Introduction

This short guide helps determine whether your VW engine has a stock crank pulley setup, a machined sand seal, or a bolt-in sand seal adapter.

 No Sand Seal - Stock / OEM

Originally, there is no crank pulley seal behind the crankshaft pulley. Instead of a seal, the original design had reverse screw grooves behind the crankshaft pulley which would push air and oil back into the case. While this design was effective, it offered no protection against dust and sand entering the case.

Is it worth upgrading to a sand seal? Only if you intend to off-road your vehicle or are building an engine and want the added protection a sand seal provides. We feel the stock crankshaft pulley configuration is fine for most daily drivers. No need to throw time and money at an engine if you don't live in a dusty environment. After all, the original engine design has proved reliable for decades. If it isn't broken, why fix it?
Sand Seals are designed to keep dust and sand out. If you are adding a sand seal to prevent oil leaks caused by excess crankcase pressure, you are not addressing the root cause of the problem. The excess oil pressure will just leak elsewhere such as the rear main seal and valve covers.
Sand Seal - Machined Case

You can machine the crank pulley opening in your engine case to accept Sand Seals. While machining is more time-consuming, this is considered the "better" option amongst engine builders since it does not require any additional spacers. Some new engine cases even come with the machined option built-in. Both the machined and "bolt-in" sand seal pulleys will have a smooth shaft on the backside, and require a longer pulley bolt. EMPI machined style sand seals are green and 8mm thick.

• EMPI Sand Seal for Machined Engine Cases

• EMPI Sand Seal for Machined Engine Cases & Pulley (Silver)

• EMPI Sand Seal for Machined Engine Cases & Pulley (Black)

 Sand Seal - Adapter Collar

Sand Seals can be added via an aluminum "bolt-in" adapter collar without machining the engine case. Since adding the collar pushes the pulley outward a few millimeters, additional spacers will be required at the crankshaft, and at the generator. Both the machined and "bolt-in" sand seal pulleys will have a smooth shaft on the backside, and require a longer pulley bolt. EMPI adapter style sand seals are red and 5mm thick.

• EMPI Bolt-in Aluminum Collar & Sand Seal

• EMPI Bolt-in Aluminum Collar, Sand Seal, & Pulley Kit (Silver)

• EMPI Bolt-in Aluminum Collar, Sand Seal, & Pulley Kit (Black)

• EMPI Bolt-in Sand Seal Only

Note: EMPI and SCAT both make different size press-in sand seals which are not interchangeable.