Fuel Pump Flange Gasket, Top for VW Aircooled Fuel Pumps

OVERVIEW

In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, it is often the smallest components that play the most critical roles in maintaining engine health and performance. The fuel pump flange gasket is a prime example of a tiny part that carries a heavy burden. This specific gasket, the "top" gasket, is designed to sit perfectly between the base of your mechanical fuel pump and the intermediate plastic or bakelite flange block. Over time, heat cycles and exposure to modern fuel additives can cause original gaskets to become brittle, leading to unsightly oil seepage or, worse, vacuum leaks that can disrupt the precision of your fuel delivery system. When you are rebuilding your top end or simply refreshing your fuel system, utilizing a high-quality EMPI gasket ensures that you maintain a tight, reliable seal that keeps the oil inside the engine and the fuel moving toward your carburetor.

Precision is everything when it comes to the fuel pump assembly. This gasket features the essential small center hole specifically sized for the fuel pump pushrod to pass through without interference. As a master specialist, I cannot stress enough that this gasket should be treated as a one-time-use item. Every time the fuel pump is removed for inspection, pushrod lubrication, or replacement, a fresh gasket must be installed to compensate for the slight irregularities in the mating surfaces. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that your Beetle, Bus, or Ghia deserves parts that fit right the first time. This EMPI gasket offers the exact OEM thickness and compressibility required to create a leak-free "sandwich" between your fuel pump components, ensuring your classic VW stays on the road and off the garage floor.

FITMENT

This fuel pump flange gasket is designed for the following air-cooled Volkswagen models equipped with a mechanical fuel pump:

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Volkswagen Bus (Type 2): 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973, 1974

SPECS

Each gasket is manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment standards for fitment and durability. Technical specifications include:

• Part Number: 113-127-313
• Material: High-grade oil-resistant composite gasket paper
• Position: Top (Between the fuel pump base and the flange block)
• Center Hole: Sized for standard 100mm or 108mm fuel pump pushrods
• Mounting: Standard 2-bolt pattern for Type 1 based engines
• Compatibility: Works with both early and late style mechanical fuel pumps
• Manufacturer: EMPI

PRO TIPS

1. Inspect the Bakelite Flange for Cracks

When you have the fuel pump off to replace this gasket, take a very close look at the plastic/bakelite flange block (the spacer between the pump and the engine case). These blocks are notorious for cracking or warping due to decades of heat exposure. If the flange block is cracked, even a brand-new gasket won''t stop an oil leak. Ensure the mounting surfaces are perfectly flat by running the block across a piece of 400-grit sandpaper on a flat glass surface. If it''s not flat, or if you see hairline fractures, replace the block along with this gasket to ensure a permanent fix.

2. The Double Gasket Setup

Don''t forget that a standard VW fuel pump assembly requires TWO gaskets. You need this "top" gasket (113-127-313) which sits between the pump and the flange, and you also need a "bottom" gasket (113-127-311) which sits between the flange and the engine case. Replacing only one is a shortcut that usually leads to a mess later on. Always buy these in pairs to ensure the entire stack is sealed. Additionally, I recommend applying a very thin smear of high-quality grease or a non-hardening sealant to both sides of the gasket to help it seat and make future removal much easier without tearing.

3. Check Your Pushrod Length and Lubrication

Since this gasket has a hole specifically for the pushrod, it''s the perfect time to perform critical maintenance on the rod itself. Remove the pushrod and check it for "mushrooming" or wear on the tips. For generators, the rod should be 108mm (approx. 4.25 inches); for alternators, it should be 100mm (approx. 3.94 inches). Before reassembling the pump over your new gasket, apply a generous dab of high-temperature wheel bearing grease to the pushrod. This ensures the rod slides smoothly through the gasket and flange, preventing premature wear on the fuel pump diaphragm and the engine''s eccentric cam.