Crank Pulley Bolt, Extra Long, Chrome Plated Hex Head

OVERVIEW

When you are building a high-performance air-cooled Volkswagen engine, the details matter more than most people realize. The crankshaft pulley bolt is the primary anchor for your entire cooling and charging system, and when you upgrade to a specialized bolt-in sand seal pulley, the stock bolt simply won''t cut it. This EMPI Extra Long Crank Pulley Bolt is engineered specifically to address the added thickness of sand seal adapters. By providing a full 1 inch of thread depth, this bolt ensures maximum thread engagement into the crankshaft snout, preventing the dreaded "wobble" or total pulley failure that can occur when using a bolt that is too short. Whether you are tearing up the dunes in a rail or cruising the strip in a show-quality Cal-Look Bug, this bolt provides the mechanical security your rotating assembly demands.

Beyond its functional necessity, this crank bolt is finished in a high-luster, triple chrome plating that makes it a standout piece in any engine bay. At Appletree Auto, we know that VW enthusiasts take immense pride in the aesthetics of their flat-four powerplants. The hex head design allows for a positive, non-slip grip when using a standard socket, ensuring you can reach your required torque specs without rounding off the corners. This bolt isn''t just a fastener; it is a piece of insurance for your engine that looks as good as it performs. Designed to resist corrosion and withstand the high-heat environment of the engine compartment, it remains bright and clean long after standard zinc or black-oxide bolts have begun to dull or rust.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: All years and models equipped with 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based engines.
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1971 (up to 1600cc upright engines).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: All years/models (1200cc-1600cc).
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): All models using upright cooling conversions or standard configurations.
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): All years.
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing a standard VW Type 1 engine case and crankshaft.
• Compatibility Note: Specifically required for use with aftermarket bolt-in sand seal pulleys.

SPECS

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-9118-0
• Material: High-tensile heat-treated steel for maximum strength.
• Finish: Premium Triple Chrome Plated for superior corrosion resistance and show-quality shine.
• Thread Depth: 1.000 Inch (Extra Long version).
• Head Style: External Hex Head for easy installation with standard sockets.
• Thread Pitch: Standard VW Crankshaft Threading (M20 x 1.5).
• Weight: Approximately 0.32 lbs.

PRO TIPS

1. Verify Your Thread Engagement

When installing a sand seal pulley, you are adding the thickness of the seal carrier and the pulley hub itself. Before final installation, always thread the bolt in by hand without the pulley to ensure the threads in the crankshaft are clean. Once you slide the pulley on, you should have at least 5 to 6 full turns of thread engagement before the bolt head meets the pulley face. If you don''t have enough engagement, you risk stripping the internal threads of the crankshaft, which is an expensive and time-consuming mistake to fix. This extra-long bolt is specifically designed to give you that extra "reach" that stock bolts lack.

2. Use a Torque Wrench for Every Install

It is incredibly common for builders to simply "impact" the crank bolt into place, but this is a dangerous practice. Over-tightening can stretch the bolt or damage the crankshaft threads, while under-tightening can cause the pulley to shear the woodruff key, ruining both the pulley and the crank. For a standard Type 1 engine, the torque spec is generally between 33 and 35 foot-pounds. Because this bolt is chrome-plated, we recommend using a 12-point socket or a specialized "flank drive" socket to prevent any marring of the chrome finish during the high-torque application.

3. Proper Lubrication and Sealing

When using this bolt with a sand seal pulley, ensure that the seal surface on the back of the pulley is lightly lubricated with clean engine oil or a high-quality assembly lube before sliding it over the sand seal. Additionally, while the chrome plating on this EMPI bolt helps prevent seizing, a tiny drop of blue (medium strength) thread-locking compound on the threads can provide extra peace of mind against the high-frequency vibrations common in air-cooled engines. Never use red (permanent) thread locker, as you will likely need to remove the pulley in the future for belt changes or maintenance.