Oil Pump To Case Gasket, for Aircooled VW, Each

OVERVIEW

When it comes to maintaining the heartbeat of your vintage Volkswagen, the smallest components often play the most significant roles. The EMPI Oil Pump To Case Gasket is a critical sealing element designed to sit perfectly between your oil pump body and the engine case. In the high-heat, high-vibration environment of an air-cooled engine, maintaining a vacuum-tight seal at the oil pump is essential for consistent oil pressure and cooling. This gasket is engineered to withstand the thermal expansion of the engine case while preventing messy oil leaks that can lead to low oil levels and potential engine damage. Whether you are performing a routine oil pump upgrade or a complete bottom-end rebuild, using a fresh, high-quality gasket is the only way to ensure your VW''s lubrication system remains pressurized and efficient.

At Appletree Automotive, we understand that precision matters for every Beetle, Bus, and Ghia owner. This specific gasket features 8mm stud holes, making it the standard choice for the vast majority of upright and pancake engines produced during the peak of Volkswagen''s air-cooled era. Manufactured from high-density gasket material, it provides just the right amount of compression to fill microscopic imperfections in the mating surfaces without obstructing the oil flow ports. Don''t risk your engine''s longevity by reusing an old, compressed, or brittle gasket. This EMPI replacement provides the professional-grade seal required to keep your classic on the road and your garage floor clean. It is an indispensable part of any mechanic''s toolbox and a must-have for anyone serious about the performance and reliability of their Volkswagen powerplant.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Standard Beetle: 1966, 1967, 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: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus (Transporter): 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Fastback, Squareback, Notchback): 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973, 1974
• Volkswagen Vanagon (Including Air-Cooled and Waterboxer): 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
• Volkswagen Syncro: 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991

SPECS

• Product Type: Oil Pump to Engine Case Gasket
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 111-115-111B
• Stud Hole Size: 8mm (Standard for late-model cases)
• Material: High-density specialized gasket cellulose
• Engine Compatibility: Fits Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4 / Waterboxer cases using 8mm studs
• Thickness: Precision cut for optimal compression and clearance
• Quantity: Sold Individually (Each)

PRO TIPS

1. Surface Preparation is Paramount

Before installing your new gasket, it is absolutely vital to ensure that both the engine case face and the oil pump mating surface are perfectly clean and flat. Use a plastic scraper or a razor blade held at a shallow angle to remove any remnants of the old gasket. Follow up with a lint-free cloth soaked in brake cleaner to remove any oily residue. Even a tiny speck of old gasket material can create a gap that leads to a high-pressure oil leak, which can be difficult to diagnose once the engine is fully assembled and running. Always inspect the engine case studs for straightness and ensure they aren''t pulling out of the case, as this will prevent the gasket from sealing evenly.

2. To Seal or Not to Seal

While many builders prefer to install these gaskets dry, a common pro-level trick in the air-cooled world is to apply an incredibly thin "smear" of a high-quality sealant, such as Curil-T or Permatex Aviation Form-A-Gasket, to both sides of the paper. You only want enough to make the gasket look "wet"never use RTV silicone here. Excess silicone can squeeze out into the oil galleries, potentially clogging the oil pickup or damaging bearings. If you choose to install dry, ensure your surfaces are perfectly machined. If you have a high-mileage case with minor pitting, a specialized non-hardening sealant provides that extra layer of insurance against leaks.

3. Watch Your Torque Values

One of the most common mistakes when installing an oil pump is over-tightening the four nuts that secure the pump to the case. Over-torquing can actually distort the oil pump body or the cover plate, leading to internal pressure loss or even "binding" the oil pump gears. For 8mm studs, you generally want to torque the nuts to approximately 14 ft-lbs (20 Nm). Always tighten them in a diagonal "X" pattern to ensure the gasket is compressed evenly across the entire surface. This even pressure ensures the gasket creates a long-lasting, hermetic seal that will survive thousands of heat cycles without failing.