Push Rod Tubes, Stainless, for Type 1 VW, 8 Pieces

OVERVIEW

When you''re rebuilding an air-cooled engine, the small details often make the biggest difference in long-term reliability and leak prevention. These EMPI stainless steel push rod tubes are a premium upgrade over the standard zinc-plated or painted steel versions that originally came from the factory. Standard steel tubes are notorious for rusting from the inside out due to condensation or corroding on the exterior from road salt and moisture, eventually leading to pinhole leaks that are impossible to stop without a full teardown. By choosing high-quality stainless steel, you are investing in a component that offers superior resistance to the harsh thermal cycles of an air-cooled cylinder head while maintaining a professional, clean look under your engine tins for years to come.

These tubes are designed in the classic "stock style," meaning they are intended for use during a complete engine assembly or whenever the cylinder heads are removed. Unlike adjustable or spring-loaded tubes that are used for quick fixes, these solid-body stainless tubes provide the structural integrity and precise fitment required for a high-performance build or a concours-level restoration. They feature the correct bellows design to allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the engine block and heads as they reach operating temperature. Whether you are building a 1600cc daily driver or a stout 1914cc weekend warrior, these tubes ensure that your oil stays inside the engine and your pushrods remain protected from the elements with a level of durability that far exceeds OEM specifications.

FITMENT

These stainless steel push rod tubes are designed for Type 1 based air-cooled engines. They are compatible with the following models equipped with 1300cc, 1500cc, or 1600cc based engines:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1966 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1966 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1963 through 1971 (With Type 1 Upright Engine)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1963 through 1973
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes using VW Type 1 engine cases.

SPECS

• Material: High-Grade Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel
• Style: OE Stock Style (Non-Adjustable)
• Quantity: Complete set of 8 pieces
• Compatibility: Fits 1300cc to 1600cc Dual Port and Single Port Engines
• Construction: Precision stamped with integrated expansion bellows
• Finish: Natural Brushed Stainless
• Note: Does NOT include seals (Requires 16 push rod tube seals for installation)

PRO TIPS

1. The "Pre-Installation Stretch" Technique

Before you slide these tubes into place, it is a common professional practice to slightly "stretch" the bellows. Grab each end of the tube and pull gently to expand the bellows by about 1/8th to 1/4 of an inch. This added length creates a slight spring-tension effect when the cylinder head is torqued down against the engine case. This extra pressure ensures that the seals are compressed firmly into their seats, significantly reducing the chance of "weeping" oil leaks as the engine goes through its initial heat cycles. Be careful not to over-stretch, as you still want the tube to fit comfortably between the case and the head during assembly.

2. Choosing the Right Seals

Since this kit does not include seals, you have the opportunity to choose the best material for your specific build. For a standard stock rebuild, high-quality German rubber seals are excellent. However, if you are building a high-performance engine that will see higher oil temperatures, we highly recommend using Silicone (usually orange or red) or Viton seals. These materials handle extreme heat much better than standard rubber and won''t become brittle or "cooked" over time. Always use a small amount of engine oil or a dedicated seal lubricant during installation to prevent the seals from tearing or bunching up as the head is seated.

3. Proper Seam Alignment

Even though these are high-quality stainless steel tubes, paying attention to the orientation of the manufacturing seam is a hallmark of a master engine builder. When installing the tubes, always rotate them so that the longitudinal seam faces upward (toward the top of the engine). This prevents oil from constantly "puddling" against the seam on the bottom of the tube. While modern manufacturing makes these seams very reliable, orienting them upward adds an extra layer of insurance against potential leaks and ensures that any oil returning from the heads flows smoothly across a seamless surface on the bottom of the tube.