The Volkswagen KT is a 1,588 cc, air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine produced between 1974 and 1983. It featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and a downdraft carburettor. In standard form it delivered 55 kW (75 PS) at 5,000 rpm with 122 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, providing adequate performance for light commercial use.
Fitted primarily to the Volkswagen Type 2 T2 (Bay Window) Transporter and Pickup, the KT was engineered for durability and ease of maintenance in utility applications. Emissions compliance relied on a lean‑burn carburettor and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in certain markets, allowing compliance with early Euro‑equivalent standards (e.g., US Federal 1975–1980).
One documented concern is excessive valve seat recession in unleaded‑fuel operation without hardened valve seats, highlighted in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin T2/78/09. This issue stems from the original design’s reliance on leaded fuel for valve protection. Later service updates mandated cylinder head replacement with hardened valve seats for unleaded use.
Volkswagen
Production years 1974–1983 meet pre‑Euro emissions standards; no formal Euro classification applies. Compliance with national regulations (e.g., US EPA, German TÜV) varied by market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen KT is a 1,588 cc air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine engineered for light commercial vehicles (1974–1983). It combines a single downdraft carburettor with SOHC valvetrain to deliver reliable low‑end torque and serviceability. Designed before formal Euro standards, it met contemporary national emissions rules through carburetion tuning and optional EGR.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,588 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (leaded or unleaded with hardened seats) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 58.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 122 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single downdraft carburettor (Solex 34 PICT-3) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (market‑specific national rules) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.3:1 | |
| 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 | 102 kg |
The air-cooled flat-four layout offers mechanical simplicity and easy access but requires vigilant valve clearance checks every 10,000 km to prevent burnt valves. Use of unleaded fuel mandates hardened valve seats per TSB T2/78/09; otherwise, valve recession causes compression loss. The Solex carburettor is sensitive to altitude and temperature—proper jetting is essential. Oil changes must use high-detergent mineral oil to manage soot from the dry sump system. Gear-driven timing is inherently reliable but noisy; no timing belt or chain maintenance is needed.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Volkswagen PT-1980). Synthetic oils not recommended for original seals.
Emissions: No Euro standard applies; compliance based on national rules (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all KT variants (Volkswagen PT-1980).
Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin T2/78/09
Volkswagen Workshop Manual (1976 Edition)
Volkswagen Parts Catalogue ETK Doc. V-1123
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
The Volkswagen KT 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 mounts for the Transporter and modified cooling shrouds for the Pickup—and from 1979 the California-spec models added EGR and lean‑burn calibration, 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 Workshop Manual 1976). The code 'KT' appears as a raised cast mark followed by the serial number. Visual identification: silver crankcase with black cooling fan housing; single downdraft carburettor with air filter on driver’s side. Differentiate from earlier AS/AB engines by larger displacement (1,588 cc vs. 1,500 cc) and lower compression (7.3:1). Pre-1979 units lack EGR ports on the intake manifold.
The KT's primary reliability risk is valve seat recession when run on unleaded fuel without upgraded heads, with elevated incidence in high‑load commercial use. Internal Volkswagen service data from 1981 noted premature compression loss in ~30% of converted vehicles, while UK MOT records from the 1980s show elevated exhaust smoke failures linked to burnt valves. Extended idling and overheating accelerate wear, making valve clearance checks and proper fuel compatibility critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1975–1983) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1980–1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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