Engine Gasket Set, Type 2 Bus 1700 & 1800cc

OVERVIEW

When it is time to rebuild the heart of your Volkswagen, there is no room for compromise on the quality of your seals. This EMPI Engine Gasket Set is specifically engineered for the Type 4 style engines found in 1700cc and 1800cc Type 2 Buses. Unlike universal sets that leave you hunting for missing components, this comprehensive kit includes every critical gasket and seal required for a complete engine teardown and reassembly. From the case halves to the valve covers, each piece is manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, ensuring that your air-cooled powerplant remains oil-tight and operates at peak thermal efficiency. Whether you are performing a stock restoration or a performance-oriented rebuild, this set provides the structural integrity needed to withstand the high-heat environment of the Type 4 engine bay.

The Type 4 engine platform is legendary for its durability, but it is also sensitive to vacuum leaks and oil seepage if inferior materials are used. This EMPI set addresses those concerns by utilizing high-grade fiber materials, resilient rubber compounds, and precision-stamped metallic gaskets where they matter most. By choosing a complete gasket set rather than piecing together individual components, you ensure material compatibility across the entire engine. This kit covers everything from the cylinder base shims to the intake and exhaust gaskets, providing a seamless seal that prevents the "nuisance leaks" commonly associated with aging air-cooled Volkswagens. Trust Appletree Automotive to provide the professional-grade parts you need to keep your Bus on the road for the next several decades.

FITMENT DATA

• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1972 (1700cc)
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1973 (1700cc)
• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1974 (1800cc)
• Volkswagen Type 4 (411 & 412): 1700cc & 1800cc Models
• Porsche 914: 1.7L & 1.8L Engines (Core Gasket Compatibility)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 021-198-009 / 98-9206-B
• Engine Application: Type 4 (1700cc / 1800cc)
• Material Composition: High-temperature composite fiber, Viton-style rubber, and soft metal shims
• Main Seal Included: Yes, heavy-duty rear main flywheel seal
• Pushrod Tube Seals: Included (Full set for 1700/1800 configuration)
• Intake Gaskets: Precision-cut for 1700/1800 manifolds
• Exhaust Gaskets: High-heat metallic/composite construction
• Valve Cover Gaskets: Standard cork/rubber composite for leak-free sealing
• Oil Pump Gaskets: Multiple thicknesses included for proper end-play adjustment

PRO TIPS FROM THE SHOP

1. Surface Preparation is Paramount: Before installing any gasket from this set, ensure that all mating surfaces are perfectly clean and flat. Use a chemical gasket remover and a plastic scraper to remove old material; never use a metal scraper or a "cookie" wheel on aluminum case halves, as this can create low spots that even a new gasket won''t seal. Once the surfaces are clean, do a final wipe-down with brake cleaner or lacquer thinner to remove any oily residue that could prevent the gasket from seating properly.

2. Don''t Over-Tighten Valve Covers: One of the most common mistakes when installing Type 4 gaskets is over-torquing the valve cover bails. The cork and rubber gaskets in this kit are designed to compress slightly to fill the gap. If you apply too much pressure, you will actually deform the gasket or the valve cover itself, leading to persistent leaks. Always ensure your valve covers are straight by checking them on a piece of glass before installation, and use just enough tension to hold the cover firmly against the head.

3. Proper Main Seal Installation: When installing the rear main (flywheel) seal included in this kit, it is vital to lubricate the inner lip of the seal with a small amount of clean engine oil or assembly lube. However, the outer diameter of the seal should be installed "dry" into the case to prevent it from walking out under pressure. Use a dedicated seal driver tool to ensure the seal goes in perfectly square; if the seal is cocked even slightly, it will fail prematurely and require you to pull the engine again to fix a leak.