Air cooled Engine??

[uniTza]

I have a 1976 Brazilian vw kombi, the one with 12 windows all round I think...

I've got a question, the engine is an air cooled 1600cc. I've redone the engine and interior over the past 3years but having a bit of "problems" with my engine , not as in breakdowns but I want something more reliable and an engine to take on some roadtrips. The main thing is fuel consumption and power (it has 4gears) which I feel lacks a lot. I was wondering if it is possible to put in another engine to give me more power and that I know will be reliable over long distances, something like a 2.3 kombi engine maybe???

Any help please???

[Dutch_Diver]

There are many topics on the forum around engines and mods you can do. Give the search function a go. In my view, the 1600 is very reliable but you just need to drive a little slower than modern vehicles. I think if you take an aircooled engine over more than 1800 or 1900 you start to ask for troubles.

A bigger engine is not likely to be more fuel efficient. Maybe your engine just needs some TLC.

[Dirk]

uniTza,

I'm not one to tell people what to do to their cars, but you might want to consider this carefully.
What you have there is a rare beast and you might want to keep it as original as possible.

The phrase: "They don't make them like they used to."

Is particularly applicable in your case.

[dsan]

there are two different approaches you can take:

1: Keep it air cooled
The air cooled engine is reliable and can be made to be reliable if basic steps like servicing, correct setup and maintenance are used. You say you are having issues with power and fuel consumption. Not knowing much about the block itself, but when last was it:

- serviced and tuned (timing, carb(s) setup, plugs and points changed etc?
- is the engine original? has it been overhauled

On the gearbox side of things, we have one of the best resources available here for that, Bugger. He can supply you a box that will give you a longer 4th, which is perfect for road trips.

2: Go conversion

Expensive, not always the right option and only to be used as a last gasp attempt when above is still performed and you aren't happy.

Personally I'd stick with an air cooled and make sure it's running 100%. There are many on here who will back me up on this.

[uniTza]

Thanks for the advice,

I serviced it recently (about 3 months ago) and the engine works fine (fuel consumption 6-7km on a liter of juice), I am just not to clued up with how to "maintain" it if I do stick to aircooled over long rides. I have not taken it on a longer ride than 100km, do you need to "rest/cool down" the engine after say an hour or 2 of riding or maybe a certain amount of km's??

I am not sure if the engine is original but it looks a bit newer than 1976 so maybe a rebuilt, ito power it really struggles with the 1600 especially if a hit a steep not to mention if there is passengers on board...

As for the purposes of this car keeping it original is not that important as it is already has a custom paintjob and interior.

[fig]

Thanks for the advice,

I serviced it recently (about 3 months ago) and the engine works fine (fuel consumption 6-7km on a liter of juice), I am just not to clued up with how to "maintain" it if I do stick to aircooled over long rides. I have not taken it on a longer ride than 100km, do you need to "rest/cool down" the engine after say an hour or 2 of riding or maybe a certain amount of km's??

I am not sure if the engine is original but it looks a bit newer than 1976 so maybe a rebuilt, ito power it really struggles with the 1600 especially if a hit a steep not to mention if there is passengers on board...

As for the purposes of this car keeping it original is not that important as it is already has a custom paintjob and interior.

My longest road trip in an ACVW bus was 32,000km from Cape Town to Germany. I didn't stop to let the engione cool once. The only engine problem on the whole journey was a broken valve, which led to total engine failure in Turkey.

Last month I did a 4,000km round trip from Jhb to Cape Town without ever stopping to cool the engine and without any kind of mechanical issue at all. Both the buses concerned ran the same 1600 engine that is in your bus.

So long as your engine is clean and tuned properly and there are no holes in your exhaust, you should never have overheating problems, even in warm weather.

Buses, even with 1600 engines, are quite heavy on fuel, but your consumption is higher than it should be. You can expect to get around 8-9km/l. My worst consumption was with a heavily loaded bus with a roof rack, driving at a steady 100km/h (except up hills!), and then I got 6.5km/l.

A bus is geared to carry a one-ton load. You should not feel any difference with or without a passenger.

Changing to a larger engine will increase consumption and probably reduce reliability, not to mention the mission of the engine swap. Just ask some late model 2.3, 2.5 and 2.6 Microbus drivers about their fuel consumption before thinking about an Audi engine. Those buses are very heavy on fuel.

Your bus should cruise happily at 100km/h all day without any problems. It will slow down to 70km/h up long, steep hills. On Cape mountain passes you will have to do 60km/h in 3rd, and sometimes even 40km/h in 2nd.

When correctly built and properly tuned, ACVW engines are extremely reliable.

[uniTza]

Thanks for the nice writeup Fig!!!

I will take it in to the shop where I serviced it last and inquire about the consumption I also want to redo the roof lining of the bus there as this is the only "visual" thing left to redo.

I think the best is to take it for some "practice" long runs but must sort out the fuel thing first...

Thinking of it now, changing to another engine is a massive job etc, but now I have a bit of assurance ito the engine so we'll see how it goes... first longish trip will be to the oppikoppi farm in august

[Tony Z]

If the engine is built properly it is very reliable (as Fig proves).
think of it this way..... how many 40 year old engines are still in everyday use in SA? Other than all the VW aircooled engines, maybe 200 minis, a few Cortinas, maybe some morris minors and Mercs. Then again, how many 20 year old engines are still running around?
If the aircooled engine wasnt reliable, then there would be none left.

[beetlefanatic]

I can also add my story to this. I replaced my bay's tired 2.0l engine with a new 1.8l engine and fitted a set of weber 36mm IDF carbs as well. Result is a reliable, nice driving bus that gives me decent consumption on the open road (up to 9.5km/l) even wilth all the holiday kit loaded. I've driven 16000km to the Cape and back through the Karoo at 40Deg C outside temp, twice to Swaziland and back. The last trip was to Scottbutgh and back, everytime it's packed full with our camping gear. It hasn't missed a beat. Only problem I have had so far was the starter that needed an overhaul and last weekend she wouldn't start. Turned out to be the points that were almost closed. Replaced them and now she runs like a swiss watch again.

[fig]

That story kind of goes against your sig line Bernard.

[beetlefanatic]

That story kind of goes against your sig line Bernard.

Unfortunately that was all I could find at the time for the right price, but don't worry, The Impi is working his magic on a 2.4l Type 4 to replace the 1.8 in the not too distant future.

[hitlers revenge]

The last road trip I did to George or Hermanus (I can't remember) I did in my sons '66 1600 beetle. It was a joy to ride even going over Sir Lowry's Pass at 25 mph, in 2nd and 3rd gears.

These vehicles are not racers, they are there to be enjoyed and driven at a nice casual pace. So that everybody passing you has a conversation piece for the next hour or so, on their trip to somewhere.