Replacement Sand Seal And Collar For Bolt In Sand Seal Crankshaft Pulley

This Replacement Sand Seal and Bolt-In Collar kit is designed specifically for use with EMPI sand seal crank pulleys, providing superior protection for engines used in dusty, sandy or off-road environments. Standard VW pulleys use an oil-slinger screw thread to help prevent oil loss, but this design can also draw in dust and grit—especially on Buggies, Bajas or open-engine off-road vehicles. A sand seal eliminates this risk by creating a positive, tight seal around the crankshaft nose, keeping contaminants out and preventing scoring or accelerated wear.

The kit includes a press-in style sand seal that requires no machining of the crankcase. Simply slip the seal into the pulley bore and bolt the collar into place using the EMPI sand-seal pulley’s existing pattern. This makes installation straightforward and ideal for engines that have not been modified for a machine-in style seal.

For crankcases that already have a worn or oversized pulley bore due to age or previous pulley movement, a machine-in style seal is recommended instead. However, this kit is intended only for use with EMPI’s bolt-in sand seal pulleys and is not compatible with stock VW pulleys.

What the Sand Seal Does:

• Prevents dust, grit and sand from entering the crankcase

• Eliminates reliance on the stock oil-slinger thread

• Protects crankshaft snout and front main bearing from abrasive wear

• Helps maintain cleaner oil and longer engine life

• Ideal for exposed-engine Buggies, Bajas and off-road setups

Additional Parts That May Be Required:

• EMPI sand seal pulley (mandatory, as this seal only fits EMPI’s bolt-in design)

• Pulley bolt and washer if yours are worn

• Pulley shims (if belt alignment adjustment is needed)

For any engine build intended for off-road use, this upgrade is essential for keeping airborne grit out and maintaining reliability in demanding environments.