Front Cylinder Deflector Tins, Left Side, Black

OVERVIEW

In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, heat is the ultimate enemy. The EMPI Front Cylinder Deflector Tin for the left side is a critical component in your engine''s thermal management system that is far too often overlooked during a rebuild. These "shorty" tins are designed to sit directly beneath the main cylinder covers on the driver''s side (Cylinders #3 and #4), specifically positioned toward the crank pulley end of the engine. Their primary mission is to capture the high-velocity air being pushed down from the fan shroud and force it to wrap tightly around the cooling fins of the cylinder barrels. Without these deflectors, a significant volume of cooling air would simply escape through the bottom of the engine bay before it has the chance to pull heat away from the cylinders, leading to dangerous hot spots and premature engine wear.

Crafted with precision to match original factory specifications, this EMPI deflector tin features a durable black finish that provides a clean, professional appearance for any engine bay restoration or custom build. Beyond its cooling duties, this tin also serves as a structural anchor, helping to lock the larger cylinder tins into their proper alignment. At Appletree Automotive, we have seen countless engines suffer from dropped valve seats and warped heads simply because these small pieces of sheet metal were discarded or forgotten. Whether you are maintaining a stock 1600cc dual-port or building a high-performance stroker engine, ensuring that every piece of your cooling tin is present and properly fitted is the cheapest insurance policy you can buy to protect your investment and keep your VW running cool for years to come.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1963-1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1963-1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1963-1971 (With Type 1 style upright engines)
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973-1974
• Custom Applications: Fits all Type 1 based air-cooled engines (1300cc, 1500cc, 1600cc, and larger displacements).

SPECS

• Product Type: Front Cylinder Deflector Tin (Coolie Tin)
• Location: Left Side (Cylinders #3 and #4)
• Finish: Industrial Black Coating
• Material: Heavy-duty Stamped Steel
• OEM Reference: 131-119-357
• Weight: 0.25 lbs
• Compatibility: Type 1 Upright Engines
• Function: Directs airflow around cylinder barrels for optimal cooling.

PRO TIPS

1. Check for a Snug Fit to Prevent Rattles

When installing new EMPI cylinder tins, it is common to find that they require a slight bit of "massaging" to fit perfectly against the cylinder barrels. Since these tins are held in place by tension and the overlap of the larger upper tins, any gap can create annoying metallic rattles at certain RPMs. Before you bolt everything down, use a pair of pliers to slightly adjust the tabs so they grip the cylinder fins securely. A tight fit not only eliminates noise but also ensures that the maximum amount of air is being forced through the fins rather than escaping through a gap between the tin and the barrel.

2. The "Never Skip" Component for Engine Longevity

Many novice builders mistakenly believe that these lower deflectors are optional or only necessary in desert climates. This is a dangerous misconception. The air-cooled VW engine is designed as a pressurized "cooling box." If you leave these front deflectors out, you create a path of least resistance for the air. Instead of the air being forced through the narrow spaces between the cooling fins, it will take the easy route out the bottom. This causes the cylinders to run significantly hotter, which can lead to "dropped" valve seats in the cylinder headsa catastrophic failure that often destroys the entire engine. Always ensure both left and right deflectors are installed.

3. Paint and Prep for Maximum Corrosion Resistance

While these tins come with a black finish, the environment under a VW engine is harsh, characterized by extreme heat cycles, road salt, and moisture. To ensure your cooling tins last for the life of the engine, we recommend a quick scuff with a Scotch-Brite pad followed by a coat of high-quality, high-temp engine enamel. This provides an extra layer of protection against rust. Additionally, ensure that your spark plug wires and any vacuum lines are routed away from the edges of these tins, as the stamped steel edges can be sharp enough to chafe through rubber over time if they are not properly secured.