Transmission Gasket Kit, for Beetle & Ghia 61-79, Bus 61-67

OVERVIEW

When you''re deep into a gearbox teardown, the last thing you want to deal with is a persistent oil leak that ruins your driveway and starves your gears of vital lubrication. This EMPI Transmission Gasket Kit is the definitive solution for enthusiasts and professional builders looking to reseal or completely overhaul a Type 1 or early Type 2 transaxle. Whether you are running a traditional swing axle setup or a later Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) configuration, this kit provides the essential sealing components required to keep your gear oil where it belongsinside the case. We know that air-cooled Volkswagens are notorious for marking their territory, but with the high-quality materials found in this set, you can ensure a bone-dry transmission housing that performs as good as it looks. It is an absolute must-have for any engine-out service where the transmission is accessible, saving you the headache of having to pull the drivetrain a second time just to fix a weeping nose cone or side cover.

This comprehensive kit is engineered to provide a precise fit for the 111-398-005 part number specification, covering decades of iconic VW production. From the classic 1960s Beetles to the final Super Beetles and the rugged Split-Window Buses, this set includes the various gaskets needed for the nose cone, the main gear carrier, and the differential side covers. EMPI has manufactured these gaskets using durable, oil-resistant materials that won''t shrink or degrade when exposed to modern gear lubricants. By replacing your aged, brittle paper gaskets with this fresh set, you are restoring the structural integrity of your transmission''s sealing surfaces. Don''t settle for a partial seal or generic hardware store solutions; use the kit designed specifically for the unique tolerances and casting designs of the air-cooled Volkswagen transaxle to ensure your classic stays on the road for another fifty years.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Sedan & Convertible): 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Volkswagen Bus (Type 2 / Split Window): 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973, 1974

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 111-398-005
• Application: Type 1 (Swing Axle & IRS) and Type 2 (Early)
• Material: High-grade composite paper and oil-resistant seals
• Kit Includes: Nose cone gaskets, main gear carrier gasket, side cover gaskets, and necessary sealing rings
• Compatibility: Manual Transmissions only
• Weight: 0.41 lbs
• UPC: 707924372625

PRO TIPS FROM THE SHOP

Surface Preparation is Everything

Before you even think about laying down these new gaskets, you must ensure that the mating surfaces of your transmission case are surgically clean. Use a plastic scrapernever metal, as it can gouge the soft magnesium or aluminum caseto remove every trace of the old, baked-on gasket material. Once the old material is gone, wipe the surfaces down with a high-quality brake cleaner or lacquer thinner to remove any oily residue. A clean, dry surface is the only way to guarantee that the new gasket will crush evenly and create a vacuum-tight seal. If you notice any small burrs or high spots on the case, a very light pass with a fine whetstone can help level the surface, but be extremely careful not to remove excess metal.

Go Easy on the Sealer

A common mistake many DIY builders make is "smothering" these gaskets in RTV or silicone sealant. In reality, a high-quality paper gasket often works best with just a very thin smear of a non-hardening sealant like Gasgacinch or Permatex Aviation Form-A-Gasket. These products help the gasket stay in place during assembly and fill in microscopic imperfections in the metal. Excessive silicone can squeeze out into the transmission case, where it can break off and clog the internal oil passages or interfere with the movement of the shift forks and synchronize rings. Remember: if you can see the sealant oozing out significantly when you torque the bolts, you used way too much.

The Critical Hockey Stick Seal

While you are replacing the nose cone gasket included in this kit, it is the perfect time to inspect your "hockey stick" (the internal shift selector shaft). The nose cone seal is one of the most frequent leak points on a Beetle transmission because it is constantly moving as you shift gears. Make sure the shaft is smooth and free of pitting or rust. If the shaft is damaged, it will chew through a new seal in no time. Also, when sliding the nose cone back on, be careful not to "lip" the seal or tear it on the edges of the selector shaft. A small amount of assembly lube or gear oil on the seal and the shaft will help it slide into place without damage, ensuring a leak-free shift linkage for years to come.