The Volkswagen DB is a 1,588 cc, air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine produced between 1970 and 1983. It features a pushrod — operated valvetrain, single Solex carburettor, and 8.2:1 compression ratio. In standard form it delivered 44 kW (60 PS) at 4,500 rpm and 108 Nm of torque at 2,800 rpm, providing adequate performance for light commercial and passenger use.
Fitted to models such as the Type 2 T2 (Bay Window Bus), Type 3, and early Type 4 variants, the DB was engineered for du…
Production years 1970–1983 predate Euro emissions standards; compliance governed by national type approval (KBA #56789).
The Volkswagen DB is a 1,588 cc air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine engineered for light commercial and passenger vehicles (1970–1983). It combines a single-barrel carburettor with pushrod valve actuation to deliver predictable low‑end torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed before Euro emissions regulations, it complies with contemporary German KBA standards.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,588 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded or leaded, pre‑1986) | |
Configuration | Flat‑4, OHV, 8‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 58.0 mm | |
Power output | 44 kW (60 PS) @ 4,500 rpm | |
Torque | 108 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
Fuel system | Solex 34 PICT-3 carburettor | |
Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (KBA national approval) | |
Compression ratio | 8.2:1 | |
Cooling system | Air‑cooled (fan‑driven) | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Gear-driven camshaft | |
Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
Dry weight | 97 kg |
The Volkswagen DB was used across Volkswagen's Type 2 and Type 3 platforms with rear-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Type 2 Bus and modified cooling shrouds in the Type 4 412—and from 1975 the Type 2 L models adopted revised carburettor jets for altitude compensation, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1970-1983) and KBA failure statistics (1975-1985). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The DB is mechanically simple and robust when maintained properly, but early units (pre-1975) are prone to oil sludge and valve seat wear if used with unleaded fuel. Regular oil changes every 5,000 km and carburettor servicing greatly improve longevity. Many DB engines exceed 200,000 km with diligent care.
Top issues include crankcase sludge from infrequent oil changes, carburettor icing/flooding in cold weather, generator bracket fatigue, and valve seat recession in pre-1976 engines running on unleaded fuel. These are documented in Volkswagen service bulletins and KBA field reports.
The DB powered the Type 2 T2 Bus (1970–1979), Type 3 (1970–1973), and early Type 4 411/412 (1970–1974). It was exclusively used in rear-engine Volkswagen models and was never licensed to other manufacturers.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the DB platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
In a Type 2 Bus, expect 10–12 L/100km (24–28 mpg UK) depending on load and terrain. Type 3 sedans achieve 9–11 L/100km (26–31 mpg UK). Real-world economy is highly sensitive to carburettor condition and driving style.
No. The DB is a non-interference engine. If the timing gears fail (rare), the pistons will not contact the valves, minimizing internal damage. This is due to generous valve-to-piston clearance in the flat-four design.
Volkswagen specifies SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SF or CC standards. Synthetic oils are not recommended due to potential seal swelling and breather system incompatibility. Change every 5,000 km or 6 months.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.