Oil Cooler, for Beetle 71-79 & Ghia 71-74, Doghouse Style

OVERVIEW

Heat is the ultimate enemy of the air-cooled Volkswagen engine, and the introduction of the doghouse-style oil cooler in 1971 was one of the most significant engineering improvements in the history of the Type 1 upright motor. This EMPI Doghouse Oil Cooler is a premium replacement designed to restore and enhance your engine''s thermal management. Unlike the earlier "in-shroud" style coolers that blocked vital airflow to the infamous cylinder number three, the doghouse design utilizes an external mounting position. This allows the cooling fan to push air through the cooler and out the back of the engine bay via dedicated ducting, ensuring that your cylinders receive 100% of the cold air they need while your oil stays at a consistent, safe operating temperature. Whether you are daily driving a Super Beetle or pushing a weekend cruiser, this cooler is the gold standard for maintaining engine longevity.

Constructed from high-quality aluminum with a high-efficiency internal fin design, this EMPI cooler provides maximum surface area for heat dissipation. It is specifically engineered to handle the demands of 1600cc dual-port engines but is frequently used as an upgrade for earlier 1500cc or 1300cc engines when converting to a doghouse shroud system. When your oil temperature rises, its viscosity breaks down, leading to premature bearing wear and potential catastrophic engine failure. By installing this robust, factory-spec replacement from Appletree Automotive, you are investing in the "lifeblood" of your VW. This cooler meets or exceeds original equipment specifications, ensuring a perfect fit and reliable performance under the most strenuous driving conditions, from hot summer traffic to high-speed highway cruising.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Sedan & Convertible): 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• VW Super Beetle: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• VW Bus (Type 2): 1971 (with 1600cc Upright Engine)
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973, 1974
• Custom Applications: Any Type 1 engine converted to 1971-later Doghouse Shroud and Tinware.

SPECS

• Part Number: 113-117-021
• Material: Heavy-Duty Aluminum
• Cooler Style: Doghouse (External Mount)
• Configuration: Multi-pass internal core for maximum heat exchange
• Mounting Location: Attaches to the oil cooler adapter (bracket) outside the main fan shroud
• Compatible Engines: 1600cc based Type 1 upright engines
• Finish: Natural Aluminum for superior thermal transfer
• Weight: Approximately 1.76 lbs

PRO TIPS

1. Always Replace Your Oil Cooler Seals

Whenever you are installing a new oil cooler, you must use brand-new seals. For the 1971 and later doghouse setup, you generally require the "step" style seals (part number 113-117-151A) that sit between the cooler and the adapter, and the adapter and the case. Never reuse old, flattened, or cracked seals, as they are the primary source of high-pressure oil leaks in the cooling system. Ensure the sealing surfaces are clinicaly clean before installation to prevent any seepage that can attract dirt and clog your cooling fins over time.

2. Verify Your Shroud and Tinware Setup

This cooler is designed specifically for the "Doghouse" style fan shroud, which features a bump-out on the front (firewall side) of the shroud. To function correctly, you must have the internal air vanes intact and the specific "Hoover Bit" tinware that directs air through the cooler. Without the proper ducting and the exhaust tin that exits through the rear engine tray, the air will simply swirl around the engine bay instead of pulling heat away from the oil. If you are converting an older engine, ensure you have the correct wide fan and doghouse adapter bracket to accommodate this larger, more efficient cooler.

3. Flush the System After Engine Failure

If you are replacing an oil cooler because your previous engine suffered a mechanical failure (such as a spun bearing or broken ring), it is vital to ensure no debris remains in the oil system. While the cooler is the final stage of the cooling circuit, metal shavings can become trapped in the narrow passages of the aluminum core. We always recommend starting with a fresh cooler like this EMPI unit rather than trying to clean a contaminated one. Additionally, ensure your oil pressure relief valves and springs in the engine case are functioning correctly to prevent over-pressurizing the cooler during cold starts, which can lead to "ballooning" or bursting the core.