In today's video we will analyze the
formidable engine of the Volkswagen Beetle. We will see what was its key to success and why
its manufacture continued for more than 65 years. As a first measure. This engine
was a 4-cylinder boxer with 985 cubic centimeters or 60 Cubic Inches.
Ferdinand Porsche designed this engine to rotate at 3,000 RPM and achieve
the great power of 23 Horsepower. Unlike Henry Ford. Porsche preferred
oversquare engines. This means, with wide pistons, short stroke and higher
RPM, getting more power from a small engine. Almost the entire motor is made of magnesium
and aluminum, achieving low weight and excellent heat conduction.
The crankshaft and connecting rods are made of steel.
Its compression ratio was 5.6 to 1, which allowed the engine to operate correctly
with the lousy German fuels of World War II. This engine had the rare opposed cylinder
configuration and used a single camshaft to drive both banks of cylinders at once.
The gear kept the camshaft turning at half the speed of the crankshaft, with total
presition and its lasted for life. Chains or toothed timing belts were not used.
The camshaft location was below pistons and received good lubrication from
oil falling from the cylinders. The oil pump was directly connected to the
camshaft to drive the fluid under pressure. A radiator which was in the air
ducts was used to cool the oil. Compared to a 20 HorsePower 2.9L Ford T,
the Beetle had slightly more horsepower but 3 times less engine size. Although
obviously the design was 20 years newer. The valves were in the Cylinder head
while the Ford T had them in the Block. Having the valves in the head significantly
increased the entry and exit of gases. Especially when the engine rotates fast
and the time of each cycle is shorter. The combustion chamber was shaped like an
inverted bathtub, with straight valves. Wich were driven by adjustable rockers and rods. The intake valves were in the center.
The exhaust valves were on the outside and then all the exhaust pipes were joined
at the bottom by the exhaust manifold. This valve configuration improved engine
temperature, as cool air enters thru the middle, the part that is difficult to cool.
All engine parts like finned cylinders are available loose so one can rebuild their engine
from scratch without going to the grinder. As everyone knows Ferdinan Porsche was
the designer of this engine and he was a fan of air cooled engines. His motto
was that air does not boil or freeze. In short, the beetle was able to work in any
climate such as in the cold of Russia, where the radiators break when the water freezes, and
in the desert of Africa, where water is scarce. The beetle engine was installed in the
kubelwagen. The German army vehicle and reached 50 thousand units manufactured.
This small off road vehicle was very light and thanks to that, even though
it only had simple traction and a ZF limited-slip differential. That is to say, it
was not a 4x4 like its jeep willys adversary, the kubelwagen could travel over any terrain
and follow the panzers without problems. Also, by not having a water radiator, the
engine was literally bulletproof. Which increased reliability in battle.
The jeep willys was better, but the kubelwagen was simplier.
The boxer design lowered the vehicle's center of gravity and left room to
mount the entire fan system on top. The boxer configuration was key to cool down
the cylinders evenly, because in an in-line 4, it would leave the central area
of the engine poorly ventilated. I take advantage of this part of the video to
ask you to leave your super-thanks that helps me a lot, or if not a like. Also remember
to subscribe. We continue with the video. This engine designed by Ferdinand Porsche was
later modified over the years and enlarged. Its engine went from 985cc to 1131. And then,
for the year 1954 to 1192cc, with larger valves and a new carburettor, producing 36 horsepower
and revving at almost 4 thousand revolutions. The electrical system began
with 6 Volts, but by 1975, all units were already manufactured with 12 Volts. High voltage coil and distributor were
always used as we can see in this video. Its firing order is 1-4-3-2.
From the beginning, it had automatic spark advance. First using centrifugal system.
That means, every time the revolutions increased, the distributor fired the spark sooner.
Simplifying driving and achieving more power. Later, the vacuum system was added.
When the accelerator is depressed, the intake manifold pressure rises and also moves
the distributor. With these 2 systems the beetle already had a very advanced and efficient
ignition system. And above all. Automatic. Feeding was by a single central
carburettor and later replaced by 2 individual ones. Which increased the power. Coming to the end of its manufacture,
electronic Fuel injection was installed. The exhaust system was also improved,
and a double one was installed. As the years went by, the cylinder
capacity continued to increase and reached 1.6 liters or 97 cubic inches with 50 horses.
The gearbox was 4 with forward gears plus reverse. The gears were helical. Over time, synchronizer
rings were installed, which improved the shifting. 3-speed automatic transmission
versions were also produced. In 1974, the Volkswagen beetle dethroned the
Ford T as the best-selling car in history with 15 million units. And for 2003. The last
classic beetle would leave the factory in Mexico with its 22 millionth unit.
Leaving a free track for the New Bettle that would be manufactured until 2019
although with a water-cooled engine. The reality is that although the engine
only had minor changes throughout the time, and always maintaining its essence and
simplicity, the number of modifications it underwent exceeds 2,000. There are engines
from 800cc to 1600. Different types of pistons to vary the compression that started at 5.6
to one and rose to standard values for today. It started on carburettor and finished
including electronic injection system. It even had a catalyst to continue
complying with environmental regulations. To be fair, it is the most
manufactured vehicle in history since, although it is in position number 4,
its changes are minor compared to a Toyota Corolla where only its name was kept.
The Volkswagen's air-cooled engine designed by Ferdinand Porsche knew to be
a masterpiece of engineering and design. Surviving for more than 65 years,
participating in war conflicts, being taxi, or with the Kombi T1, which was used
in every way, as an ambulance or supporting low budget and maintenance trips with the hippies.
Another body available was also the Thing. Which copied the kubelwagen in many respects
and was available in civilian versions. During the 1950s the Beetle
was also used as a tractor, thanks to its rear-wheel drive and great off-road
capability. Not to mention its high reliability. A very similar version of the engine was also initially used in the special Porsche
test car and would leave its legacy for future air-cooled 911 production.
Equipped with 6-cylinder boxer engines. You can always support me by leaving a super
thanks of the value you want or if not, pressing the like button. Comment
your experience with these air-cooled engines and don't forget to follow me by
pressing subscribe. See you next time.
