One more oil pump question: gasket or not Options

[bkrantz]

I have a Shadek pump adapted for Type 4 (which I know some people don't like). The first time I installed the pump cover I did not use a gasket, just case-sealant. For the second time around, should I use a gasket under the cover?

[ChrisFoley]

That gasket looks pretty sturdy, more like ones I use at the back of the pump.
The cover gaskets I use are thinner than paper.
CB Performance pumps are Schadek pumps. They sell the gaskets.

[Superhawk996]

That gasket looks pretty sturdy, more like ones I use at the back of the pump.
The cover gaskets I use are thinner than paper.
CB Performance pumps are Schadek pumps. They sell the gaskets.

I agree on the visual. The old VW gaskets were brown and almost translucent when they had oil on them, they were so thin. From the holes in the gasket, we can tell your gasket is intended for use on the cover side of the pump.

Based on the measurements I think you’ll be fine.

So let’s assume the original VW gaskets were 1/2 as thick - let’s call it 0.002” for argument sake.

Bentley manual allowed 0.004” end play without a gasket. Now combine that with a 0.002” gasket and you have a total of 0.006”.

In your case, the oil pump end play is way smaller than spec at 0.001”. Combine that with a 0.003” gasket and you’re still less than what was spec back in the day without a gasket.

Looking around on the web, it’s the usual BS. No one actually lists how thick their gaskets are (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif). Sometimes I’m really frustrated with the aftermarket and their propensity for marketing hype, claims made without data, and failure to publish specs. That leaves the option of ordering from a few sources and sorting to find the thinnest. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)