Top Plate Gasket, for 32/36 DFV Carbs, Pair

EMPI Top Plate Gasket Set for 32/36 DFV Carburetors

Product Overview

Maintaining a leak-free seal on your carburetor is essential for optimal engine performance and safety. This pair of high-quality EMPI top plate gaskets (Part #00-3249-0) is designed specifically for 32/36 DFV carburetors. These gaskets are necessary replacements whenever you disassemble the carburetor to check float levels, service the needle and seat, or perform a deep cleaning of the fuel bowl.

VW Fitment and Compatibility

These gaskets are engineered to fit the 32/36 DFV series, which is the "mirrored" version of the standard DGV progressive carburetor. In the VW aircooled community, these are frequently utilized in dual progressive carburetor kits or specific single-carb configurations for Type 1 Beetles, Karmann Ghias, and Type 2 Buses. Ensuring these gaskets are fresh prevents vacuum leaks and fuel seepage, both of which can cause erratic idling and tuning difficulties.

Pro Tech Tips for Carburetor Sealing

Tip 1: Inspect for Top Plate Warpage. Before installing your new gaskets, place the carburetor top plate on a flat piece of glass. If the plate rocks or shows gaps, it may be warped from previous over-tightening. You can carefully "deck" the plate by sanding it in a figure-eight motion on fine-grit sandpaper placed on the glass surface to ensure a perfectly flat mating surface.

Tip 2: Clean the Castings Thoroughly. Use a dedicated carburetor cleaner and a soft nylon brush to remove all traces of old gasket material. Avoid using metal scrapers or screwdrivers, as these can gouge the soft zinc-diecast body of the carburetor, creating permanent leak paths that a new gasket cannot fill.

Tip 3: Use a Staggered Torque Pattern. When reinstalling the top plate screws, do not tighten them in a circular sequence. Instead, tighten them in a cross-pattern (diagonal) to distribute pressure evenly across the gasket. Snug them down firmly, but avoid over-torquing, which is the leading cause of plate distortion and gasket failure.