The Volkswagen GW is a 1,584 cc, air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine produced between 1979 and 1983. It features a pushrod OHV valvetrain, single downdraft carburettor with automatic choke, 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, matching the GF but with updated emissions controls and revised cylinder head tinware for improved cooling stability.
Fitted exclusively to the Type 2 T2 (Bay Window) Transporter, Pickup, and Westfalia camper variants, the GW was engineered for dependable performance in both commercial and recreational applications during the final years of air‑cooled production. Emissions compliance was maintained through leaner carburettor jetting, positive crankcase ventilation, and hardened exhaust valve seats, meeting pre‑Euro national standards applicable in European markets.
One documented concern is carburettor float needle leakage due to ethanol‑induced swelling of older Viton seals, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin T2‑81‑03. This issue became prevalent as fuel formulations shifted toward ethanol blends, causing fuel flooding and hard hot restarts. From 1981 onward, Volkswagen specified ethanol‑resistant needle assemblies for replacement kits.
Production years 1979–1983 predate formal Euro emissions standards; compliance governed by national regulations (KBA Type Approval #A79/88776).
The Volkswagen GW is a 1,584 cc air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine engineered for light commercial and camper vehicles (1979–1983). It combines a simple OHV pushrod valvetrain with a single downdraft carburettor featuring automatic choke 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; ethanol content ≤5%) | |
| 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 (Pierburg 1B3 with automatic choke and ethanol‑resistant float needle) | |
| 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 GW’s 8.0:1 compression ratio and hardened valve seats ensure full unleaded fuel compatibility. However, the carburettor float needle is sensitive to ethanol blends above 5%, which can cause swelling and fuel flooding—especially during hot restarts. Use only ethanol‑resistant replacement needles per T2‑81‑03. Regular valve clearance checks (every 10,000 km) remain essential due to solid lifters. Cooling efficiency depends on intact fan shrouds and revised cylinder head tinware introduced in 1979; missing components cause hot spots and head warping. SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil is required for proper lifter quietness and gear lubrication.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Volkswagen Owner's Manual 1980).
Emissions: No Euro standard applies; governed by national regulations (KBA Type Approval #A79/88776).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified in Volkswagen PT‑1980.
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V-ETK/GW-80, T2‑81‑03
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) Type Approval Database (A79/88776)
Volkswagen Service Manual Type 2 (1980)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen GW 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 cylinder head tinware in the Westfalia and dual oil coolers in late Pickup models—and from 1981 the 1600LE and 1600S variants adopted ethanol‑resistant carburettor needles, 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 T2‑81‑03). The code 'GW' appears as a raised cast mark followed by the serial number. All GW engines feature black-painted crankcases, automatic choke carburettors, and revised cylinder head tinware with improved airflow routing. Critical differentiation from GF: GW uses ethanol‑resistant float needles and updated tinware; GF lacks these. Cylinder head bolt pattern matches only 1979+ T2 models—do not interchange with Beetle (Type 1) engines.
The GW's primary reliability risk is carburettor float needle swelling and fuel flooding when exposed to ethanol blends above 5%, with elevated incidence in regions using E10 fuel. Internal Volkswagen field reports from 1982 noted a significant portion of GW engines developing hot-start flooding by 60,000 km when operated on non-compliant fuel, while KBA service data linked missing or damaged cooling tinware to cylinder head warping. Extended idling and towing without oil cooler upgrades increase thermal stress, making fuel compliance and cooling integrity critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1981–1983) and KBA failure statistics (1980–1985). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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