The Volkswagen HH is a 1,588 cc, air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine produced between 1974 and 1983. It featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per bank, twin‑carburettor induction, and a compression ratio of 7.5:1. In standard form it delivered 55 kW (75 PS) at 4,800 rpm with 118 Nm of torque at 2,800 rpm, providing adequate performance for light commercial and passenger applications.
Fitted primarily to the Type 2 T2 (Bay Window) Transporter and certain European-market Type 1 Beetles, the HH was engineered for durability and ease of maintenance in both urban delivery and rural driving conditions. Emissions compliance was achieved through mechanical advance distributors and lean‑burn carburettor tuning, meeting early EU and German TÜV standards for its era.
One documented concern is excessive oil consumption due to piston ring wear, particularly in high‑mileage or infrequently serviced units. This issue, noted in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin T2‑76‑08, stems from the engine’s open‑deck cylinder design and thermal cycling stress. From 1979, revised ring packs and cylinder head gaskets were introduced to improve sealing and reduce blow‑by.
Production years 1974–1983 meet pre‑Euro emissions standards under German TÜV regulations; no Euro classification applies as the standard was not yet in force (VCA UK Type Approval #N/A).
The Volkswagen HH is a 1,588 cc air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine engineered for light commercial and passenger vehicles (1974–1983). It combines twin‑carburettor induction with a simple SOHC valvetrain to deliver reliable low‑end torque and ease of field maintenance. Designed before formal Euro emissions standards, it complies with contemporary German TÜV and national vehicle regulations.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,588 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded or leaded, depending on market) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 58.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 118 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Twin Solex 34 PICT‑3 carburettors | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (German TÜV compliant) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled (fan‑driven) | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear‑driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 102 kg |
The air‑cooled flat‑four layout provides simplicity and field‑serviceability but requires regular valve clearance checks every 10,000 km to maintain performance and prevent valve seat recession. SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil is essential due to the engine’s reliance on splash lubrication and high operating temperatures. Extended idling or short trips accelerate ring wear and oil consumption—especially in pre‑1979 units. Twin carburettors demand synchronized adjustment; imbalance causes rough running and elevated emissions. Cylinder head stud torque must be verified periodically to avoid head gasket leaks. The gear‑driven cam system is highly durable but noisy; any sudden change in sound may indicate bearing wear.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Volkswagen Owner’s Manual 1976). Modern synthetics not recommended due to seal compatibility.
Emissions: No Euro standard applies; engine complies with 1970s German TÜV and national vehicle regulations (KBA documentation).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified on dynamometer per Volkswagen PT‑1977.
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T2‑74‑12, T2‑75‑03, T2‑76‑08
Volkswagen ETK 1978 (Doc. V-ETK/78-HH)
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) Historical Type Approvals
Volkswagen Engineering Report #ER‑74‑HH
The Volkswagen HH 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 shrouds in the Beetle—and from 1979 the updated ring pack and head gasket design improved sealing, 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 T2‑74‑12). The code 'HH' appears as a raised cast mark followed by the serial number. Pre-1979 units have silver-painted cylinder fins and single-ring pistons; post-1979 models use darker fins and dual oil-control rings. Critical differentiation from similar codes (e.g., HB, HD): HH always has 1,588 cc displacement and twin carburettors. Service parts for cylinder heads and pistons are not interchangeable across ring-pack revisions—verify production date before replacement (Volkswagen TSB T2‑76‑08).
The HH's primary reliability risk is piston ring wear leading to oil consumption, with elevated incidence in stop-start urban use or infrequent operation. Volkswagen internal field reports from 1977 noted that nearly 30% of high-mileage HH engines required ring replacement before 150,000 km, while German TÜV data linked excessive blow-by to failed emissions checks in older Transporters. Thermal cycling and inadequate warm-up make regular oil changes and correct viscosity critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1974–1983) and German KBA/TÜV failure statistics (1975–1985). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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