Fuel Pump Flange Block, for Stock VW Aircooled Fuel Pumps

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the heart of your vintage Volkswagen''s fuel system, the Fuel Pump Flange Block is an unsung hero that demands your attention. Often referred to as the fuel pump spacer or pedestal, this high-quality EMPI component serves as the critical interface between your engine case and the mechanical fuel pump. Over decades of heat cycles and vibration, original Bakelite flanges become brittle, crack, or warp, leading to stubborn oil leaks that coat your engine tin and driveway. This replacement flange is engineered to withstand the intense thermal environment of the air-cooled engine bay, providing a stable, heat-resistant mounting surface that ensures your fuel pump remains perfectly aligned with the internal drive mechanism.

Beyond merely acting as a spacer, this flange block is the primary guide for the fuel pump pushrod. If the internal bore of your old flange is worn or egg-shaped, the pushrod can oscillate, leading to premature wear on both the pump diaphragm and the engine''s eccentric cam lobe. By installing a fresh EMPI flange block, you are restoring the precision tolerances required for consistent fuel pressure and volume. Whether you are performing a routine tune-up, chasing a mysterious oil leak, or installing a brand-new mechanical fuel pump, replacing this flange is a non-negotiable step for any serious VW enthusiast who values reliability and a bone-dry engine case. Don''t let a five-dollar part leave you stranded or ruin a clean engine build; upgrade to a fresh, dimensionally accurate flange today.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle / Bug: 1961 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: 1973 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1961 through 1971 (1200cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc engines)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1961 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Any VW-based Dune Buggy, Sand Rail, or Trike utilizing a Type 1 upright engine configuration

SPECS

• Part Number: 113-127-303 (EMPI 98-2080-0)
• Material: High-density, heat-resistant Phenolic / Bakelite composite
• Inside Diameter: Precision-bored for standard 1200cc-1600cc fuel pump pushrods
• Installation Height: Meets OEM Volkswagen factory specifications for proper pump stroke
• Compatibility: Designed for use with stock-style mechanical fuel pumps (both generator and alternator versions)
• Finish: Natural black composite
• Weight: Approximately 0.1 lbs

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: The Dual Gasket Rule. To achieve a leak-free seal, you must use two gaskets with this flange block. One gasket sits between the engine case and the bottom of the flange, and the second gasket sits between the top of the flange and the fuel pump base. We highly recommend applying a very thin smear of high-quality oil-resistant sealant or a dab of clean engine grease to both sides of each gasket to ensure they seat perfectly and don''t move during the torqueing process.

Tip 2: Removing a Stuck Flange. It is extremely common for old, original flanges to become "seized" or stuck in the engine case due to carbon buildup and old oil varnish. Never attempt to pry the flange off with a screwdriver, as you risk gouging the soft magnesium or aluminum engine case. Instead, insert the fuel pump pushrod into the hole, tilt it slightly to grab the edge of the flange from the inside, and gently wiggle it upward. If it is truly stuck, a small slide hammer with an internal hook is the safest way to extract it without causing damage.

Tip 3: Verify Your Pushrod Length. Not all fuel pump setups are the same. When replacing this flange, always double-check your pushrod length. Standard Type 1 engines typically use a 108mm (4.25-inch) pushrod for generator-style pumps or a 100mm (4.0-inch) pushrod for later alternator-style pumps. Before bolting the pump down, rotate the engine by hand to ensure the pushrod moves freely within the new flange and does not bind. A small amount of assembly lube on the pushrod during installation will prevent "dry starts" and extend the life of your new components.