Oil Pump Cover Gasket, for Aircooled VW, Each

OVERVIEW

When it is time to seal the heart of your engine, you cannot afford to overlook the smallest components. The EMPI Oil Pump Cover Gasket is a precision-engineered sealing solution designed specifically for the 1500cc and 1600cc air-cooled Volkswagen engines produced between 1968 and 1979. This gasket serves as the vital barrier between the oil pump body and the pump cover, ensuring that your engine maintains maximum oil pressure while preventing unsightly and dangerous external leaks. In the world of air-cooled performance, oil is the lifeblood that provides both lubrication and essential cooling; therefore, maintaining the integrity of the oiling system is paramount. This gasket is manufactured to exact tolerances, providing the correct thickness to ensure proper gear end-play within the pump, which is a critical factor in preventing internal pressure loss and premature wear on the pump gears.

Whether you are performing a routine oil system service on a daily driver or assembling a high-performance dual-port engine for a weekend warrior, this gasket is an essential part of your toolkit. It is designed to fit the common 8mm stud pattern found on later-model Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 engine cases. Using an inferior or improvised gasket in this location can lead to catastrophic engine failure if the seal fails under high-pressure conditions or if the material is too thick, allowing oil to bypass the gears internally. Trust in the quality of EMPI, a name synonymous with Volkswagen heritage, to provide a reliable seal that stands up to the heat and chemical rigors of the VW engine bay. Don''t let a simple maintenance task turn into a major headache by reusing old, flattened gaskets; always install a fresh EMPI oil pump cover gasket every time the cover is removed.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Standard): 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter (Type 2 with 1600cc engine): 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973, 1974
• Engine Compatibility: Fits 1500cc and 1600cc Type 1 based engines with 8mm oil pump studs.

SPECS

• Part Number: 111-115-131B
• Material: High-density specialized gasket paper for oil resistance.
• Hole Diameter: 8mm (Designed for late-model large stud pumps).
• Application Location: Between the oil pump housing and the oil pump cover plate.
• Thickness: Precision gauged to maintain correct oil pump gear clearance.
• Quantity: Sold Individually (Each).
• Manufacturer: EMPI.

PRO TIPS

1. Surface Preparation is Non-Negotiable

To ensure a leak-free seal, both the face of the oil pump housing and the inner surface of the oil pump cover must be surgically clean. Use a plastic scraper or a brass brush to remove every trace of the old gasket material. Be extremely careful not to gouge the aluminum pump body or the cover plate, as even a small scratch can create a high-pressure leak path that a paper gasket cannot fill. Once the surfaces are scraped, wipe them down with a lint-free rag soaked in brake cleaner or lacquer thinner to remove any oily film before installing the new gasket. A clean, dry surface is the best foundation for a permanent seal.

2. Avoid the Use of RTV Silicone

One of the most common mistakes in air-cooled engine assembly is the application of RTV silicone or heavy liquid sealants on the oil pump gasket. These sealants can squeeze out when the cover nuts are torqued, potentially breaking off and entering the oil galleries where they can clog small passages or the oil cooler. If you feel the need for a sealant, use a very light smear of a specialized non-hardening gasket tack or simply a light coating of clean engine oil. Ideally, these gaskets are designed to be installed dry or with a micro-thin layer of assembly lube to help them "set" against the metal surfaces without obstructing oil flow.

3. Verify Gear End-Play and Torque Sequence

The thickness of this gasket actually plays a role in the internal clearances of your oil pump. If the gasket is too thick, the gap between the gears and the cover will be too large, causing a significant drop in oil pressure as oil slips over the top of the gears. When installing, ensure the pump gears are flush or slightly sub-flush to the pump body. Tighten the four 8mm nuts in a cross pattern to 14 ft-lbs (approximately 2.0 mkg). Over-tightening can warp the cover plate, while under-tightening will lead to leaks. Always double-check your torque settings after the engine has reached operating temperature for the first time to ensure everything has seated correctly.