Valve Cover Installation Kit, for 8852 Channeled Covers

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing your air-cooled Volkswagen to the limit, whether it is on the drag strip or cruising the coastline, the last thing you want to deal with is a messy oil leak dripping onto your hot heat exchangers. The EMPI Valve Cover Installation Kit is specifically engineered as the definitive hardware solution for the iconic 8852 channeled aluminum valve covers. These covers are known for their superior cooling properties and rugged aesthetics, but their effectiveness is entirely dependent on the quality of the seal and the integrity of the mounting hardware. This kit provides everything you need to refresh your top-end seals, ensuring that your engine oil stays exactly where it belongsinside the case and lubricating your valvetrain. By utilizing high-grade materials that resist the constant heat cycling inherent in the VW flat-four design, this kit offers peace of mind for any enthusiast looking to maintain a clean and efficient engine bay.

Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining proper valve clearances and preventing vacuum leaks or oil seepage. Over time, original hardware can lose its tension, and old gaskets become brittle and compressed, leading to those frustrating ''mystery drips'' in your driveway. This installation kit is not just a set of replacement parts; it is a vital maintenance component for anyone running the EMPI C-channel style covers. The channeled design of the 8852 covers requires a precise fit to ensure the gasket stays seated under pressure, and this kit is tailored to those exact specifications. Whether you are performing a routine valve adjustment or finishing a complete long-block rebuild, having this fresh hardware on hand ensures that your installation is professional, secure, and leak-free. Trust Appletree Automotive to provide the authentic EMPI components that have been the gold standard for the air-cooled community for decades.

FITMENT

This installation kit is designed specifically for use with EMPI 8852 channeled aluminum valve covers. It is compatible with the following air-cooled Volkswagen models equipped with Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 upright engines:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954 through 1979 (Sedan and Convertible)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Bus / Transporter: 1954 through 1971 (Type 2 with Type 1 style engines)
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3: 1961 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• Custom Applications: Sand rails, Dune Buggies, and Trikes utilizing VW 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc based powerplants.

SPECS

This technical hardware kit is manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment standards to ensure a perfect fit every time.

• Part Number: 00-8897-0
• Application: Specifically for EMPI 8852 "C-Channel" Aluminum Valve Covers
• Gasket Material: High-density cork and rubber composite for superior oil resistance
• Hardware Finish: Zinc-plated steel for corrosion resistance and longevity
• Kit Contents: Includes two (2) specialized gaskets and necessary mounting bails/hardware
• Weight: Approximately 0.43 lbs
• GTIN: 707924333251
• Shipping Dimensions: Standard small parcel compatible

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Achieve a Perfect Surface Seal

Before installing your new gaskets, it is absolutely critical to ensure that both the cylinder head mating surface and the internal channel of the 8852 valve covers are surgically clean. Use a high-quality brake cleaner or degreaser to remove all traces of old oil, burnt-on residue, or previous adhesive. If the head surface has any burrs or nicks, lightly dress them with a fine-grit whetstone. A clean, dry surface allows the cork-rubber composite to swell slightly upon contact with hot oil, which is what creates the actual hydraulic seal. Never "double-gasket" a valve cover, as this will almost certainly cause a blowout and a significant oil leak.

Tip 2: Proper Gasket Retention Techniques

Because the 8852 covers feature a specific channel, the gasket needs to stay perfectly seated during the installation process. We recommend using a very thin smear of Gasgacinch or a similar gasket tack on the side of the gasket that sits inside the aluminum cover. Do not use RTV silicone for this purpose, as it can act as a lubricant and cause the gasket to "squish" out of the channel when you apply pressure with the bail clips. By tacking the gasket to the cover first, you can flip the cover over and move it into position against the head without the gasket slipping out of alignment, ensuring a 360-degree seal around the valvetrain.

Tip 3: Bail Tension and Heat Management

When installing the bail clips provided in this kit, ensure they "snap" into place with significant force. If the bails feel loose, they may have been bent during previous installations and should be carefully adjusted to provide even pressure across the face of the cover. Remember that aluminum expands at a different rate than the steel bails and the cast iron/aluminum cylinder heads. After your first heat cycle (letting the engine reach full operating temperature and then cooling completely), it is a wise practice to double-check the tension. If you notice any seepage, don''t just tighten the bails further; instead, check to ensure the gasket hasn''t shifted or compressed unevenly.