About this episode
A Bug That Refuses To FadeWhile Volkswagen is now known for crossovers like the Tiguan and Atlas – two of its best-selling models in the U.S. last year – the brand was once defined by a small, quirky vehicle that many people recognize: the Beetle. The Beetle is one of the best-selling cars of all time, alongside the Ford Model T and Toyota Corolla, so it’s no surprise that it still holds relevance even after production ended in 2019. One of the more than 21 million units sold was this 1978 model, which was rebuilt after its engine failed nearly two decades ago.
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Joy van Haelen on YouTube took on the job despite being on a tight budget. She also admitted to not being familiar with the engine, which was an air-cooled flat-four mounted at the rear – similar to the configuration used in the Porsche 911. Nevertheless, she viewed the project as a valuable learning experience for herself, rather than opting for an engine swap.Getting Hands Dirty With A ClassicThe bearings were initially believed to be part of the problem. Van Haelen sourced a new set for the engine, which helps rotating components such as the crankshaft and connecting rods operate smoothly by reducing friction. She also picked up a Haynes manual to provide a step-by-step guide for disassembling and reassembling the engine components.However, the builder later discovered that the real issue was the connecting rods, which she said were no longer “perfectly round.” Discoloration on the components also suggested they had overheated, causing them to expand and damage surrounding parts. As a result, she sourced a new set of rods, which connect the pistons in
