Special Nut & Washer, for Billet Alternator Pulleys

OVERVIEW

When you make the jump from a standard stamped-steel pulley to a high-performance billet aluminum setup, you cannot afford to overlook the hardware that holds it all together. The EMPI Special Nut and Washer kit is engineered specifically to solve the clearance and depth challenges that arise when installing aftermarket billet alternator or generator pulleys on your air-cooled Volkswagen. Standard factory hardware is often too bulky or lacks the specific shoulder profile required to seat correctly within the recessed face of a precision-machined billet pulley. By utilizing this specialized kit, you ensure that your charging system remains secure under high RPM conditions, preventing the dreaded pulley wobble that can lead to catastrophic belt failure or damage to the alternator shaft threads. At Appletree Auto, we know that the difference between a show-winning engine bay and a roadside breakdown is often found in these small, critical components.

This kit isn''t just about utility; it is about providing a professional finish to your engine build. The nut and washer are manufactured from high-strength steel to withstand the torque requirements necessary to keep your pulley locked in place against the woodruff key. Whether you are running a high-amp internal regulator alternator or a classic 12V generator, the fitment of your pulley is paramount for belt alignment and cooling efficiency. Utilizing the wrong hardware can lead to the nut backing off, which quickly destroys the internal splines or keyway of an expensive billet pulley. Investing in the correct EMPI hardware ensures that your investment in a billet pulley is protected and that your VW''s cooling fanwhich is driven by this very assemblycontinues to spin reliably to keep your cylinder head temperatures in check.

FITMENT

This special nut and washer kit is designed for use with most aftermarket billet aluminum alternator and generator pulleys. It is compatible with the following air-cooled Volkswagen models equipped with Type 1 upright engine configurations:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1971 (Type 2 with Type 1 engine)
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): When converted to upright cooling styles
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing VW 1600cc based engines

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 16-9708-0
• Material: High-tensile strength steel
• Thread Pitch: M12 x 1.5 (Standard VW Alternator/Generator shaft)
• Components Included: (1) Specialized low-profile nut, (1) Precision-fit heavy-duty washer
• Finish: Zinc plated for corrosion resistance and durability
• Compatibility: Specifically designed for billet aluminum pulleys; may not be suitable for stock stamped steel pulleys

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Never Skip the Thread Locker

Even with the specialized design of this EMPI nut, the vibrations inherent in a flat-four air-cooled engine can be intense. We strongly recommend applying a single drop of medium-strength (blue) thread-locking compound to the alternator shaft threads before installation. This provides an extra layer of security against the nut backing off due to harmonic resonance. However, avoid using high-strength (red) locker, as you will eventually need to remove the pulley for belt adjustments or maintenance, and you don''t want to risk snapping the end of the alternator shaft during disassembly.

Tip 2: Verify Your Belt Alignment

After installing your billet pulley with the new nut and washer, always use a straight edge to check the alignment between the upper alternator pulley and the lower crank pulley. Billet pulleys sometimes have a different offset than stock units. If the belt is running at an angle, it will cause premature wear on the belt and put unnecessary lateral load on the alternator bearings. If the alignment is off, you may need to add or remove shims behind the pulley hub to bring it into a perfect vertical plane with the crankshaft.

Tip 3: Hand-Start to Prevent Cross-Threading

The threads on an alternator or generator shaft are relatively fine and are easily damaged if the nut is forced on at an angle. Always start the EMPI special nut by hand and thread it down as far as possible before applying a wrench or socket. If you feel any resistance in the first two turns, stop immediately and back it off. It is much cheaper to clean up a thread with a die than it is to replace an entire alternator because the shaft was stripped by an impact gun during a rushed installation.