Valve Adjuster, Fits All Aircooled VW, Sold Each

OVERVIEW

In the world of air-cooled Volkswagens, the 1200cc 40hp engine occupies a legendary status as the powerplant that truly put the Beetle on the map in North America during the early 1960s. However, because these vintage engines lack a modern spin-on oil filter, the internal oil screen is the only line of defense protecting your precision-machined bearings and crankshaft from metal shavings, carbon deposits, and road grit. This EMPI Oil Screen Kit is a high-quality replacement designed specifically for the unique 14mm oil pick-up tube found on the 40hp cases. While many enthusiasts attempt to clean their old screens, the fine mesh can often become fatigued or clogged with hardened sludge that solvent alone won''t remove. Replacing the screen during your oil change is one of the most cost-effective ways to ensure your classic engine continues to run cool and clean for another sixty years.

This comprehensive kit from EMPI (Part Number 00-9923-0) is engineered to provide a factory-perfect seal, which is critical for maintaining consistent oil pressure. A leak at the oil strainer plate doesn''t just cause a mess on your driveway; it can lead to air being sucked into the oil pump, resulting in cavitation and catastrophic engine wear. This kit includes the 14mm mesh screen, two high-quality gaskets, and a full set of six copper crush washers for the strainer plate nuts. By providing all the necessary hardware in one package, Appletree Auto ensures you won''t be left stranded halfway through an oil change because of a flattened old washer or a torn gasket. Whether you are performing a routine service or finishing a ground-up restoration on a 1961-1965 Type 1, this kit is an essential addition to your workbench.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Sedan & Convertible): 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965 (1200cc 40hp Engines)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965 (1200cc 40hp Engines)
• VW Bus / Transporter / Type 2: 1961, 1962, 1963 (1200cc 40hp Engines)
• Engine Specification: Fits 40hp engines with the 14mm diameter oil pick-up tube only.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-9923-0
• Screen Collar ID: 14mm (Measured at the base of the collar where it seats on the pick-up tube)
• Mesh Material: High-grade corrosion-resistant steel mesh
• Gasket Material: Precision-cut heavy-duty paper composite
• Washer Material: Soft-annealed copper for superior sealing
• Kit Includes: (1) 14mm Oil Screen, (2) Strainer Gaskets, (6) Copper Crush Washers
• Application: Stock internal oil filtration for 40hp VW air-cooled engines

PRO TIPS

1. The 14mm vs. 18mm Measurement Rule

Before you crack open your oil drain plug, it is vital to confirm your engine is actually a 40hp unit with the original 14mm pick-up tube. In the VW world, many engines have been swapped over the decades. The 40hp engine (typically 1961-1965) uses this 14mm screen, while the later 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc engines use a larger 18mm screen. If you aren''t sure, measure the outside diameter of the metal tube that sticks down into the oil sump once the plate is removed. Using a 18mm screen on a 14mm tube will result in unfiltered oil bypassing the screen entirely, which can lead to premature engine failure.

2. Perfecting the Strainer Plate Seal

When installing this kit, cleanliness is your best friend. Use a gasket scraper to remove every trace of the old gasket from the engine case and the removable strainer plate. If the strainer plate is warped from years of over-tightening, use a piece of 400-grit sandpaper on a flat glass surface to "lap" the plate back to perfectly flat. When assembling, place one gasket against the case, then the screen, then the second gasket, and finally the plate. We recommend a very thin smear of high-quality gasket sealer on the paper to ensure a leak-free fit, but don''t overdo it, as excess sealer can break off and clog your oil passages.

3. Reading the "Tea Leaves" of Your Engine

Never just throw away your old oil screen without inspecting it first. The debris caught in the mesh acts as a diagnostic health report for your engine. Fine black carbon flakes are normal, but if you see shiny silver metal flakes, it may indicate bearing wear. If you see gold or brass-colored glitter, your thrust washers or bushings might be failing. By replacing the screen with a fresh EMPI kit at every oil change, you maintain a clean baseline, making it much easier to spot new engine issues before they turn into expensive "case-splitting" repairs on the side of the highway.