Oil Change Gasket Set, for Aircooled VW Engines

OVERVIEW

Keeping your vintage air-cooled Volkswagen running smoothly starts with the basics, and nothing is more fundamental than a clean, professional-grade oil change. This EMPI Oil Change Gasket Set is engineered specifically for the iconic 1200cc to 1600cc flat-four engines that powered generations of Beetles, Buses, and Ghias. Unlike modern vehicles that utilize a simple spin-on filter, the classic VW engine relies on an internal mesh screen that must be removed, cleaned, and resealed during every service interval. Reusing old, flattened paper gaskets or brittle, crushed copper washers is a recipe for messy oil spots on your driveway and, more importantly, a potential loss of vital oil pressure. This comprehensive kit provides every sealing component necessary to ensure a leak-free, airtight seal between the oil strainer, the engine case, and the bottom cover plate.

When you''re pushing your air-cooled engine through summer heat or navigating dusty off-road trails in a dune buggy, oil temperature and volume management are critical to the engine''s longevity. A tiny leak at the oil strainer plate can lead to catastrophic engine failure if the oil level drops unnoticed. By using this high-quality gasket set, you are maintaining the structural integrity of the lubrication system. The precision-cut paper gaskets provide the exact thickness required to seal against the magnesium or aluminum case without obstructing the oil pickup tube, while the soft-annealed copper washers offer the necessary "crush" factor to seal the six 10mm nuts and the large center drain plug. Don''t cut corners on your maintenance routine; invest in a fresh set of gaskets every time you pull the plate to ensure your VW stays on the road and remains "oil-tight" for miles to come.

FITMENT

This oil change gasket set is designed for standard air-cooled Volkswagen Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 engines. Please verify your engine displacement and year before ordering.

• VW Beetle (Standard & Super): 1954-1977 (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974
• VW Bus / Type 2 (Transporter/Kombi): 1954-1971 (Up to 1600cc Dual Port)
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962-1973
• Custom Applications: Suitable for most Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing a VW 1600cc based case.

SPECS

Each kit is manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications for fit and material durability.

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 113-198-031 (00-9909-B)
• Engine Compatibility: 1200cc / 1300cc / 1500cc / 1600cc based engines
• Gasket Material: High-density, oil-resistant fiber-reinforced paper
• Washer Material: Soft-annealed copper for maximum sealing compression
• Total Piece Count: 9 Pieces
• Included Gaskets: 2x Precision-cut oil strainer paper gaskets
• Included Washers: 6x Copper sealing washers for the 6mm cover plate studs
• Included Drain Washer: 1x Large copper crush washer for the 14mm or 22mm drain plug

PRO TIPS

1. Surface Preparation is Paramount

Before you even think about installing the new paper gaskets, you must ensure that both the oil strainer plate and the engine case mating surfaces are surgically clean. Use a plastic scraper or a mild scotch-brite pad to remove every trace of the old, baked-on gasket material. Avoid using metal scrapers that can gouge the soft magnesium engine case. Even a tiny sliver of old gasket or a glob of unnecessary RTV silicone can create a channel for oil to weep through, resulting in a persistent leak that no amount of tightening will fix. Clean the surfaces with a shot of brake cleaner to ensure they are dry and free of oily residue before assembly.

2. Master the Torque Specs

The most common mistake made during a VW oil change is over-tightening