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Aircooled VW Portland

Aircooled VW Engine

One of the most iconic vehicles of all time, Volkswagen remains one of the most prominent vehicles driven today. Known for their stout German engineering and fuel efficiency, the Volkswagen is one of the most popular cars worldwide. At Trafton’s Foreign Auto we staff factory-trained technicians and VW enthusiasts and know exactly what it takes to care for your Volkswagen, whether it’s a classic aircooled or late model watercooled VW. We’ve been providing Portland with quality German and Japanese auto repair since 1978!


Aircooled Page

Why An Aircooled Engine?

Even though most people believe the aircooled engine is an outdated piece of automotive equipment for personal vehicles, they still have their benefits and remain a popular choice among VW enthusiasts. Aircooled engines have been known to be very durable and long-lasting. Also, since they require less parts than the water-cooled engine, aircooled engines are considerably lighter. Having an aircooled engine has many benefits:

  • Durability
  • Fewer parts, lighter weight
  • No risk of coolant freezing
  • Warm-up faster
  • Easy to maintain and repair

With every piece of equipment, there are disadvantages of course. While the aircooled engine doesn’t run the risk of freezing in cold temperatures, it does run the risk of overheating. That’s why it’s important to maintain the engine and its fans to keep your engine up and running. At Trafton’s Foreign Auto, we can make sure your engine stays in peak performance shape! That’s why we’re one of the most trusted names for aircooled VW repair in Portland!


Variety of

Aircooled VW Repairs

Even though the last aircooled VW’s were imported into the US in 1983, we still perform repairs and maintenance on these beautiful cars. If you own one of these Volkswagen models listed, then we are more than happy to help you with your aircooled VW in any way you need. Here are some of the models of Volkswagen we perform repairs and manage aircooled engines on:

  • Beetle (Type 1)
  • Bus/Van (Type 2)
  • Fastback/Squareback (Type 3)
  • Wagon (Type 4)
  • Karmann Ghia
  • Baja
  • Thing
  • Sandrails

Aircooled Engines

VW Aircooled Engine Inspection

Are you a collector of classic cars and looking to purchase a classic VW with an aircooled engine? We can make sure it’s all good to go! Even if you buy one that needs an aircooled engine repair, we are more than willing to make sure you get the highest quality of service possible!


BUT THAT’S NOT ALL!


We will also give you inspection on all other aspects of your classic VW including, but not limited to:

  • Fuse Boxes
  • Battery integrity
  • Any signs of rusting
  • Timing Belts
  • Brakes
  • Much More!

Call Trafton’s Today For All VW Needs!

If you find yourself buying a VW and need any repairs or maintenance done, Trafton’s Foreign Auto is one of the most trusted names in the business. Call today to schedule a visit or get a quote! Our staff is friendly, factory trained, and will get your VW back on the road quickly!

Which VW models are considered Aircooled?
The most notable Aircooled VW models include the Beetle (Type 1), Bus (Type 2), Karmann Ghia, Type 3 (Squareback/Fastback/Notchback), and Type 4 (411/412).
What are the common issues to look out for in Aircooled VWs?
Common issues include oil leaks, overheating, rust, especially in floor pans and around the battery area, electrical problems due to the aging wiring system, and worn suspension and braking components. Regular inspections can help identify these problems early.
Are Aircooled VWs reliable for daily use?
Aircooled VWs can be reliable for daily use if well-maintained and properly serviced. However, they may require more attention and maintenance compared to modern liquid-cooled vehicles.
How do I maintain an Aircooled VW?
Regular maintenance for an Aircooled VW includes oil changes, valve adjustments, spark plug replacements, air filter cleaning, and overall engine and component inspections. Specific maintenance requirements can vary depending on the model and year.
How does the air-cooled engine in VWs differ from water-cooled engines?
There are a few things but primarily due to the fact that the Aircooled is a consolidated power source that does not require coolant, water pump, radiator, reservoir etc. and is instead cooled by air and oil and not coolant such as a water/coolant cooled motor