Barbed Fittings, 45 Degree, 1/4 NPT, 1/4 Female, 2 Pack

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the lifeblood of your air-cooled engine, you cannot afford to take shortcuts with your plumbing. These EMPI 45-degree barbed fittings are engineered to provide a secure, leak-free transition for your oiling system, whether you are running an external oil cooler, a full-flow filter pump, or a custom breather box setup. In the high-heat environment of a Volkswagen engine bay, plastic or inferior pot-metal fittings will eventually fail, leading to catastrophic oil pressure loss. These brass fittings are designed to withstand the extreme thermal cycles and constant vibration that define the air-cooled experience, ensuring that your oil stays exactly where it belongs. The 45-degree angle is particularly critical for builders who find that a straight fitting causes hose kinking and a 90-degree fitting is too restrictive or interferes with the engine tin or chassis components.

Appletree Automotive knows that precision matters in a performance build. This 2-pack of fittings features a 1/4-inch NPT male thread on one end and a 1/4-inch female/barbed interface on the other, providing the versatility needed for various plumbing configurations. By utilizing a 45-degree bend rather than a sharp 90-degree corner, you maintain a higher flow velocity and reduce the localized pressure drops that can hamper oil cooling efficiency. Whether you are finishing off a weekend cruiser or plumbing a high-compression sand rail, these EMPI fittings provide the professional-grade reliability that seasoned VW veterans demand. Don''t let a five-dollar hardware store part ruin a multi-thousand-dollar engine build; choose the fittings that were designed specifically for the automotive aftermarket.

FITMENT

These fittings are universal for any application utilizing 1/4-inch NPT ports, but are most commonly used in the following Volkswagen and off-road applications:

• VW Type 1: Beetle, Karmann Ghia (All years with aftermarket oil systems).
• VW Type 2: Bus, Transporter, Kombi (1950-1979).
• VW Type 3: Squareback, Fastback, Notchback.
• VW Type 181: Thing.
• Custom Builds: Meyer''s Manx, Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Baja Bugs.
• Components: Compatible with most aftermarket oil pumps (tapped for NPT), external oil cooler bypass plates, and remote oil filter brackets.

SPECS

• Material: High-quality heavy-duty brass for corrosion resistance and durability.
• Angle: 45-Degree sweep for optimized fluid flow and clearance.
• Male Thread: 1/4-inch NPT (National Pipe Taper).
• Female/Barbed Thread: 1/4-inch Female (Check application for specific hose barb compatibility).
• Quantity: Sold as a 2-Piece Pack.
• Application: Oil systems, fuel systems (where 1/4 NPT is utilized), and crankcase ventilation.
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 00-9246-0.

PRO TIPS

1. Use the Right Thread Sealant

When installing these brass fittings into an aluminum oil pump or engine case, always use a high-quality liquid thread sealant rather than Teflon tape. In an air-cooled VW oil system, small shreds of Teflon tape can break off during installation and migrate through the oil galleys, potentially clogging a lifter or an oil squirter hole. A liquid sealant like Permatex Thread Sealant with PTFE ensures a leak-proof seal while lubricating the threads to prevent galling between the brass fitting and the aluminum housing. Remember that NPT threads are tapered and seal by interference, so do not over-tighten them or you risk cracking your oil pump cover or engine case.

2. Optimize Flow with 45-Degree Bends

Whenever possible, choose a 45-degree fitting over a 90-degree fitting for oil delivery lines. A 90-degree turn creates significant turbulence and backpressure in the oiling circuit, which can lead to higher operating temperatures and reduced oil pressure at the bearings. The 45-degree angle allows for a much smoother transition for the fluid, which is especially important if you are running a long line to a front-mounted oil cooler. By using these fittings, you are essentially reducing the "work" your oil pump has to do to move fluid through the system, which translates to better protection for your internal components during high-RPM operation.

3. Double Check Hose Clearance and Security

After installing these fittings, always mock up your engine tin and shroud before final assembly. A 45-degree fitting is excellent for clearing the edge of a dog-house fan shroud, but you must ensure that the hose attached to the barb does not rub against any sharp metal edges. Constant vibration will saw through a rubber oil line in surprisingly short order. Additionally, because these are barbed fittings, always use high-quality fuel injection style hose clamps rather than standard worm-gear clamps. Fuel injection clamps provide 360-degree even pressure, which prevents the hose from "bunching" and ensures a high-pressure seal that won''t blow off when your oil is cold and thick on a winter morning start-up.