Aircooled VW South Africa

Hello Gurus - the book says 2.5l but at 1.7l the oil level in mine is already at the top mark. Does anyone know a thing about this - she has been running like this for 4 years but now that I'm busy fixing I'm curious. Oh - and the breather at the filler (oil) - should this be left open & if so what about dust, sand etc getting in there?


The road to success.... is always under construction.

Hi Rusty

How sure are you all the old oil is out of the engine? The breather might have a steel pipe going down to the ground on earlier Beetles, or on later models it is connected to the (plastic) air cleaner. You can get a special 'breathing' filter for around R 100. When the engine is running, the airflow is from inside the engine out, but when the engine is not running, dust can get in easily.

Hi Pine - had the engine out for a month so all the oil is definately out. Thanks for the advice on the breather - I'll fashion something to keep it clean. By the way thanks for the advice on the alternator - all fixed up & looking good.

Well, if you are 100% sure that all the oil is out, then you might have the wrong dipstick!?

BTW, was this engine standing without oil for over a month!?

Have you started it up with the oil that is in it so that it can run through the system?

If not,start it up for a couple of seconds,shut it down and recheck the level.

What Chris says.

The crankcase breather pipe that exits under the rear of the engine was originally covered with a rubber fitting with a slit that acted as a one-way valve.

Fair enough, but do you think that the oil galleys, pump and cooler can hold 800ml????

Hey you guys are quick! Yes - its been standing without oil for a month while I was on holiday & shopping for spares. I have not started it yet but have cranked it a few times - bangat. Here are the measurements of my dipstick (I mean the cars). From top of bell to max. mark is 120mm. Length between Max & Min marks is 20 mm and from Min mark to end of the stick is 15mm. I have changed oil over the past 4 years (many times) & it's always been 1.7l.

Fig - what are you talking about?

I also think you have the wrong dipstick the early 1100cc had a longer dipstick about 10mm longer.

Thanks for the feedback - I don't know anyaone close by that has a 1600TP so I can check the dipstick. What do you suggest? - I'm sure it's a 1600TP so do I just pour in 2.5l & forget about the dipstick? Or - will a kind person please measure a 1600TP dipstck & post the measurements - Please, please???? See then I can make the correct marks on mine.

And on top of this I got oily stuff leaking out of the coil - is it shot ?

I will checK my 1100 as well as a 1600 dipstick, coil leaking that smelly stuff is not good, you need to replace it.
If you need, I have original Bosch coils R225

Thanks Calooker - you have just sold a coil man. Now how do I go about getting it - I live in Hondeklipbaai (if you can find it on the map) so I suppose internet payment & postage is the way to go.

Yipeeeee

Calooker, thanks for answering my question before I even asked it. I also have a leaking coil.

There is a 20mm dif. between the 2 dipsticks the 1100cc is 175mm from the mushroom shaped stopper to its end, the later 1300-1600 is 155mm long.
Another quick referance, the early dipstick loof is about 20mm across while the later has a larger loop about 35mm across.
Btw I can post the coil, no problem shipping is R16 to anywhere in SA.
if you are prepared to do a transfer, then let me have your shipping details I will ship the next day.

My bank details:
Nedbank
Sandown
Current account
Account number 1970699752
Branch code 193305

Regards,
Rui Faria

Thanks Rui - I have the dipstick thing sorted out as well

I will transfer the funds tonight.