Main Bearing Dowel Pin Set, For Type 1 VW, 5 Pieces

OVERVIEW

Precision is the backbone of any high-performance air-cooled engine build, and something as seemingly small as a main bearing dowel pin can make the difference between a motor that lasts decades and one that fails in the first hundred miles. This EMPI Main Bearing Dowel Pin Set is designed specifically for Type 1 based Volkswagen engines, providing the essential locking mechanism required to keep your main bearing shells perfectly indexed within the engine case. When you are splitting the case for a fresh rebuild, reusing old, distorted, or mushroomed pins is a recipe for disaster. These steel pins ensure that the oil holes in your bearings remain perfectly aligned with the oil galleries in the case, guaranteeing that your crankshaft receives the consistent lubrication it needs to survive high RPMs and heavy loads.

Whether you are building a stock 1600cc daily driver or a high-displacement stroker motor for the drag strip, these pins are a non-negotiable replacement item. The engine case in a Volkswagen is subject to significant thermal expansion and vibration, which can cause minor shifts in the internal components. These hardened steel dowel pins serve as the primary anchors for the bearings, preventing the shells from spinninga catastrophic failure mode that typically results in a destroyed engine case and a ruined crankshaft. By choosing this 5-piece set from EMPI, you are investing in the structural integrity of your bottom end, ensuring that every component stays exactly where the German engineers intended it to be. Don''t let a five-dollar part stand in the way of your engine''s reliability; replace your dowel pins every time you service the main bearings.

FITMENT

This dowel pin set is designed for use in all standard Type 1 based air-cooled engine cases, including both single-relief and dual-relief configurations. This includes the following models and years:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1971 (1200cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc Upright Engines)
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1973
• Volkswagen Thing / Type 181: 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Trikes utilizing Type 1 VW engine cases (1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based units).

SPECS

These technical specifications ensure a proper fit for your air-cooled restoration or performance build:

• Quantity: 5 Pieces (Complete set for one engine case)
• Material: High-Strength Hardened Steel
• Length: Standard VW Factory Specification
• Application: Main Bearing Indexing / Retention
• Compatibility: Type 1, 2, and 3 Engine Cases
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 4000-39 (Cross-reference: 16-9519-0)

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Proper Seating and Depth Verification

When installing these dowel pins into the engine case, it is absolutely critical to ensure they are fully seated in the bottom of the bore. Use a small amount of assembly lube or a light tap with a brass drift to set them. After the pin is in, always do a "dry fit" by placing the bearing shell over the pin before you install the crankshaft. If the pin is sitting too high, the bearing shell will not sit flush against the case, which will lead to a "crush" issue when you torque the case halves together, potentially seizing the engine or causing immediate bearing failure.

Tip 2: Inspecting the Case Bore for "Egging"

Before installing your new EMPI pins, take a close look at the holes in the engine case where the pins reside. In high-mileage or previously abused engines, the vibration of the bearing can cause these holes to become "egged" out or enlarged. If the pin fits loosely in the case, it won''t provide the necessary stability for the bearing. If you find a loose fit, you may need to consult a machinist about oversized pins or case repair. Always ensure the pin is a snug, press-fit into the magnesium or aluminum case material to prevent future movement.

Tip 3: Aligning the Bearing Oil Holes

The primary job of the dowel pin is to align the oil hole in the bearing shell with the oil passage in the case. When you are placing your bearings onto these pins, double-check that the hole in the bearing perfectly surrounds the pin. It is a common mistake to think the bearing is seated when it is actually resting on top of the pin. A quick visual inspection through the oil gallery (if possible) or a physical check to ensure the bearing cannot rotate at all will save you from a "dry start" disaster where the bearing blocks its own oil supply.