The Volkswagen RL is a 1,588 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1974 and 1980. 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 with 118 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, offering improved performance over smaller 1.3L units while retaining mechanical simplicity.
Fitted to models such as the Volkswagen Golf Mk1 (17-type) and Jetta Mk1, the RL was engineered for drivers seeking a balance of everyday drivability and modest performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through a lean-burn carburettor and basic air injection system, meeting Euro 0 standards applicable during its production era.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft lobes, particularly in engines subjected to frequent cold starts or extended oil change intervals. This issue, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 01‑76‑02, is attributed to marginal oil pressure at the cam followers under cold conditions. From 1977, revised camshaft metallurgy and hardened lifters were introduced to mitigate the problem.
Volkswagen
Production years 1974–1980 meet Euro 0 standards; this engine predates formal EU emissions regulations (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0003).
The Volkswagen RL is a 1,588 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and sedans (1974–1980). It combines a downdraft carburettor with SOHC valvetrain to deliver predictable mid-range torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed before formal EU emissions standards, it operates under Euro 0 equivalence with basic air injection for hydrocarbon control.
| 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 @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single-barrel downdraft carburettor (Pierburg 2E3) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 0 (pre-regulation) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 105 kg |
The SOHC carburetted design offers mechanical simplicity and easy servicing but requires periodic carburettor synchronization and choke adjustment for smooth cold starts. Use of minimum 91 RON unleaded fuel is essential to prevent knocking. The timing chain typically lasts 150,000 km but should be inspected if rattle appears. Camshaft lobe wear is accelerated by infrequent oil changes—revised 1977+ camshafts (part no. 021 109 021 C) with hardened lobes are recommended for replacements. Air injection system must remain intact for emissions compliance in historic vehicle testing regimes.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 meeting API SF/CC (Volkswagen Owner's Manual 1976). Modern ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable substitutes.
Emissions: Euro 0 classification applies to all RL engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0003). No formal EU emissions regime existed during production.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified on VW chassis dyno per PT-1978 documentation.
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M104-74, SIB 01 76 02
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/0003)
DIN 70020 Motor Vehicle Power Testing Standard
The Volkswagen RL was used across Volkswagen's 17-type platform with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Jetta Mk1 saloon and modified air cleaner ducting in late Golf Mk1 models—and from 1977 the camshaft and lifters were revised to improve durability, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the crankcase, adjacent to the oil dipstick tube (Volkswagen TIS M104-74). The code “RL” appears in 10 mm raised letters. Pre-1977 camshafts use part number ending in “A”; post-1977 units use “C” suffix with hardened lobes. Carburettor is Pierburg 2E3 with VW part number 021 129 061. Critical differentiation from similar EA827 1.6L (RP) engine: RL has lower compression (8.2:1 vs 8.5:1) and distinct distributor mounting. Engine blocks are not interchangeable with later RD or DX engines due to different oil pump drive geometry.
The RL's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for frequent cold starts or extended oil change intervals. Volkswagen internal service data from 1978 indicated over 18% of pre-1977 RL engines required camshaft replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA historic vehicle inspections note valve train noise as a recurring MOT advisory item. Inadequate oil pressure during warm-up accelerates lobe degradation, making consistent oil maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1976–1980) and UK DVSA historic vehicle failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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