Fuel Pump Block Off, Billet Aluminum, Red

OVERVIEW

When you make the transition from a traditional mechanical fuel pump to a high-volume electric setup, you are left with a critical opening in your engine case that must be sealed properly to maintain crankcase pressure and prevent oil leaks. The EMPI Billet Aluminum Fuel Pump Block Off is the professional solution for air-cooled VW enthusiasts who demand both performance and show-quality aesthetics. Unlike cheap, stamped-steel plates that can warp under heat and cause persistent weeping, this block-off is precision-machined from high-grade billet aluminum. This ensures a perfectly flat mating surface that stays true even under the extreme thermal cycles of a high-performance flat-four engine. The vibrant red anodized finish adds a custom look to your engine bay, providing a sharp contrast against chrome or powder-coated tinware.

Beyond its striking appearance, this block-off plate is designed for a lifetime of service. It completely eliminates the mounting point for the mechanical pump, allowing you to clean up your engine''s profile and make room for custom throttle linkages or dual carburetor setups. We see many builders struggle with oil leaks at the fuel pump flange because they reused old, distorted components; by installing this CNC-machined plate, you ensure a rock-solid seal. The kit comes complete with a high-quality gasket and the necessary mounting hardware, so you don''t have to go hunting through your hardware bin for the right bolts. Whether you are building a weekend cruiser, a dedicated drag racer, or a rugged sand rail, this EMPI component provides the reliability and "finished" look that separates a professional build from a backyard project.

FITMENT

This fuel pump block-off plate is designed for all standard air-cooled Volkswagen Type 1 based engines (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based upright engines). It fits the following models and years:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1946 through 1977 (Sedans) and 1979 (Convertibles).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1955 through 1974.
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter (Type 2): 1950 through 1971 (Upright engines only).
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974.
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1973.
• Custom Applications: Ideal for Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, Manx-style buggies, and Trikes utilizing a VW upright engine case.

SPECS

• Material: CNC Machined 6061-T6 Billet Aluminum.
• Finish: Brilliant Red Anodized for corrosion resistance and style.
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 18-1093-0.
• Thickness: Heavy-duty plate thickness to prevent warping and oil leaks.
• Included Hardware: Two (2) mounting bolts and one (1) high-density paper gasket.
• Application: Seals the fuel pump mounting flange on the engine case.
• Compatibility: For use with engines running electric fuel pumps only.

PRO TIPS

1. Remove the Fuel Pump Pushrod

One of the most common mistakes builders make when installing a block-off plate is leaving the mechanical fuel pump pushrod inside the engine case. If you leave the rod in place without the mechanical pump''s spring pressure to hold it down, it will bounce freely against the eccentric on the camshaft. This can lead to annoying metallic rattling, potential damage to the cam lobe, or even internal engine failure if the rod becomes dislodged and falls into the rotating assembly. Always use a magnet or needle-nose pliers to slide the pushrod out of the case before bolting down your new red billet plate.

2. Surface Preparation is Key

Before you install the new gasket and plate, you must ensure the engine case flange is surgically clean. Over decades, old gaskets can become baked onto the magnesium or aluminum case. Use a gasket scraper or a plastic abrasive disc to remove every trace of the old material, being careful not to gouge the soft metal of the case. Finish the cleaning with a shot of brake cleaner on a lint-free rag to remove any oily residue. A clean surface is the only way to guarantee that your new EMPI block-off won''t develop a "nuisance leak" later on.

3. Use a High-Quality Thread Sealer

While the provided gasket does the heavy lifting for sealing the flange, oil can occasionally migrate up through the threads of the mounting bolts. To ensure a 100% leak-proof installation, I recommend applying a tiny drop of medium-strength thread locker (Blue Loctite) or a dedicated thread sealant to the mounting bolts. This serves two purposes: it prevents the bolts from vibrating loose due to the natural harmonics of the air-cooled engine, and it creates an airtight barrier that stops oil from weeping out through the bolt holes. Don''t over-torque the bolts; firm and snug is all you need with billet aluminum.