Valve Cover Gasket, Fits All Aircooled VW, Each

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining your vintage air-cooled engine, few things are as frustrating as persistent oil leaks dripping onto your heat exchangers and garage floor. This EMPI high-quality valve cover gasket is engineered to provide a superior seal for your Type 1, 2, or 3 engine, ensuring that your oil stays exactly where it belongsinside the valve train. Unlike standard, thin cork gaskets that can dry out and crack after just a few heat cycles, these gaskets are crafted from a premium cork and rubber composite. This blend offers the perfect balance of compressibility and resilience, allowing the gasket to conform to any minor imperfections in the valve cover or cylinder head mating surfaces while resisting the hardening effects of high engine temperatures. Don''t settle for inferior seals that lead to messy engine bays and potential fire hazards from oil-soaked exhaust components.

Whether you are performing a routine valve adjustment or a complete engine overhaul, using a reliable gasket is critical for preventing vacuum leaks and maintaining a clean machine. These gaskets are designed to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, making them the go-to choice for daily drivers, show cars, and high-performance builds alike. Because they are sold individually, you have the flexibility to replace just one or stock up on a pair for your next maintenance interval. By choosing this German-style replacement, you are investing in the longevity of your engine components and the cleanliness of your engine bay. Protecting your pushrod tubes and heater boxes from the corrosive effects of hot engine oil has never been easier or more affordable than with these robust cork-rubber seals.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1946-1979 (All Air-cooled Models)
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971-1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter (Type 2): 1950-1971 (Up to 1600cc engines)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback): 1962-1973
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: All Type 1 based 1200cc-1600cc engines

SPECS

• Part Number: 113-101-481FG / 113-101-481FK
• Material: High-Grade Cork and Rubber Composite
• Engine Compatibility: 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, 1600cc, and 1600cc Dual Port
• Quantity: Sold Individually (Each)
• Application: Fits Factory OEM and most Aftermarket Stock-Style Valve Covers
• Thickness: Precision cut for optimal bail-clip tension
• Design: German-Style replacement for maximum durability

PRO TIPS

1. The Clean Surface Rule

Before installing your new gasket, ensure that both the valve cover channel and the cylinder head surface are meticulously cleaned of old gasket material and oil residue. Use a solvent like brake cleaner and a plastic scraper to avoid gouging the soft aluminum of the cylinder head. A clean, dry surface is the only way to guarantee the gasket seats properly and prevents "weeping" leaks over time. If the valve cover itself is warped, no gasket in the world will save it, so check for flatness on a piece of glass before installation.

2. The Adhesive Trick

To prevent the gasket from slipping or falling out of the valve cover during installation, apply a very thin bead of weatherstrip adhesive or "Gasket Cinch" to the valve cover side only. Press the gasket into the cover and let it set for a few minutes until it stays in place. Do NOT apply adhesive to the cylinder head side; leaving that side dry allows the gasket to be removed easily during your next valve adjustment without tearing, often allowing you to reuse the gasket if it is still pliable. This also prevents messy cleanup on the head itself.

3. Bail Tension and Heat Cycles

Ensure your valve cover bails (the wire clips) have proper tension. If the bail feels loose or snaps over too easily, it won''t apply enough pressure to compress the cork-rubber material, leading to leaks. You can slightly bend the bails to increase tension if needed. After the first 50 to 100 miles following a gasket change, perform a quick visual inspection. The heat from the engine causes