The cooling air deflection plates that are clamped between the cylinders and the small plates between the cooling fins of the cylinder head have an important function, just like all other sheet metal parts connected to the cooling air, they ensure maximum use of the cooling air.
After being blown through the cylinders, the air is reflected so that it is not lost immediately. The result is a reduction in cylinder head and cylinder temperature. Many forget to install them, especially the metal sheets that are mounted between the cooling fins of the cylinder head. Plates cannot be retrofitted when the push rod tubes are already installed, they must be fitted beforehand.
The plates that are clamped into the cylinder head have a recess for the cooling thermostat rod and are made universal by Volkswagen for the left and right cylinder heads. During a cylinder head overhaul, these plates do not survive most of the time and replacement is the only good solution, even if new cylinder heads are never fitted as standard when purchased.
Cooling air sheets between the cylinders are available in two versions for use with 8 or 10 mm threaded rods (these are used to mount the cylinder heads and cylinders), always check before ordering.
Cylinder cooling air plates for newer type 3 and CT/CZ engines provide better cooling, they can also be mounted on a type 1 engine.
Useful information from Paruzzi magazine and from our YouTube channel :
Look for more technical articles on the page Paruzzi Magazine