The Volkswagen RA is a 1,588 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1972 and 1978. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and a downdraft carburettor. In standard form it delivered 51 kW (70 PS) at 5,000 rpm and 118 Nm of torque at 2,800 rpm, offering dependable performance for compact vehicles of its era.
Fitted primarily to the Mk1 Golf (Rabbit in North America), Passat (B1), and Audi 80 (B1), the RA engine prioritized mechanical simplicity and ease of service. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic air injection and lean‑burn carburettor tuning, allowing adherence to Euro 0 and early US federal standards (EPA Tier 0).
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft lobes, particularly in engines subjected to infrequent oil changes or use of non-spec oil. This issue, referenced in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin 01‑0762, is attributed to marginal lubrication design in the SOHC train. From 1976, revised camshaft metallurgy and updated tappet clearances were introduced to mitigate this.
Volkswagen
Production years 1972–1978 meet Euro 0 (non-regulated) emissions standards; US-market variants comply with EPA Tier 0 requirements (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Volkswagen RA is a 1,588 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact sedans and hatchbacks (1972–1978). It combines a downdraft carburettor with SOHC valve actuation to deliver predictable throttle response and mechanical simplicity. Designed before formal EU emissions standards, it relies on basic emission controls and prioritizes serviceability over refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,588 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 91 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.5 mm × 69.0 mm | |
| Power output | 51 kW (70 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 118 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Downdraft carburettor (Pierburg 2E2) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 0 (non-regulated); US EPA Tier 0 | |
| Compression ratio | 8.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W‑40 (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 110 kg |
The carburetted SOHC layout offers mechanical simplicity but requires periodic synchronization and idle mixture adjustment. Use of correct 10W‑40 oil with API SF/CC rating is essential to protect the cam chain and valve train. Infrequent oil changes accelerate cam lobe wear—Volkswagen recommends 7,500 km intervals. The Pierburg 2E2 carburettor is sensitive to fuel varnish; ethanol-blended fuels degrade diaphragms prematurely. Engines built before 1976 should be inspected for original camshaft (Part No. 021 109 021); post‑1976 units use hardened cam (021 109 021 B) per TSB 01‑0762.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W‑40 with API SF/CC (Volkswagen Owner's Manual 1974). ACEA not applicable.
Emissions: Euro 0 applies universally (pre-regulation era). US models meet EPA Tier 0 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020. Output verified on chassis dynamometer per Volkswagen PT‑1975.
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M12‑410, F33‑105
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
Volkswagen ETKA Parts Catalogue (1972–1978)
The Volkswagen RA was used across Volkswagen's A1/B1 platforms with transverse or longitudinal mounting depending on model, and shared with Audi under early VW Group integration. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised mounts in the Passat sedan and modified exhaust routing in the Audi 80—and from 1976 the facelifted Golf L models adopted hardened camshafts, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the flat boss adjacent to the oil filter flange (Volkswagen TIS M12‑410). The code 'RA' appears as a two-letter prefix followed by a 7-digit serial. Pre-1976 blocks use casting number 021 101 001; post-1976 use 021 101 001 B with hardened cam journals. Critical differentiation from similar PG engine: RA has 70 PS rating and Pierburg 2E2 carburettor; PG is 75 PS with 2E3 carburettor and revised head. Cam cover stamping differs—RA uses 'RA' in raised lettering.
The RA's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear under poor lubrication conditions, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended oil change intervals. Volkswagen internal quality reports from 1975 noted measurable cam wear in 15% of engines inspected at 80,000 km when oil was not changed per schedule, while UK DVSA historical data shows valve train noise as a recurring advisory for pre-1976 Golfs. Infrequent use and cold climate operation increase wear risk, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1972–1980) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1975–1985). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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