Publisher's Synopsis
For more than 70 years, VW owners and enthusiasts have embraced the VW air-cooled engine for its simplicity, rugged reliability, and versatility. Without question, it's one of the most ubiquitous and revered combustion engines in the world. It has powered VW Beetles, Buses, Porsche 914s, off-road buggies and rails, formula race cars, and many other vehicles. From 1938 until 2003, more than 21 million Beetles equipped with an air-cooled rear-mounted engine were sold.
The brilliantly designed opposed 4-cylinder air-cooled engine allows you to easily service, modify, and repair it, but you need the right techniques and correct procedure to return it to its former glory. Author Steve Thomas has written a comprehensive volume, so you can confidently complete or guide each major step in the rebuild process. You are shown how to completely disassemble the engine, remove the valvetrain, split the cases, and organize the parts. Then you're shown how to inspect, evaluate, and identify specific problems, so they are resolved. Finally, you are guided through the machining process, parts selection, initial assembly, final assembly, and first start-up. Insightful step-by-step captions and color photos detail expert rebuilding techniques and crucial procedures for building a strong, reliable, and top-performing engine.
For the first time, you have a full-color step-by-step guide that walks you through the process. When tackling the complete rebuild and restoration of an air-cooled engine, this must-have resource gives you the essential information for bringing an air-cooled back to like-new running condition.
