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Redbo Samba Member
Joined: July 04, 2024 Posts: 4 Location: PA
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Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2024 3:47 pm Post subject: Need help identifying engine |
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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 |
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FarmerBill  Samba Member

Joined: July 25, 2017 Posts: 893 Location: New England
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Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2024 6:43 pm Post subject: Re: Need help identifying engine |
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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. |
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EVfun  Samba Member

Joined: April 01, 2012 Posts: 6367 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2024 6:52 pm Post subject: Re: Need help identifying engine |
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| 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?
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. _________________
| Wildthings wrote: |
| As a general rule, cheap parts are the most expensive parts you can buy. |
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b-man Samba Member

Joined: May 20, 2008 Posts: 665 Location: So Cal
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Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2024 7:09 pm Post subject: Re: Need help identifying engine |
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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.
_________________ 1956 Dove Blue Panel
1966 Velvet Green Single Cab
1957 L41 Black Oval Window Beetle |
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Redbo Samba Member
Joined: July 04, 2024 Posts: 4 Location: PA
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Posted: Fri Jul 05, 2024 5:26 pm Post subject: Re: Need help identifying engine |
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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. |
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b-man Samba Member

Joined: May 20, 2008 Posts: 665 Location: So Cal
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Posted: Fri Jul 05, 2024 6:04 pm Post subject: Re: Need help identifying engine |
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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. _________________ 1956 Dove Blue Panel
1966 Velvet Green Single Cab
1957 L41 Black Oval Window Beetle |
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Redbo Samba Member
Joined: July 04, 2024 Posts: 4 Location: PA
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Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2024 4:23 am Post subject: Re: Need help identifying engine |
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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.
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consvws  Samba Member

Joined: April 07, 2009 Posts: 1013 Location: Roseburg, OR
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Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2024 6:27 am Post subject: Re: Need help identifying engine |
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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. |
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oldslow Samba Member

Joined: July 27, 2019 Posts: 141 Location: Cape Cod
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Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2024 11:44 am Post subject: Re: Need help identifying engine |
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That’s actually a pretty good looking engine. Not many miles since it was rebuilt. Several hundred dollars on the east coast. _________________ - better to drive a slow car fast than fast car slow - |
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b-man Samba Member

Joined: May 20, 2008 Posts: 665 Location: So Cal
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Posted: Sat Jul 06, 2024 2:17 pm Post subject: Re: Need help identifying engine |
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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. _________________ 1956 Dove Blue Panel
1966 Velvet Green Single Cab
1957 L41 Black Oval Window Beetle |
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Redbo Samba Member
Joined: July 04, 2024 Posts: 4 Location: PA
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Posted: Sun Jul 07, 2024 6:54 am Post subject: Re: Need help identifying engine |
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| Thanks again everyone for the feedback. I think I have enough to move forward. Really appreciate the help. |
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