Push Rod Tube Seal, Fits Type 2 VW Bus, Head Side, Each

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the legendary Type 4 engine found in late-model VW Buses and Transporters, maintaining a leak-free environment isn''t just about aesthetics; it''s about the engine''s survival. The EMPI Push Rod Tube Seal for the head side is a precision-engineered component designed to withstand the high thermal demands of the air-cooled flat-four. Unlike the standard Type 1 engines, the Type 4 (1700cc through 2000cc) utilizes a specific seal for the cylinder head side that must provide a perfect compression fit against the pushrod tube and the head casting. If these seals fail, oil will inevitably migrate onto the cooling fins, attracting dirt and creating a thermal blanket that can lead to catastrophic overheating and dropped valve seats. Our EMPI seals are manufactured from high-grade elastomer compounds that resist hardening and shrinkage, ensuring that your engine stays bone dry even during the most demanding long-haul summer trips.

Every veteran VW mechanic knows that the smallest components often dictate the reliability of the entire build. These head-side pushrod tube seals are sold individually, allowing you to replace a single leaking unit or stock up for a complete top-end overhaul. Because the Type 4 engine relies heavily on oil cooling and proper airflow, a leak at the pushrod tube can cause a mess that obscures cooling passages and ruins your heater boxes. By choosing these high-quality EMPI seals, you are investing in peace of mind and the longevity of your drivetrain. Whether you are daily driving a 1978 Westfalia or restoring a 1974 412, these seals provide the factory-spec seal required to keep your oil where it belongsinside the engine. Don''t settle for generic gaskets that turn brittle after a few heat cycles; go with the brand that has been a staple in the air-cooled community for decades.

FITMENT

This push rod tube seal is designed specifically for the cylinder head side of Type 4 (1700cc, 1800cc, and 2000cc) engines. It fits the following vehicles and engine configurations:

• VW Type 2 Bus / Transporter: 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979 (1.7L, 1.8L, 2.0L Engines)
• VW Vanagon (Air-Cooled Models): 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 (2.0L Engine)
• VW 411 / 412: 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Porsche 914: 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976 (4-Cylinder 1.7L, 1.8L, 2.0L Models)
• Industrial Engines: All VW Type 4 based industrial variants.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the EMPI head-side seal include:

• OEM Reference Number: 021-109-349B (021109349B)
• Material: High-Temperature Resistant Nitrile/Elastomer Compound
• Engine Application: Type 4 Air-Cooled Flat-Four
• Location: Cylinder Head Side (Outer End) of the Pushrod Tube
• Color: Black
• Quantity: Sold Individually (8 required for a complete engine)
• Compatibility: Compatible with stock and most aftermarket Type 4 pushrod tubes

PRO TIPS

1. Lubrication is Critical for Seating

Never install these seals "dry." Before sliding the seal onto the pushrod tube, apply a very light film of clean engine oil or a high-quality assembly lube like Curil T. This prevents the rubber from "grabbing" or tearing as the tube is pushed into the cylinder head. A properly lubricated seal will find its own center and seat flat against the shoulder, ensuring a 360-degree seal that won''t weep oil as soon as the engine reaches operating temperature.

2. Inspect the Tube Ends for Burrs

Before you install your new seals, take a close look at the ends of your pushrod tubes. Over years of service, the metal can develop tiny nicks, sharp edges, or burrs from previous removal attempts. Even a microscopic sharp edge can slice into the new rubber seal during installation, leading to a "mystery leak" that you won''t find until the engine is fully assembled. Use a fine-grit emery cloth to lightly smooth the tube ends to ensure a snag-free installation every time.

3. Verify Your Seal Configuration

It is vital to remember that