Fan Hardware Kit, for Mounting VW Cooling Fan

OVERVIEW

In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, cooling is everything. Since your engine relies entirely on airflow to prevent a catastrophic meltdown, the mounting of your cooling fan is a critical point of failure that many builders overlook. The EMPI Fan Hardware Kit is the professional solution for securing your cooling fan to either a 12-volt generator or an alternator. Over decades of service, original hardware often becomes fatigued, stripped, or lost during a conversion. This kit replaces those worn-out components with high-quality, zinc-plated steel hardware designed to meet or exceed original factory specifications. When you are spinning a fan at several thousand RPMs just inches away from your expensive cylinder heads, you cannot afford to have a loose or vibrating assembly. This kit ensures a rock-solid connection that maintains the precise alignment necessary for maximum CFM output.

Whether you are performing a fresh engine build, upgrading from an old 6V system to a modern 12V alternator, or simply refreshing your cooling tins, this hardware kit is a mandatory addition to your workbench. It includes the essential hub, the heavy-duty nut, and the specific shims required to properly space the fan within the shroud. Proper spacing is vital; if the fan sits too far forward or back, it will rub against the shroud, creating heat, noise, and potential damage to the fan blades. By utilizing this EMPI kit, which cross-references to the OEM part number 111-198-123A, you are ensuring that your Type 1 upright engine stays cool under pressure. Don''t risk your engine''s longevity by reusing 50-year-old hardware that has been hammered on by previous owners; invest in a clean, reliable mounting solution that is built to last.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle / Bug: 1950 through 1979 (Type 1 Engines)
• VW Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• VW Bus / Transporter: 1950 through 1971 (Upright Type 1 Engines)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing VW Type 1 drivetrain components

SPECS

• Manufacturer Part Number: 00-8898-0
• OEM Reference Number: 111-198-123A
• Material: High-Strength Carbon Steel
• Finish: Corrosion-Resistant Zinc Plating
• Components Included: Fan Hub, Mounting Nut, Special Shims, and Lock Washer
• Compatibility: Designed for 12V Alternators and Generators with a standard VW shaft diameter
• Weight: 0.49 lbs
• Shipping Dimensions: Approximately 4 x 4 x 2 inches

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Art of Shimming for Optimal Clearance

When installing your fan onto the alternator or generator shaft, the internal shims provided in this kit are not optional. You must test-fit the fan inside the shroud and ensure there is a consistent gap between the fan blades and the shroud housing. If the fan is rubbing, it can lead to catastrophic failure or, at the very least, excessive drag on the engine. Use the shims to move the fan slightly forward or backward on the shaft until it spins freely without any contact. Always rotate the fan by hand several times before final assembly to listen for any "scuffing" sounds that indicate a misalignment.

2. Torque to Spec and Use a Woodruff Key Inspection

It is absolutely vital that the woodruff key on your alternator or generator shaft is in perfect condition before sliding the hub on. If the key is sheared or worn, the fan will eventually spin independently of the shaft, leading to an immediate overheat. Once the hub and fan are seated, use a proper torque wrench to tighten the large nut. While many mechanics "impact" these on, the factory spec is critical to prevent the nut from backing off under the high-frequency vibration of an air-cooled engine. For extra peace of mind, a tiny drop of medium-strength blue thread locker on the shaft threads can prevent the nut from loosening over time.

3. Check for Fan Hub Cracks During Installation

While you are using this brand-new EMPI hardware kit, take a moment to meticulously inspect the center of your cooling fan for any hairline cracks around the mounting hole. If your previous hardware was loose, it may have caused the fan to "wobble," which stresses the metal. Installing new hardware on a cracked fan is a recipe for disaster. The new hub in this kit provides a fresh, flat mating surface, but it cannot fix a damaged fan. Ensure your fan is clean and true before cinching it down with your new zinc-plated hardware for a professional-grade cooling system refresh.