Has VW ever made a diesel version of the air cooled flat four found in the old Beetle?

I googled and could only find TDIs and the older naturally aspirated motors in the Rabbit (Golf).

Don't use dead dinos for fuel:
let 'em rest in peace!

As I recall (Can't find it on the net) the First VW diesel was developed from the petrol engine and they used to advertise that the 80% of the petrol engine parts were also used in the diesel engine.

In the spring of 1976, when series production of VW's first diesel passenger-car engine began - the legendary 1.5-liter, 50-bhp naturally aspirated unit for use in the Golf - this was the start of the diesel's triumphal progress, initially in VW Group products but later throughout the automobile world.

Tilly SBC/IBA

feel much better, now that I've given up hope.

I have seen (but not many) diesel powered Westphalias. Probably around model year 1980.

I understand they were modified versions of the water-cooled flat 4 which is a frankenstein version of the standard VW bus flat 4.

I'm sure they are heavy beasts with very little power, otherwise they would've caught on.

The diesel Vanagons and Westphalias use 1.6 Rabbit diesel engines, modified slightly to run tilted on their sides. VW never made a diesel flat-4, not even in their industrial engines.
cheers,
JohnO

1951 the Vw beetle was proto-typed w/an air cooled diesel

And it was stolen and then recovered. It was an aircooled flat four. I don't think you'll be able to get one, though. What would be really cool would be a Subaru diesel. Both in flat four and six cylinder versions!!

Subaru does make a diesel. See here: http://www.drive.subaru.com/Summer07_diesel.htm

There have also been rumors for years about a diesel powered subaru forklift used in African diamond mines, but as far as I know, know one has come up with any proof.

RedLance

Recently there was a most interesting drawing of a "Model A Ford" engine modified to run diesel through the Carburetor posted on E-Bay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewIte...em=120185753592&rd=1



Looking at the drawing, it appears as if they heated the diesel line with the exhaust manifold, then ran it straight into the carburetor for atomization and into the engine to be ignited using spark plugs.

I don't know how complete the combustion was, but it looks like an interesting design, and might be worth experimenting with.

----- Clifford -----

quote:

Subaru does make a diesel. See here: http://www.drive.subaru.com/Summer07_diesel.htm

I like the looks of that diesel.

Now, if we could just find that engine in the USA for a good price.

Are you putting this in a Bug or a Bus?

You may be able to get a small Vertical or perhaps a V4 engine squeezed in.

I'm trying to think of the differences in the engine compartment between your Bug (flat 4) and My Fiat 500 (vertical 2). Perhaps the rear hood slopes forward a bit more on your car.

Have you looked at the Smart Diesel?
Or other small diesels.
Perhaps with a transverse engine mount.

There is a Smart Diesel "Rear-End" on E-Bay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/SMART-FORTWO-DIESEL-MOTOR-KOMPLETT-...QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

with good photos.

Too bad it isn't in the USA.

keelec: the vw flat-4 is enormous compared to your vertical-2 (I've worked on both). I would recommend something like the Daihatsu/Briggs&Stratton upright 3-cylinder (28hp) for your little car. I bought one from Tulsa Engine Supply for my motorcycle project. It's heavier than your original Italian engine though. Alternatively, there are several small Italian diesels that might work. Check Lombardini for a start.
Regarding the model-A "conversion" - I grew up on a John Deere dual-fuel tractor that started on (expensive during the depression) gasoline, then switched over to (cheap) stove oil (aka "kerosene" or #1 diesel"). My grandfather's ghost still haunts me if I forget to switch back from "SVO" to "BD" before shutting down. He patiently walked me through the process of draining the fuel line and float bowl and cleaning the spark plugs, then re-priming and starting the hand-started engine. 40-years later the lesson is just as pertinent.