Type 3 Dipstick Block-Off Kit, for Aircooled VW, Aluminum

OVERVIEW

When you are building a high-performance air-cooled engine, every detail matters, especially when you are repurposing a Type 3 or late-model universal case for an upright Type 1 configuration. The EMPI Type 3 Dipstick Block-Off Kit is the professional solution for sealing the redundant oil filler and dipstick mounting boss found on "pancake" style engines or universal replacement cases. If you are converting a Fastback, Squareback, or Notchback engine for use in a Beetle, Karmann Ghia, or Bus, this kit is essential to ensure a vacuum-tight seal and a leak-free crankcase. Leaving this port open or using a makeshift plug is a recipe for oil spray and engine bay grime, but this cast aluminum plate provides a clean, factory-finished appearance that stands up to the heat and vibration of a high-revving flat-four.

Crafted from high-quality cast aluminum, this block-off plate is designed to perfectly match the contour of the engine case mounting surface. At Appletree Automotive, we know that reliability starts with the small components that keep your oil where it belongsinside the engine. This kit includes a precision-cut gasket to ensure a robust seal against the case, preventing the dreaded "weeping" that often occurs with inferior block-off solutions. Whether you are building a daily driver or a weekend sand rail, using the correct hardware like this EMPI 00-8931-0 kit demonstrates a commitment to quality and attention to detail that sets your build apart from the rest. Don''t let a minor oversight lead to a major mess; seal your case properly with this durable aluminum block-off kit.

FITMENT

This kit is designed specifically for air-cooled Volkswagen engines utilizing cases with the Type 3 style oil filler mounting boss, including:

• Volkswagen Type 3: 1961-1973 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback, and Type 34 Ghia)
• Volkswagen Type 1: Late-model "Universal" replacement cases (AS41 or AS21) equipped with the Type 3 mounting boss.
• Custom Builds: Any upright Type 1 engine (Beetle, Ghia, Thing, or Bus) built using a Type 3 engine case.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Engines utilizing universal cases that require the Type 3 port to be sealed.

SPECS

Below are the technical specifications for the EMPI Type 3 Dipstick Block-Off Kit:

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-8931-0
• Material: High-grade Cast Aluminum
• Finish: Natural Cast Aluminum
• Inclusion: Cast Aluminum Plate and Paper Gasket
• Application: Blocks off the Type 3 oil filler/dipstick hole for upright conversions.
• Weight: Approximately 0.13 lbs.
• Country of Origin: Designed and tested for the global VW market.

PRO TIPS

1. Ensure a Pristine Sealing Surface

Before installing your new block-off plate, it is critical to ensure the mounting boss on the engine case is perfectly clean and flat. Use a gasket scraper or a razor blade to remove any old gasket material or oxidation. If the surface has minor pitting, a light sanding with a high-grit sandpaper (400-600 grit) on a flat sanding block will help create the ideal mating surface. Remember, even the best gasket can''t compensate for a dirty or uneven case surface, and taking five minutes to prep the area now will prevent a persistent oil leak later.

2. Use a High-Quality Thread Sealant

While the kit includes a gasket, we highly recommend applying a very thin, even smear of a high-quality case sealant like Curil T or Permatex Aviation Form-A-Gasket to both sides of the paper gasket. This adds an extra layer of protection against oil migration. Additionally, check your mounting studs or bolts; if they are through-holes into the case, apply a small amount of thread sealant to the hardware to prevent oil from "wicking" up the threads and leaking out from under the bolt heads or nuts.

3. Don''t Over-Torque the Hardware

It is easy to get over-zealous when tightening engine hardware, but remember that you are dealing with cast aluminum. Over-tightening the nuts or bolts on this block-off plate can lead to several issues, including warping the plate, stripping the threads in the case, or cracking the aluminum casting. Use a small 1/4-inch drive ratchet and tighten the hardware evenly until snug. A firm hand-tightening is usually sufficient to compress the gasket and create a permanent seal without risking damage to your expensive engine case.