Oil Filler Tube Details

[OKType3Tim]

This started out with a question regarding dipstick differences over on the T34 World Facebook page; and prompted me to make some measurements on the oil filler tube.

There are 4 different part numbers for the oil filler tube. Two part #s for the notch/fast/square. And two part #s for the T34.

I have a small collection of these tubes for the notch/fast/square application. That would be part numbers 311.115.303B and 311.115.303D. The obvious difference is that the "D" version has an extra "tube' for making a direct connection to the oil breather. I had to read the parts book carefully and compare it to the chassis number table to understand that the "D" version is a 1-year only part number; and only the majority of the year, not 100% of the year. [This based on the K and T series engine codes.]
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/serialnumberst3.php


Three Version "B" tubes on the left. Four Version "D" tubes on the right.

I'd always assumed that the connection tube was the only difference;
[pointed to by the blue arrow in this picture] But maybe there are other differences that I had not thought about.

So I set up an engine case as a measurement jig to see what I could learn.

The case was aligned with the edge of the workbench and shown to be level within 1 degree.

One by one, I mounted each tube to the case, and then measured the angle at which the tube was inclined from the case. Shown here by the orange arrow.

As an example:

I also checked the angle at which the tube departed from the center line of the case. I.E. does the tube come straight back, or does it angle to the passenger side, or does it angle to drivers side. With my configuration it was difficult to get a precise measurement of this, but I use a large sliding protractor to get a reasonable reading. All of the tubes angled to the passenger side at basically the same angle of 8-10 degrees.

Here are the results of the angle of inclination measurements:
Part "B"
Tube #1--> 49 degrees
Tube #2--> 50.25 degrees
Tube #3--> 47 degrees

Part "D"
Tube #4--> 45 degrees
Tube #5--> 44.5 degrees
Tube #6--> 46 degrees
Tube #7--> 41 degrees

Admittedly this a very small sample set.
But I do seem to have a general measurement of approx 49 degrees for the "B" version.
And a general measurement of approx 45 degrees for the "D" version.
[Ignoring the one outlying tube #7 measurement. Perhaps tube #7 has been tweaked at some point in its history. Either during the removal from a vehicle, or during the powder coating and flange cleaning process.]

Thus, a difference of 4 degrees. Is that important?
Well, a 4 degree difference over the 10" length of the tube means that the location of the top end of the tube has a difference of is .87 inches (7/8"). Which is almost the full diameter of the tube.

Comments? Experiences? Additional information?
_________________
'69 Squareback restoration
'69 Fastback restoration
'66 Type34

[OKType3Tim]

Additional Info: early Fuel Injected engines had the "D" version through '71. And went to the "B" version in '72 in conjunction with the oil breather that has the pcv valve.
_________________
'69 Squareback restoration
'69 Fastback restoration
'66 Type34

[EasternNotch]

I believe Type 34 has a different version as well. not sure of the angle but I plan to check mine out when I drop the motor in the near future.

I wonder if those small differences make much difference, I guess the rubber boot would allow for a fairly large variance and still allow the dipstick to pass.


-Lucas
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1964 Notchback
1966 Squareback
1969 Type 34 Ghia
1969 Fastback
1989 Doka AFN TDI

[gt1953]

Oh My always something with these type 3's... I m still learning the differences.
_________________
Volkswagen: We tune what we drive.
Numbers Matching VW's are getting harder to find. Source out the most Stock vehicle and keep that way. You will be glad you did.

72 type 1
72 Squareback
({59 Euro bug, 62, 63, 67, 68, 69, 73 type ones 68 & 69 type two, 68 Ghia all sold})

[OKType3Tim]

[Bobnotch]

[EasternNotch]

[mcmscott]

I recently built an engine in a t-34, it used a regular, early tube. Same diameter. It is in the August hot vw's magazine.
_________________
There are no stupid questions, only stupid people,

68 Ghia
67 T-1
65 Notch
02 Mexican beetle
74 Thing
15 Long travel rail
07 Nomad
05 f-250

[Erik G]

So is the type 34 trunk floor closer to the engine than other cars? Or is it year and model specific? I have a friend with problems with air cleaners on his type 34, also has a dipstick issue
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[mcmscott]

[ataraxia]

The T34 and the T3 oil filler pipes have different part numbers.

[mcmscott]

[OKType3Tim]

Here is my example of the wrong pipe on my T34.
I have to carefully "thread' the dipstick into the assembly due to the misalignment.

_________________
'69 Squareback restoration
'69 Fastback restoration
'66 Type34

[pedro sainz]

[pedro sainz]

[Erik G]

So Pedro, is the t34 engine floor really different? Is it really lower so the same air cleaners don't fit?

Or is it really sag, bushings, etc that causes the body to get closer to the engine and air cleaners don't fit?

I actually had this problem on a Squareback... But it had been hit
_________________
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[pedro sainz]

[Erik G]

[Bobnotch]

[pedro sainz]