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Thu Jul 04, 2024 3:47 pm

I tried a search but did not find enough info to figure this out. I am at my mother in laws and found what we are told is an old VW engine. My father in law was going to turn it into a generator in the 70's.

Here are the identifying markings on the generator stand from top to bottom order:

ZUNDFOLGE
1-4-3-2
On a raised plate
1536238

Lower down is a solitary 10

I find some info on deciphering the code but I am not confident I have it figured out.

Appreciate any assistance or pointing in direction to research further

Thanks

Thu Jul 04, 2024 6:43 pm

That serial number is for a 1957 model year VW. Does your stamped number look like this?

and is the generator pedestal cast into the case? If so you have a 36 hp engine.

Thu Jul 04, 2024 6:52 pm

Redbo wrote: I tried a search but did not find enough info to figure this out. I am at my mother in laws and found what we are told is an old VW engine. My father in law was going to turn it into a generator in the 70's.

Here are the identifying markings on the generator stand from top to bottom order:

ZUNDFOLGE
1-4-3-2
On a raised plate
1536238

Lower down is a solitary 10

I find some info on deciphering the code but I am not confident I have it figured out.

Appreciate any assistance or pointing in direction to research further

Thanks

Is the generator stand cast as a part of the engine block?

Quote: ZUNDFOLGE
1-4-3-2

Firing order 1, 4, 3, 2 . That familiar to VW engine owners. The firing order was common to all years.

Quote: On a raised plate
1536238

That engine number would indicate a 36 horse VW engine made around August 1956, so a 1957 model year engine. This engine should have a generator stand that is cast as a part of the engine case.

The extra number is unknown.

Thu Jul 04, 2024 7:09 pm

As already stated above it’s a 36 horse 1200 engine.

Probably dime a dozen back in the ‘70s because of the limited hop up/power potential of this early design engine.

With the resurgence of early VW restoration and resurrection they do have a pretty good following and value nowadays, at least for a complete good running one.

I have one in my 1956 panel and it’s really a great antique VW engine, they’re surprisingly quiet and smooth with a lot of torque and flexibility for a 1200.

Fri Jul 05, 2024 5:26 pm

Thanks for all of the replies. Yes, the generator is cast with the block and it does look like farmerbill's pic, although not nearly as clean. Definitely not ready to run, missing intake manifold but otherwise seems pretty complete. Any suggestions on where I can go to get an idea on price ? Figuring the answer will be I need someone to come take a look. Just hoping to get a fair price for my mother in law.

Thanks again.

Fri Jul 05, 2024 6:04 pm

Incomplete in unknown condition really not much.

You didn’t say if it turns over or if it’s stuck, stored dry inside or out of the weather or exactly what’s missing. If it’s been sitting on damp earth the bottom of the case might be badly corroded.

Pictures would help a great deal here.

Without much information $100 or a maybe little more if you’re lucky enough to find somebody locally who’s in need.

I bought a nice complete strong running 1960 36 horse for $400 a couple years ago and it’s probably worth twice that. I bought it from someone who was moving as a spare for my bus.

It’s a pretty small segment of the VW hobby that’s into these so you haven’t hit the lottery on that little 1200 unfortunately.

Sat Jul 06, 2024 4:23 am

Thanks for the info. I was hoping for more but honestly finding anything worth more than a few dollars is a nice find for her. I was going to post pics originally but wasn't sure how the gallery works. Couple not so great pics below. It has been stored in an attached, cement floor garage for the last 50ish years. I did check and it is not stuck, also have a starter.

Sat Jul 06, 2024 6:27 am

Fuel pump looks like a wavy top 1955ish type. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2641081
Sometimes parting the engine out is more profitable. Most folks want the whole core engine for only a couple hundred dollars, but taking the engine apart is time/money also.

Sat Jul 06, 2024 11:44 am

That’s actually a pretty good looking engine. Not many miles since it was rebuilt. Several hundred dollars on the east coast.

Sat Jul 06, 2024 2:17 pm

That’s definitely cleaner than most you come across.

Stuff some paper towels into those open intake ports.

If it turns over nicely and you can feel it has decent compression by the resistance you feel it’s probably worth 2 or 3 hundred.

Post an ad for it in the Samba classifieds with a good description along with the engine serial number and see how it goes.

If I lived close by I’d probably be coming by to make a deal with you on it, as if I had any room for it. :)

Good luck with the sale.

Sun Jul 07, 2024 6:54 am

Thanks again everyone for the feedback. I think I have enough to move forward. Really appreciate the help.