Push Rod Tube, Fits 1300cc & Up VW Aircooled Engines

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the heartbeat of your vintage Volkswagen, the integrity of your oiling system is paramount. This EMPI stock replacement steel push rod tube is the definitive solution for leaks, corrosion, and the inevitable wear that plagues original equipment over decades of heat cycles. Designed to meet or exceed original factory specifications, this tube provides a secure, protective housing for your push rods, ensuring that oil returns efficiently from the cylinder heads back to the crankcase. Whether you are performing a complete long-block overhaul or simply refreshing your top end, these tubes offer the structural rigidity and precise fitment required to keep your engine bay dry and your oil pressure stable. Don''t settle for pitted, bent, or rusted-out originals that compromise your engine''s cooling and lubrication; upgrading to these fresh steel units is a fundamental step in any professional-grade engine build.

Engineered specifically for 1300cc to 1600cc air-cooled powerplants, this push rod tube features the classic accordion-style bellows that allow for the natural thermal expansion and contraction of the engine as it reaches operating temperature. Manufactured from high-grade steel with a protective finish, it resists the harsh environment of the VW engine compartment, where road debris and constant temperature fluctuations are the norm. As any seasoned VW mechanic knows, the push rod tubes are more than just oil conduits; they are a critical component of the engine''s geometry and sealing surface. By choosing this EMPI replacement, you are ensuring a factory-perfect seal against the engine case and cylinder heads, effectively eliminating the "VW footprint" of oil spots on your driveway. Sold individually, these are the standard fixed-style tubes that are installed during engine assembly, providing the most reliable and permanent seal possible for your classic restoration or daily driver.

FITMENT

This push rod tube is designed for the following VW air-cooled models equipped with 1300cc, 1500cc, or 1600cc Type 1 based engines:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1966 - 1977 (Standard & Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1966 - 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1966 - 1971 (1600cc engines)
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973 - 1974
• Volkswagen Squareback, Fastback, Notchback / Type 3: 1966 - 1973
• Custom Applications: Fits all 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based dune buggies, sand rails, and trikes.

SPECS

• Material: Heavy-duty stamped steel.
• Finish: Natural / Zinc-plated for corrosion resistance.
• Type: Fixed Stock Replacement (requires head removal for installation).
• Compatibility: Fits 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc dual-port and single-port engines.
• OEM Cross Reference: 311-109-335.
• Quantity: Sold Each (8 required per engine).
• Seals: Not included (requires 2 seals per tube).

PRO TIPS

1. The "Pre-Install Stretch" Technique

Before sliding these tubes into your engine case, it is a professional best practice to slightly "stretch" the accordion bellows. Hold the tube at both ends and give it a firm, even pull to extend it by about 1/4 inch beyond its resting length. This added tension ensures that when the cylinder heads are torqued down, the tube exerts constant outward pressure against the seals at both the case and the head. This "spring-loading" effect is the secret to a leak-free engine that lasts for years without developing the dreaded push rod tube seep.

2. Seal Selection and Lubrication

Never reuse old seals when installing new push rod tubes. We highly recommend using high-quality Viton (usually brown) or silicone (usually red/orange) seals rather than standard black rubber. Before installation, apply a very light coat of engine oil or a specialized assembly lube to the seals. This prevents the seals from "grabbing" and twisting or tearing as you slide the cylinder heads over the tubes. A properly lubricated seal will seat squarely into the bores of the case and the head, providing a 360-degree airtight and oil-tight barrier.

3. Seam Orientation for Maximum Longevity

When installing these steel tubes, pay close attention to the longitudinal seam where the metal is joined. For the best results, always position the tube so that the seam faces UPWARD (toward the top of the engine). While these seams are high-quality, orienting them upward ensures that oil returning from the headswhich naturally pools at the bottom of the tube due to gravityis never resting directly against the seam. This simple orientation trick adds an extra layer of insurance against potential leaks over the long-term life of your air-cooled engine.