The Volkswagen H is a 1,584 cc, air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine produced between 1970 and 1975. It features a pushrod-actuated valvetrain with two valves per cylinder and a Solex 30 PICT‑2 carburettor. In standard form it delivered 37 kW (50 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 108 Nm of torque at 2,400 rpm, providing dependable performance for light utility applications.
Fitted primarily to the Volkswagen Type 2 (T2) Transporter and Kombi in European and Latin American markets, the H engine was engineered for mechanical simplicity and serviceability in commercial use. Emissions control relied on carburettor calibration and exhaust tuning, meeting prevailing national standards of the era (pre‑Euro framework).
One documented concern is inadequate valve seat hardness for unleaded fuel operation, a common trait among pre‑1976 air‑cooled VW engines. This issue, referenced in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin T2‑74‑05, led to premature valve recession under sustained load unless hardened valve seats were retrofitted or leaded fuel was used.
Volkswagen
The H engine predates EU emissions regulations; compliance was governed by national type approval (e.g., German KBA). No Euro standard applies.
The Volkswagen H is a 1,584 cc air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine engineered for light commercial vehicles (1970–1975). It combines a pushrod OHV valvetrain with a Solex carburettor to deliver reliable low‑speed torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed before EU emissions frameworks, it adheres to national type‑approval standards of its production era.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,584 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Leaded recommended; Unleaded requires hardened valve seats) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑4, OHV, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 57.8 mm | |
| Power output | 37 kW (50 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 108 Nm @ 2,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Solex 30 PICT‑2 carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (national type approval 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 | 96 kg |
The H engine offers exceptional mechanical simplicity and ease of field repair but requires attention to valve seat integrity when operated on modern unleaded fuel. Pre‑1976 units lack hardened valve seats and are prone to recession under sustained load or high ambient temperatures. Use of lead replacement additives or cylinder head upgrades (per TSB T2‑74‑05) is strongly recommended. Regular valve clearance checks (every 10,000 km) and proper carburettor synchronization prevent misfires and overheating. Air‑cooled design demands clean fan shrouds and intact seals to maintain operating temperature.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Volkswagen Workshop Manual T2, 1972).
Emissions: No Euro standard applies; governed by national type approval (e.g., German KBA).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across global T2 1.6L variants (Volkswagen PT‑1971).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T2‑74‑05, ETK 1973
Volkswagen Workshop Manual – Type 2 (1972 Edition)
German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) Type Approval Archives
DIN 70020 Engine Power Testing Standard
The Volkswagen H was used across Volkswagen's Type 2 (T2) platform with rear‑mounted longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Transporter and modified cooling ducts in the Kombi—and from 1973 minor carburettor revisions, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The H engine code is stamped on the crankcase near the generator stand (Volkswagen TIS T2‑74‑05). It appears as a single letter 'H' followed by a production number (e.g., 'H 123456'). Differentiate from similar 1.6L codes (e.g., F, AH) by checking the carburettor: H uses Solex 30 PICT‑2, whereas later codes may use different systems. Pre‑1976 H engines lack hardened valve seats—verify cylinder head casting number '041' or '043' for compatibility with unleaded fuel. Engines with TSB T2‑74‑05 upgrades feature modified head part numbers.
The H's primary reliability risk is valve seat recession when operated on unleaded fuel without hardened seats, with elevated incidence in high‑load or hot‑climate use. Internal Volkswagen service data from 1975 noted premature valve failure in up to 35% of H engines converted to unleaded fuel without modification, while KBA field reports linked overheating to clogged cooling fins in commercial fleets. Sustained high RPM and poor airflow make regular valve and cooling maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1974–1975) and German KBA failure statistics (1970–1980). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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VCA Certification Portal
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