Bell Housing Seal, for Beetle 50-79 Ghia 56-79, Bus 55-71

OVERVIEW

In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, heat is the ultimate enemy, and maintaining a proper seal between your engine and the chassis is not just about aesthetics; it is a critical component of your engine''s cooling system. This EMPI Bell Housing Seal, also known as the front engine compartment seal, is designed to bridge the gap between the engine tin and the body of the car at the firewall. Without this seal, the vacuum created by the cooling fan will pull hot, turbulent air from the exhaust and road surface directly back into the engine intake. This recirculation leads to skyrocketing cylinder head temperatures and premature engine failure. By installing a fresh, pliable seal, you ensure that your cooling fan is only drawing in ambient, cool air from the exterior vents, keeping your flat-four running at its optimal operating temperature.

Manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, this high-quality rubber seal is built to withstand the harsh environment of the VW engine bay, which is constantly subjected to oil, fuel vapors, and extreme heat cycles. Over decades, original seals become brittle, crack, or completely disintegrate, leaving your engine vulnerable to overheating and road debris. This replacement seal features the correct profile to grip the sheet metal channel securely, providing a weather-tight barrier that also prevents dirt and moisture from entering the upper engine compartment. Whether you are performing a concourse-level restoration on a split-window Bus or simply keeping a daily-driver Beetle on the road, this bell housing seal is a mandatory investment for long-term engine health and reliability.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle (Standard & Super): 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus (Split Window & Bay Window): 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971

SPECS

• OEM Reference Part Number: 111-813-741G
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Material: High-density, oil-resistant EPDM rubber compound
• Application Location: Front of engine (Bell Housing / Firewall area)
• Installation Method: Pressure-fit into existing body sheet metal channel
• Compatibility: Compatible with both 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc upright engine configurations
• Weight: Approximately 0.85 lbs

PRO TIPS

1. Clean the Channel Thoroughly Before Installation

The most common reason for a bell housing seal failing to stay in place is a dirty or corroded mounting channel. Before you attempt to install the new rubber, take a small flathead screwdriver or a stiff wire brush and scrape out any remnants of the old, hardened rubber, dirt, and rust. If the channel is bent or pinched, use a pair of pliers to gently open it back up to the original width. A clean, uniform channel ensures the seal sits flush and provides the maximum airtight barrier required for proper engine cooling.

2. Use a Rubber-Safe Lubricant

Installing a dry rubber seal into a tight metal channel can be incredibly frustrating and may lead to tearing the new part. We recommend using a mixture of mild dish soap and water or a dedicated silicone-based spray to lubricate the "lip" of the seal before sliding it into the channel. Never use petroleum-based grease or oil, as these chemicals will break down the rubber over time, causing it to swell and eventually rot away. A little bit of soapy water allows the seal to glide into place and will evaporate, leaving the seal firmly seated.

3. The "Light Test" for Engine Health

Once you have installed your bell housing seal and the rest of your engine tin seals, perform a simple "light test" at night or in a dark garage. Place a bright shop light under the car near the transmission and exhaust. Look down into the engine compartment from above; if you see any light peeking through the gaps, your seal is not properly seated. In an air-cooled VW, if light can get through, hot air can get through. Ensuring a 100% opaque seal is the best way to guarantee your engine stays cool during long summer drives or high-speed highway cruising.