Fuel Pump Push Rod, for Generator Style Pumps, 4-1/4 Long

OVERVIEW

Precision fuel delivery is the lifeblood of your air-cooled Volkswagen engine, and the fuel pump push rod is the critical mechanical link that makes it all happen. This high-quality replacement push rod is specifically designed for engines equipped with a generator-style mechanical fuel pump. It serves as the bridge between your engine''s camshaft and the fuel pump diaphragm, translating the rotational motion of the engine into the reciprocating pumping action required to keep your carburetors fed. When these rods wear down or if the wrong length is installed, you risk poor engine performance, fuel starvation, or even catastrophic mechanical failure within the engine case. At Appletree Automotive, we understand that even the smallest components must meet exacting standards to ensure your classic VW remains reliable on the road or the trail.

Choosing the correct push rod length is perhaps the most vital step in a fuel system refresh. This 4-1/4 inch (approximately 108mm) rod is the standard for the "long" style requirements found in most generator-equipped upright engines. Using a rod that is too short will result in a pump that cannot prime or deliver enough volume, while a rod that is too long can punch through the fuel pump diaphragm or crack the delicate bakelite fuel pump pedestal. This EMPI-sourced component is manufactured from hardened steel to resist "mushrooming" at the tips, ensuring that the critical tolerances required for proper pump stroke are maintained over thousands of miles. Whether you are restoring a vintage Beetle or maintaining a rugged off-road rail, installing a fresh, correctly sized push rod is the best insurance against intermittent stalling and vapor lock issues caused by insufficient fuel pressure.

FITMENT

This fuel pump push rod is designed for Volkswagen Type 1 based upright engines (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc) using a generator-style fuel pump. Please verify your pump style before ordering, as many engines have been converted to alternators which require a shorter rod.

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1961 through 1973
• VW Super Beetle: 1971 through 1973
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1961 through 1973
• VW Bus / Transporter (Type 2): 1961 through 1971
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973
• VW Squareback, Fastback, Notchback (Type 3): 1961 through 1973 (Note: Only for models converted to upright cooling or specific mechanical pump configurations)

SPECS

• Total Length: 4-1/4 Inches (108mm)
• Material: High-strength hardened steel alloy
• Diameter: Standard 8mm precision ground
• Style: Long style (For Generator-equipped engines)
• Part Reference: 113-127-307, 113127307
• Finish: Natural steel with protective oil coating
• Ends: Rounded and polished to reduce friction and wear on the cam lobe and pump lever

PRO TIPS

1. The Golden Rule of Length Verification

Never assume your engine still has its original configuration. Over the decades, many VW engines have been upgraded from generators to alternators. An alternator-style fuel pump typically requires a shorter 100mm (approx. 3.94 inch) push rod. Before you install this 4-1/4 inch rod, measure your old one or check the height of your fuel pump pedestal. If you install this long rod on a pump designed for a short rod, you will likely break the pump or the bakelite flange the moment you turn the engine over. Always rotate the engine by hand after installation to ensure there is no mechanical binding before using the starter motor.

2. Inspect the Bakelite Pedestal for Cracks

When replacing the push rod, always pull the bakelite fuel pump flange (the plastic block the pump sits on) and inspect it for cracks or heat warping. These pedestals become extremely brittle with age. If the pedestal is cracked, it can cause a massive vacuum leak or allow the push rod to tilt at an angle, which leads to rapid wear on the engine''s camshaft fuel lobe. We highly recommend installing a new flange and two new gaskets (one above and one below the flange) whenever you have the push rod out of the engine. Don''t forget to apply a small dab of high-quality assembly lube or clean engine oil to both ends of the new push rod to prevent dry-start wear.

3. Checking for Mushroomed Ends

If you are replacing a push rod because your fuel pump stopped working, take a close look at the ends of the old rod. If the tips look flattened or "mushroomed" like the head of a used chisel, it indicates that the rod was either soft or that there is excessive resistance in the fuel pump lever. A mushroomed rod can actually become stuck inside the engine case or the bakelite pedestal. If your old rod is difficult to remove, do not force it upward; you may need to carefully guide it out to avoid damaging the guide bore. Always ensure the new rod slides freely through the pedestal. If there is any drag or resistance, the pump will not operate at full efficiency and could lead to fuel delivery lag at high RPMs.