914

1969-1976 / Targa / Germany

All 914 problems All workshop issues

Common Engine (VW Type 4 Flat-Four)

Oil Leaks

Symptoms

Oil residue on the engine exterior. Dripping in the garage.

Cause

The VW Type 4 engine uses numerous gaskets and seals that deteriorate with age. The pushrod tube seals are the most common leak point, followed by the crankcase seam gasket and the oil cooler seal.

Fix

Replace pushrod tube seals ($100-$300 DIY, $300-$600 at a workshop).

Crankcase seam repair requires splitting the case ($1,500-$3,000).

Oil cooler seal replacement is straightforward ($50-$150).

Cost mentioned in fix

$100-$300$300-$600$1,500-$3,000$50-$150

Know something we don't?

Owned a Porsche 914? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.

Submit an update

// More 914 problems

Other known issues

Common Engine (VW Type 4 Flat-Four)

D-Jetronic Fuel Injection Issues (1970-1973)

Rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, hard cold starting, surging at steady throttle, and inconsistent fuel mixture.

Minor Engine (VW Type 4 Flat-Four)

L-Jetronic Issues (1975-1976 2.0-Litre)

Similar symptoms to D-Jetronic but generally less severe. Rough idle, occasional hesitation.

Critical Engine (VW Type 4 Flat-Four)

Overheating

Oil temperature exceeds 130 degrees C, oil pressure drops, engine loses power.

Minor Rust

Battery Box and Front Boot Corrosion

The front boot floor, particularly the battery box area on the passenger side, develops severe corrosion. The metal becomes soft, perforated, and eventually structurally unsound.

Minor Rust

Rocker Panel (Sill) Corrosion

The sills that run beneath the doors become perforated from the inside out. By the time external rust is visible, the inner structure is often severely compromised.

Minor Rust

Longitudinal (Chassis Rail) Corrosion

The longitudinal chassis rails that run under the floor develop rust, perforation, and eventual structural failure.

View all 14 914 problems