Oil Pump Bolt, 6mm, for Aircooled VW, 4 Pack

OVERVIEW

When you''re rebuilding an early air-cooled Volkswagen engine, every single piece of hardware counts toward the longevity and reliability of your classic flat-four. These 6mm oil pump bolts from EMPI are designed specifically for the early-style engine cases that haven''t yet transitioned to the later 8mm stud-and-nut style configuration found on high-performance 1600cc builds. Maintaining consistent oil pressure is the lifeblood of your VW, and that process begins with a perfectly sealed oil pump assembly. If your original bolts are rounded off, corroded from years of road salt, or stretched from decades of heat cycles, you risk vacuum leaks on the suction side or oil seepage on the pressure side. This four-pack provides a complete, high-quality replacement set, ensuring that your oil pump cover plate is clamped down evenly and securely against the pump body and the magnesium engine case.

Crafted to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, these high-strength bolts feature the correct 1.0 thread pitch and 40mm length required for deep, secure thread engagement into the engine case. As any seasoned VW mechanic knows, the magnesium cases on early 1100cc, 1200cc, and 1300cc motors are notoriously soft and prone to fatigue, making the use of fresh, clean-threaded hardware absolutely essential to avoid the nightmare of a stripped case. EMPI has been a leader in the Volkswagen aftermarket for over half a century, and this hardware kit is a testament to their commitment to keeping vintage Beetles, Ghias, and Buses on the road. Whether you''re performing a concours-level stock restoration or just doing a routine oil system refresh on your daily driver, don''t gamble with generic hardware store bolts that lack the proper shoulder or head clearance. Stick with the specialist parts designed specifically for your air-cooled powerplant.

FITMENT

These 6mm oil pump bolts are specifically designed for "Small Nut" early Volkswagen Type 1 engine cases. Please verify your case thread size before ordering, as later cases switched to 8mm hardware.

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1966 (1100cc, 1200cc, and 1300cc models).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1966.
• Volkswagen Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1965 (including Transporter, Kombi, and Microbus).
• Engine Compatibility: Fits most 25hp, 36hp, and 40hp engine cases.

SPECS

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-9286-0
• Thread Diameter: 6mm
• Thread Pitch: 1.0mm
• Bolt Length: 40mm (Under head to end of threads)
• Head Size: 10mm Hex Head
• Material: High-tensile steel
• Finish: Zinc plated for superior corrosion resistance
• Quantity: Pack of 4 (Complete set for one engine)

PRO TIPS

1. Clean the Case Threads Thoroughly

Before installing your new EMPI bolts, it is absolutely vital to clean the female threads inside the engine case. Because these bolts go into a "blind" hole or through the case flange, old oil, carbon, and metal shavings can compress at the bottom of the hole, leading to a false torque reading or even cracking the case. Use a dedicated 6x1.0mm thread chaser (not a cutting tap, which removes metal) and a blast of brake cleaner to ensure the threads are pristine. This ensures the 40mm length can fully seat without resistance, providing the exact clamping force needed to prevent oil leaks at the pump cover.

2. Use the Correct Torque and Pattern

The magnesium alloy used in early VW cases is very soft compared to modern aluminum. Over-tightening these 6mm bolts is the number one cause of "pulled threads." Always use a high-quality inch-pound torque wrench and tighten the bolts in a cross-pattern (criss-cross) to ensure the oil pump cover seats perfectly flat. The standard torque spec for these 6mm bolts is typically around 14 foot-pounds, but many builders prefer to stay around 12 foot-pounds to preserve the case longevity. If the cover isn''t flat, you''ll lose oil pressure before it even reaches the bearings.

3. Check for Cover Plate Wear

While you have the bolts out, take a moment to inspect your oil pump cover plate. These early pumps often suffer from "scoring" where the pump gears have worn grooves into the plate. If you simply bolt a worn plate back on with new hardware, your oil pressure will remain low because oil will bypass the gears through those grooves. If you see circular wear marks, you can either replace the cover or "lap" it flat using a piece of 400-grit sandpaper on a sheet of glass. Combining a perfectly flat cover with these fresh EMPI bolts and a new gasket set is the best way to ensure your early VW maintains healthy oil pressure at idle.