the 1600LE and 1600S variants adopted hardened valve seats, 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 T2‑75‑12). The code 'FZ' appears as a raised cast mark followed by the serial number. Pre-1976 units use silver-painted crankcases with soft valve seats; post-1976 models have black-painted cases and hardened exhaust seats. Critical differentiation from FH: FZ has higher compression (8.0:1 vs 7.5:1) and 70 PS output vs 60 PS. Cylinder head bolt pattern matches only 1973+ T2 models—do not interchange with Beetle (Type 1) engines.
The FZ's primary reliability risk is exhaust valve seat recession in pre‑1976 units operated on unleaded fuel, with elevated incidence in high‑load or hot‑climate use. Internal Volkswagen field data from 1977 noted a significant portion of early FZ engines developing compression loss by 80,000 km when run on unleaded without protection, while KBA service records linked cooling system neglect to cylinder head warping. Extended idling and towing without oil cooler upgrades increase thermal stress, making fuel choice and cooling integrity critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1975–1980) and KBA failure statistics (1976–1985). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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