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Tue Apr 08, 2014 4:12 am

Does anyone know what year they moved the fuel pump from the left side of the distributor to the right side (centered on the engine pretty much)? On my 66' it's on the left side of the distributor, but I've seen newer beetles with it on the right of the distributor. I'm curious about what year they changed it though.
Thanks,
Paul

Tue Apr 08, 2014 6:49 am

Do NOT quote me, but I am under the impression that the 36 hp engines (integrated generator mount) and earlier had the fuel pump on the left (driver side) of the distributor. And that the 40 hp and later (with bolt-on generator mount) have the fuel pump on the right of the distributor.

Tue Apr 08, 2014 6:59 am

Cusser wrote: Do NOT quote me, but I am under the impression that the 36 hp engines (integrated generator mount) and earlier had the fuel pump on the left (driver side) of the distributor. And that the 40 hp and later (with bolt-on generator mount) have the fuel pump on the right of the distributor.

X2.

So the next question becomes is your generator stand a bolt on stand or is it integrated as part of the crankcase?

Pictures would also help.

But to answer your question, that change from 36 horsepower to 40 took place during the 1960 model year.

Tue Apr 08, 2014 8:43 am

Cusser wrote: Do NOT quote me, but I am under the impression that the 36 hp engines (integrated generator mount) and earlier had the fuel pump on the left (driver side) of the distributor. And that the 40 hp and later (with bolt-on generator mount) have the fuel pump on the right of the distributor.

I'll quote you.

This is correct.

Tue Apr 08, 2014 8:52 am

drscope wrote: Cusser wrote: Do NOT quote me, but I am under the impression that the 36 hp engines (integrated generator mount) and earlier had the fuel pump on the left (driver side) of the distributor. And that the 40 hp and later (with bolt-on generator mount) have the fuel pump on the right of the distributor.

X2.

So the next question becomes is your generator stand a bolt on stand or is it integrated as part of the crankcase?

Pictures would also help.

But to answer your question, that change from 36 horsepower to 40 took place during the 1960 model year.

He's got a pic in his gallery. It does look like a 36hp with integrated generator stand.

Tue Apr 08, 2014 9:10 am

Year is a little ambiguous since outside of the US the 36HP motor was available into the late 1960s at least. And of course engine swaps are common. But I agree with posts above... the 25 and 36 HP motors had the pump down and to the left, all later (Bug) engines had it more centered and on top.

Tue Apr 08, 2014 9:42 am

KTPhil wrote: Year is a little ambiguous since outside of the US the 36HP motor was available into the late 1960s at least. And of course engine swaps are common. But I agree with posts above... the 25 and 36 HP motors had the pump down and to the left, all later (Bug) engines had it more centered and on top. afaik it's a 1300, because since is a us 66 it should be. I've got the 1300 badge, but of course some idiot could've put a 1200 in there, anyone here have a 1300? I'm almost 100% certain it's the original engine since this car sat for a long time. I have no doubts it's a 1300, but does anyone know if the 1300's have the fuel pump on the left side

Tue Apr 08, 2014 9:43 am

pdowty68 wrote: I'm almost 100% certain it's the original engine since this car sat for a long time. I have no doubts it's a 1300, but does anyone know if the 1300's have the fuel pump on the left side

No, 1300s did not have the fuel pump left and under.
What is the engine number? (stamped on the block under the generator support)

Tue Apr 08, 2014 9:45 am

A 1300 is 50hp isn't it? And a 1200 is 36, while an 1100 is 24 right?

Tue Apr 08, 2014 9:48 am

Based off my picture, does it look like I have a 1200? I hope not :(

Tue Apr 08, 2014 9:48 am

I'll get my engine number asap

Tue Apr 08, 2014 10:26 am

I agree it looks like a 36HP.

Tue Apr 08, 2014 10:43 am

KTPhil wrote: I agree it looks like a 36HP. 36 hp is a 1200 right?

Tue Apr 08, 2014 12:40 pm

Tue Apr 08, 2014 5:10 pm

Here's my engine number! If I'm right, it's definitely a 1200cc out of a 1959 beetle.

Let me know what you think,
Paul
Sorry I'm posting so much on the forum considering I joined yesterday, I should be helping others before asking for help myself, since I'm new here

Tue Apr 08, 2014 5:26 pm

Looks like a February 1959 production engine. This would be a 1192 cc 36 hp.

Tue Apr 08, 2014 5:46 pm

Who would put a 1200 in my 66, it's more of a downgrade, usually it's an upgrade when you change engines :) maybe I'll find a nice 1300 engine one day, I like everything original and stock on a classic car, it's how it was meant to be

Tue Apr 08, 2014 5:53 pm

It think can't be the original engine because:
1. 66 us beetles only had the 1300, but in other countries, you could still get the 1200 as a lower cost model.
2. It's a 1959 engine according to the number

Do you think this is a good engine to spend time on for my 66 or should I get a 1300, it has no noticeable endfloat either. I have nothing against the 1200, but id prefer it a 1300, because I like everything original and correct, but for a $500 beetle, I can't get everything :)
Thanks again,
Paul

Tue Apr 08, 2014 7:05 pm

No, not an original engine in your car. Engine switches were common.
I recall in the late '60s, being at an independent VW garage and seeing about a dozen 36 hp engines for sale at $5 each. Seller claimed that some of them at least were in good running condition. So, you blow an engine in old bug that is only worth a few hundred and you buy an old 36 hp engine for next to nothing and maybe you will get a few months or even years out of it. The 36 hp engine was pretty durable. They were slow compared to the 40 hp and 1300 and 1500cc and so were not that desirable in the day. It would be a downgrade dictated by finances no doubt.

Your call on using your present engine. The 1300 was a one year only engine so they are not that common.

Tue Apr 08, 2014 9:45 pm

Don't sweat it. My ex had a '65 with a '57 36HP and a door from about '63. It got her around.

And those 36 HP engines, though s-l-o-w, were very smooth and lasted a long time if not pushed.

The only issue you may have is getting the heater set up since the '66 cars had the later clean-air cooling/heater setup. Yours can be made to work if you need it, perhaps with under-car hose adapters, and maybe not even those. Heater cable lengths may be different, but again, you can get things to work.