Rear Main Seal, for Type 1 VW Engines, Premium, Each

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the longevity and performance of your air-cooled engine, few components are as small yet as critical as the rear main seal. This Premium Silicone Rear Main Seal is specifically engineered for the VW Type 1 engine platform, providing a superior barrier against oil loss where the crankshaft exits the engine case. Unlike standard rubber seals that can harden and crack over time due to extreme thermal cycling, this premium silicone version remains flexible and resilient under the most demanding conditions. A failure in this area is more than just a nuisance; it is a recipe for disaster. If oil manages to bypass a worn or inferior seal, it travels directly onto the flywheel and into the clutch assembly. This leads to immediate clutch slippage, shuddering, and eventual failure of the friction material, often requiring a complete engine pull just to rectify a part that costs less than a lunch special. At Appletree Automotive, we recommend this premium seal for every engine build, whether you are refreshing a stock 1600cc or assembling a high-performance stroker motor.

The engineering behind this seal focuses on the dual-lip design, which provides an extra layer of protection against contaminants while ensuring the oil stays exactly where it belongsinside the crankcase. This is a mandatory replacement item whenever you are pulling the flywheel, changing your gland nut, or adjusting your crankshaft end play with new shims. Because the rear main seal interfaces with the spinning surface of the flywheel hub, the material quality is paramount. This silicone variant is designed to withstand higher operating temperatures than traditional Nitrile seals, making it the ideal choice for heavy-duty applications like desert-running dune buggies, heavy Westfalia campers, or daily-driven Beetles stuck in stop-and-go traffic. Don''t risk your clutch and your engine''s oil pressure on a sub-par component; upgrade to the premium silicone seal and ensure your Volkswagen stays dry and dependable for thousands of miles to come.

FITMENT

This premium rear main seal is designed for the standard VW Type 1 engine case and fits a wide range of air-cooled models including:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1971 (Up to 1600cc Dual Port)
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1962 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: All Type 1 based sand rails, dune buggies, and trikes using 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based engine cases.

SPECS

• Part Number: 113-105-245FP
• Material: High-Temperature Premium Silicone
• Seal Type: Double-Lip Construction for maximum oil retention
• Engine Compatibility: VW Type 1, 2, and 3 (Air-cooled)
• Displacement Range: 1200cc to 1600cc+
• Color: Typically Orange or Red (Silicone signature color)
• Quantity: Sold Each
• Installation: Requires removal of the flywheel and gland nut

PRO TIPS

1. Inspect the Flywheel Hub Surface

Before installing your new premium seal, meticulously inspect the sealing surface on the back of the flywheel hub. Even the best silicone seal cannot stop a leak if the metal surface it rides on is pitted, grooved, or scratched. If you feel a "fingernail-catching" groove where the old seal sat, you may need to have the flywheel hub polished or, in extreme cases, install a stainless steel speedi-sleeve. Always ensure the hub is surgicaly clean and free of burrs before sliding it through the new seal to avoid tearing the delicate silicone lips.

2. Use the Proper Installation Tool

One of the most common causes of rear main seal failure is improper seating. If the seal is driven in "cocked" or uneven, it will leak almost immediately. We highly recommend using a dedicated VW rear main seal driver tool. This tool ensures the seal is pushed in perfectly square and stops at the correct depth. If you do not have the tool, use the old seal as a buffer and tap very gently in a cross-pattern with a rubber mallet, but be extremely careful not to drive the seal too deep into the case, as it can block oil return galleries.

3. Lubricate the Seal Lip

Never install a rear main seal "dry." While the outer diameter of the seal should be installed into a clean, dry engine case bore (some builders use a tiny smear of sealant, though it is usually unnecessary with silicone), the inner lips that contact the flywheel must be lubricated. Apply a thin coat of clean engine oil or a high-quality assembly lube to the inner lips of the seal and the flywheel hub. This provides critical lubrication during the first few seconds of engine startup before the internal oil pressure reaches the crankshaft flange, preventing "dry-burn" and premature seal failure.