Valve Cover Gaskets, Rubber, Fits All Aircooled VW, Pair

OVERVIEW

Stop the oil spots on your driveway and upgrade your air-cooled engine with the ultimate sealing solution. These EMPI Rubber Valve Cover Gaskets are a significant leap forward from the traditional cork gaskets that have frustrated VW owners for decades. Manufactured from high-quality, oil-resistant neoprene rubber, these gaskets are designed to provide a superior, long-lasting seal that won''t shrink, crack, or blow out under pressure. Whether you are running a stock 1600cc daily driver or a high-performance stroker engine, these gaskets offer the resilience needed to handle the thermal expansion and contraction common in air-cooled cylinders. Unlike cork, which often becomes brittle and sticks to the head, these rubber gaskets remain pliable, allowing for a clean release during valve adjustments and making them truly reusable for multiple service intervals.

Precision-engineered to fit the standard Type 1 style cylinder head, these gaskets are compatible with both original equipment factory valve covers and most aftermarket aluminum or chrome bolt-on versions. The thick, consistent profile of the neoprene ensures that any minor imperfections in the valve cover mounting surface are filled, creating a vacuum-tight seal that keeps your engine bay clean and your oil levels stable. At Appletree Auto, we know that nothing ruins a clean build faster than a constant oil leak dripping onto your heater boxes or exhaust. By switching to these heavy-duty rubber gaskets, you are investing in a leak-free experience that simplifies maintenance and protects your engine from the mess and fire hazards associated with oil seepage. This pair of gaskets is a must-have for any serious Volkswagen enthusiast who values performance and reliability.

FITMENT

These gaskets are designed for the standard Type 1 style cylinder head found on the vast majority of air-cooled Volkswagen engines. They fit the following models and years:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954-1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1954-1971 (Up to 1600cc engines)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1961-1973
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Fits all 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based air-cooled engines used in Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Trikes, and Kit Cars.

SPECS

• Part Number: 00-9088-0
• Material: High-Temp Oil-Resistant Neoprene Rubber
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (2 Gaskets)
• Thickness: Heavy-duty profile for maximum compression sealing
• Compatibility: Fits stock "clip-on" covers and most aftermarket "bolt-on" covers
• Engine Type: Volkswagen Type 1, 2, and 3 (Air-cooled)
• Reusability: Designed for multiple uses with proper care
• Finish: Stealth Black

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Surface Preparation is Key. Before installing your new rubber gaskets, use a scraper and a solvent like brake cleaner to ensure the mating surfaces on both the cylinder head and the valve cover are completely free of old cork residue and oil. A pristine surface allows the neoprene to "grip" the metal properly, ensuring that the gasket doesn''t "walk" or slip out of place once the engine reaches operating temperature. If your valve covers are slightly warped, these rubber gaskets are much more forgiving than cork, but always check for flatness on a glass surface before installation.

Tip 2: The "Dry" Install Method. One of the biggest advantages of these neoprene gaskets is that they do not require messy RTV silicone or gasket sealer. In fact, using sealer can often make the gasket too slippery, causing it to squeeze out of the track when you tighten the bail wire or bolts. For the best results, install them dry. If you find the gasket won''t stay in the valve cover during the install process, you can use a tiny "dab" of 3M Weatherstrip Adhesive in the corners of the valve cover only to hold the gasket in place while you flip it over to the head.

Tip 3: Check Your Bail Tension. If you are using stock-style clip-on valve covers, ensure your bail wires (the spring clips) have adequate tension. Over time, these clips can lose their spring or become bent, leading to insufficient pressure on the gasket. When using rubber gaskets, you want firm, even pressure. If the bail flips over too easily, give it a slight bend to increase the clamping force. This ensures the rubber is properly compressed against the head, providing the airtight and oil-tight seal your VW deserves.