VW Beetle Buyers Guides. The Engine.
The classic Aircooled engines where made in the following sizes :- 1200 / 1300 / 1500 and 1600cc Flat 4 Cylinder lump.
Main faults to look for when considering buying a VW Beetle are:
Oil Leaks - Where from??
The Crankcase to Gearbox?? - This is a very common fault and usually indicats the the flywheel to crankshaft oil has gone. The part itself is only around the 3.00 mark but to replace it is an Engine out job. Also bear in mind why has is it leaking. This can often be caused by excessive End Float see Below.
Rocker Covers ?? - A very simple DIY Job can be undertaken easily with the engine in place. Cause incorrectly fitted gaskets, Warped Rocker covers, Retaining Clips worn. All are very simple and inexpensive Jobs
Pushrod Tubes ?? - Sometimes very difficult to tell which or where due to dirt/oil etc. The best way to replace these is to remove the cylinder heads and fit new tubes and seals - BUT can be done with telescopic pushrod tubes with the engine in situ.
Fuel Pump Stand ?? - Usually the fuel pump stand/pedestal is cracked. Very inexpensive. Simply remove the pump replace the fuel pump pedestal and new gaskets and bolt back on.
The above are a few of the most common Oil leaks to look for on a VW Beetle engine.
Another theing to check for is End Float. By pulling / pushing the front crankshaft pulley excessive play means movement in the Crankcase main bearings. This can often cause the Flywheel to Crankshaft oil seal to leak. The only remedy for this is a to have the whole engine apart, Split the crankcase and have the Case align bored and refitted with bigger bearings.