• From: Pilot Hill Ca.
  • Registered: 2006-12-04
  • Posts: 69

Topic: Engine Knock in a 1600 DP

I picked up a 73 bug with a 1600 dp I got it to start up but there is a knock coming from the no.3 and 4 side of the engine.It seems to have new heads so it might have new barrels and pistons to.I have know history on the the motor.My question  is can you still put the pistons in backwards turned 180.I think it sounds like it maybe or any other idea?

Pilot Hill Ca.
  • From: Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Registered: 2005-09-10
  • Posts: 2,318

Re: Engine Knock in a 1600 DP

Air-cooled VW engines (or air-cooled engines in general)...are naturally more noisy that water-cooled engines.  With the possible new heads this engine has...maybe the valves are out of adjustment...making things more noisy on that side of the engine than the "normal" noisiness of an air-cooled engine.

Depending on how the engine runs (smooth or rough)...there could be broken or burned valves as well.

Maybe (if you know how)...you could adjust the valves, and see if that improves things.  If not, then you could eliminate out of adjustment valves as a possibility.

Hope this helps,

- Nick

1979 Super Beetle Convertible
  • From: Pilot Hill Ca.
  • Registered: 2006-12-04
  • Posts: 69

Re: Engine Knock in a 1600 DP

I did adjust valves.Just wondered if pistons on a 1600 had arrows that have to point to the front.just wanted to look for this when i tear it apart

Pilot Hill Ca.
  • From: Washington, Indiana
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 1,423

Re: Engine Knock in a 1600 DP

The pistons DO have arrows that point to the flywheel.... check and see if the accelerator jet is in the carb, it MAY have fallen into the motor and can cause a short lived knock...it is made of brass. pull the plugs on that side and see if they show any damage...

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