General information about engines 1.5/1.6/1.8 l (VW Golf 1)

This chapter describes the larger displacement engines: 1457 cm³, 1471 cm³, 1588 cc and 1781 cc. These engines are basically the same, the difference in displacement is achieved by changing the cylinder diameter and piston stroke.

The engine camshaft is located above the cylinder head (OHC). The camshaft is driven by a toothed belt from the crankshaft.

The crankshaft rotates in five main bearings; the central main bearing is a thrust bearing. The oil pump is installed in the lower part of the crankcase and has a common drive with the ignition distributor from the auxiliary shaft. The fuel pump on carburetor engines is also driven by the eccentric of the auxiliary shaft and is located next to the ignition distributor and the base of the oil filter. The auxiliary shaft is driven by a toothed belt of the camshaft.

The cooling pump is located on the side of the cylinder block and is driven together with the generator by a common V-belt.

The intake and exhaust manifolds are located on the same side of the cylinder head.

The camshaft rotates in five bearings and acts on the valves through plunger-type tappets; the valve clearances are adjusted using adjusting washers of varying thickness.

Most repairs, such as removing the timing belt, cylinder head or cooling pump, can be performed without removing the engine from the vehicle. Removing the engine is only necessary for major engine repairs. After cleaning and disassembling the engine, check the crankshaft bearing clearances, as well as the pistons, rings and cylinders, as described earlier (see chapter "Engine 1.0/1.3").