Barbed Fittings, 3/8 Npt with 3/8 Barbed End, 2 Pack

OVERVIEW

When you are building a high-performance air-cooled engine, managing oil temperature is the single most important factor in ensuring the longevity of your investment. These EMPI 3/8 inch NPT to 3/8 inch barbed fittings are the unsung heroes of a reliable external oiling system. Whether you are plumbing a full-flow oil pump, adding a remote oil filter bracket, or mounting a 72-plate external oil cooler, these brass fittings provide the secure, leak-free connection required to keep your Volkswagen running cool. In the world of air-cooled VWs, heat is the enemy, and these fittings allow you to bypass the restrictive stock cooling limitations by expanding your oil capacity and cooling surface area with professional-grade plumbing components.

Crafted from high-quality, corrosion-resistant brass, these fittings are designed to withstand the harsh vibrations and thermal cycling common in Beetle, Bus, and Sand Rail engine bays. Unlike cheap plastic or inferior alloy connectors that can become brittle or gall under pressure, these brass units offer a superior seal due to the natural malleability of the material. The 3/8 inch NPT (National Pipe Thread) side features a tapered design that creates a liquid-tight mechanical seal as it is threaded into your oil pump or filter housing, while the 3/8 inch barbed end provides a high-grip surface for your rubber or stainless-braided oil lines. This 2-pack ensures you have exactly what you need to complete a standard connection point without having to source individual pieces mid-build.

FITMENT

These universal 3/8 inch NPT to 3/8 inch barbed fittings are compatible with a wide range of air-cooled VW applications and aftermarket performance parts, including:

• Volkswagen Type 1: Beetle, Bug, and Karmann Ghia (All Years) equipped with external oiling.
• Volkswagen Type 2: Bus, Transporter, Station Wagon, and Kombi (1950-1979) using remote coolers.
• Volkswagen Type 3: Fastback, Squareback, and Notchback.
• Volkswagen Type 181: The Thing.
• Custom Builds: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Manx-style bodies, and Trikes.
• Aftermarket Components: Fits EMPI, Gene Berg, and CB Performance oil pumps, filter bypass blocks, and remote filter brackets tapped for 3/8 inch NPT.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the EMPI 00-9211-0 fitting set:

• Material: Heavy-duty industrial brass for maximum corrosion resistance and durability.
• Thread Size: 3/8 inch NPT (National Pipe Thread - Tapered).
• Hose Interface: 3/8 inch Barbed End (Fits 3/8 inch ID Hose).
• Quantity: Sold as a pack of 2 fittings.
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 00-9211-0.
• Application: Suitable for oil, fuel, and air systems.
• Working Pressure: Rated for standard high-pressure VW oiling systems.

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: Use Proper Thread Sealant. Because NPT (National Pipe Thread) is a tapered thread design, it relies on the interference between the threads to create a seal. To ensure a 100% leak-proof connection in your oil system, always apply a high-quality automotive-grade thread sealant or Teflon tape to the NPT side of the fitting. If using tape, ensure you wrap it in the opposite direction of the threads so it doesn''t unravel as you screw the fitting in, and always leave the first two threads bare to prevent tape fragments from entering your oil galleries.

Pro Tip 2: Don''t Over-Tighten into Aluminum. Many VW oil pumps and filter housings are made from cast aluminum, which is significantly softer than the brass used in these fittings. It is very easy to over-torque an NPT fitting and crack the aluminum housing. Tighten the fitting finger-tight, then use a wrench to go another 1.5 to 2 full turns. If the fitting is pointing in the wrong direction for your hose routing, do not force it; it is better to use a small amount of extra sealant than to risk splitting a brand-new oil pump cover.

Pro Tip 3: Secure Your Hose with Quality Clamps. While the barbed end is designed to grip the internal diameter of the 3/8 inch hose, you must never rely on the barb alone for oil pressure applications. Always use high-quality stainless steel worm-gear clamps or, ideally, T-bolt clamps to secure the hose to the barb. Position the clamp just behind the final barb ridge for maximum retention. This is especially critical on the "hot side" of the oil cooler where the rubber hose is most likely to soften and expand under pressure.