Sand Seal, for Machine In Seal, 57.35mm

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing your air-cooled Volkswagen to the limit in the dunes or on the dirt track, the factory oil return system is often the first point of failure. The original VW design relies on a reverse-thread spiral on the pulley hub to "push" oil back into the case, which works fine for a street-driven Beetle but fails miserably when subjected to the fine, abrasive silt of the desert. This EMPI Heavy-Duty Green Sand Seal is the professional solution for high-performance builds. Designed specifically for engine cases that have been precision-machined to accept a press-fit seal, this component creates a physical barrier that keeps your precious oil inside the crankcase while locking out the external contaminants that can lead to premature bearing wear and catastrophic engine failure.

Engineered for longevity and high-heat resistance, this 57.35mm sand seal is a favorite among off-road racers and serious engine builders. Unlike the older "bolt-on" sand seal adapters that can sometimes leak around the mounting hardware, the "machine-in" style provides a much more secure and concentric fitment, ensuring the seal lip maintains perfect contact with your sand-seal-compatible pulley. This specific green elastomer compound is chosen for its superior chemical resistance to modern synthetic oils and its ability to withstand the extreme thermal cycles common in high-output Type 1 engines. If you are building a rugged woods buggy, a high-speed Baja, or a show-quality rail, this seal is the insurance policy your bottom end deserves.

FITMENT

This sand seal is designed for Volkswagen Type 1, 2, and 3 engine cases that have been specifically machined for a 57.35mm sand seal. It is compatible with the following models provided the case machining has been performed:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle / Bug: All years with machined cases.
• Volkswagen Type 1 Karmann Ghia: All years with machined cases.
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1971 (1200cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc upright engines).
• Volkswagen Type 3 Squareback, Fastback, Notchback: All years with machined cases.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All years.
• Aftermarket Cases: Fits AS41, AS21, and Aluminum performance cases machined for a 57.35mm seal.
• Note: Requires the use of a specialized Sand Seal Pulley with a smooth hub surface.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI Performance Parts
• Part Number: 00-9112-0
• Outer Diameter (OD): 57.35mm
• Style: Machine-In (Press Fit)
• Material: Heavy-Duty High-Temperature Elastomer (Green)
• Seal Type: Single Lip Spring-Loaded for maximum retention
• Application: Crankshaft Main Seal (Pulley End)
• Weight: 0.1 lbs

PRO TIPS

1. Inspect the Pulley Hub Surface

A sand seal is only as good as the surface it rides on. Before installation, you must ensure that your sand seal pulley has a perfectly smooth, polished hub. Unlike a stock pulley that has a threaded spiral, a sand seal pulley must be completely smooth where it meets the seal lip. If there are any nicks, scratches, or burrs on the pulley hub, it will tear the new seal in seconds. I always recommend polishing the hub with a fine emery cloth and checking for a "mirror finish" to ensure the longest possible life for the seal.

2. Never Install the Seal Dry

One of the most common mistakes I see in the shop is "dry-starting" a new seal. During the initial engine startup, there is a delay before oil fully circulates to the pulley end. If the seal lip is dry, the friction against the spinning pulley will create intense heat, glazing the elastomer and causing a leak before you even leave the driveway. Always apply a generous coat of clean engine oil or specialized assembly lube to the inner lip of the seal and the pulley hub before sliding the pulley into place. This ensures a lubricated interface from the very first revolution.

3. Verify the Machining Depth

Because this is a "machine-in" seal, the depth of the bore in your engine case is critical. When pressing the seal into the case, ensure it sits square and flush. If the seal is cocked at an angle, it will not seal correctly against the pulley. Furthermore, verify that the pulley does not bottom out against the seal body. You want the seal lip centered on the smooth portion of the pulley hub. If you are using an aftermarket aluminum case, double-check the bore diameter to ensure a proper press-fit; the seal should require firm pressure to seat, as a loose seal can "walk" out under crankcase pressure.