Crankshaft Installation Kit - Type 1 Engines

Replacement Genuine Volkswagen woodruff key used to retain the timing gear onto the crankshaft and stop the gear from rotating on the shaft.

Fitted to all aircooled and watercooled engines from 25hp up to 2100cc

Quality: Genuine Volkswagen

Measurements: 31mm long

Applications:

VW Beetle: 1949 – 1979

VW Splitscreen Van: 1950 – 1967

VW Baywindow Van: 1968 – 1979

VW Type 25 or T3: 1979 – 1992

VW Karmann Ghia: 1955 – 1974

VW Type 3: 1961 – 1973

VW Trekker: 1968 – 1983

VW Buggy + Baja: 1949 – 1979

This crankshaft lock ring is a small but critical internal engine component, designed to secure the distributor drive gear and crankshaft timing gears firmly in place. Fitted directly onto the crankshaft, it ensures that the distributor drive remains correctly positioned, maintaining accurate ignition timing throughout engine operation.

During engine rotation, the crankshaft drives the distributor gear, which in turn controls ignition timing. If this gear were to move or shift, timing would become inconsistent, leading to poor performance or potential engine damage. This lock ring prevents that movement by positively locating the gear assembly on the crankshaft, ensuring precise alignment under all operating conditions.

Manufactured from high-strength steel, this ring is designed to withstand constant rotational forces, heat and oil exposure inside the engine. It is an essential component during any engine rebuild or when replacing distributor drive gears, and should always be checked for wear or replaced as a precaution during assembly.

Key Features

• Secures distributor drive gear to crankshaft
• Maintains accurate ignition timing
• High-strength steel construction for durability
• Designed for long-term reliability in high-stress environments
• Essential component for engine rebuilds

How It Works
The lock ring fits onto the crankshaft and holds the distributor drive gear and associated timing gears in position. As the crankshaft rotates, it drives the distributor via this gear. The lock ring prevents axial movement of the gear, ensuring consistent engagement and precise ignition timing.

Important Notes

• 1 required per engine
• Must be correctly installed during engine assembly
• Recommended replacement during rebuilds or major engine work

Related Parts

• Distributor drive gear
• Crankshaft timing gears
• Main bearings and thrust washers
• Engine gasket and seal kits
• Distributor assemblies and ignition components

To Fit

Aircooled VW

• VW Beetle – 1949–1979 – Type 1 engines 1200cc–1600cc
• VW T2 Splitscreen Bus – 1950–1967 – Type 1 engines 1200cc–1600cc
• VW T2 Baywindow – 1968–1979 – Type 1 engines 1200cc–1600cc
• VW Karmann Ghia – 1955–1974 – Type 1 engines 1200cc–1600cc
• VW Type 3 – 1961–1973 – Type 1 engines
• VW Type 181 Trekker – 1968–1983 – Type 1 engines
• VW Beach Buggy / Baja – 1949–1979 – Type 1 engines

Aircooled / Watercooled VW

• VW T2 Baywindow – 1972–1979 – Type 4 engines 1700cc–2000cc
• VW Type 25 / T3 – 1979–1992 – Watercooled engines

Porsche

• Porsche 914 – 1970–1976 – Type 4 engines

This crankshaft timing gear is a vital component for all aircooled VW engines from 1200cc to 1600cc, responsible for synchronising the crankshaft with the camshaft to ensure precise valve timing.

Located on the nose of the crankshaft, this gear meshes directly with the camshaft gear, driving the camshaft to control the opening and closing of the valves. The gear features timing marks on its face that must be aligned with the camshaft gear during engine assembly or rebuild to ensure proper valve timing and engine operation.

A worn or damaged timing gear can lead to poor engine performance or even mechanical failure, so replacement during an engine rebuild is essential for reliable operation.

Fitment:

• VW Beetle: 1949–1979

• VW Karmann Ghia: 1955–1974

• VW Type 3: 1961–1973

• VW Splitscreen Van: 1950–1967

• VW Baywindow Van: 1968–1979

• VW Type 25 (T3): 1979–1983 (1600cc aircooled only)

• VW Trekker: 1968–1983

• VW Buggy + Baja: 1949–1979

• Fits all 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc Type 1-based aircooled engines

Quality: Good quality reproduction
Quantity: Sold each

Important Notes:

• Must align timing marks with cam gear during installation

• Recommend replacing crank gear during any engine rebuild

• May require a gear puller and installer for correct fitment

May Also Need:

• Camshaft timing gear

• Woodruff key

• Crankshaft gear spacer

• Timing gear installation tool

Aircooled Type 1 engine crankshaft brass gear that drives the distributor and fits all engine sizes from 25HP to Type 4 2000cc air-cooled engines and Type 25 Waterboxer engines

Quality: Genuine Volkswagen

Quantity: Sold each 

Fitment: 25hp – 2100cc

Applications:

VW Beetle: 1960 – 1979

VW Splitscreen Van: 1960 – 1967

VW Baywindow Van: 1968 – 1979

VW Type 25 or T3: 1979 – 1992

VW Karmann Ghia: 1960 – 1974

VW Type 3: 1961 – 1973

VW Trekker: 1968 – 1983

VW Buggy + Baja: 1960 – 1979

Replacement crankshaft oil thrower or often referred to as an oil slinger, which is located on the end of the crankshaft of all VW aircooled engines from 1200cc to 1600cc 

Quality: Good quality 

Quantity: Sold each

Applications:

VW Beetle: 1960 – 1979

VW Splitscreen Van: 1960 – 1967

VW Baywindow Van: 1968 – 1979

VW Type 25 or T3: 1979 – 1992

VW Karmann Ghia: 1960 – 1974

VW Type 3: 1961 – 1973

VW Trekker: 1968 – 1983

VW Buggy + Baja: 1960 – 1979

Crankshaft pulley woodruff key to fit all Type 1 aircooled engines and Type 25 or T3 waterboxer 1900cc + 2100cc engines

Measurements: 20mm in length

Fitting: Not for Type 4 1700cc – 2000cc aircooled, if required see part number N0127082

Applications:

VW Beetle: 1949 – 1979

VW Splitscreen Van: 1950 – 1967

VW Baywindow Van: 1968 – 1979

VW Type 25 or T3: 1983 – 1992

VW Karmann Ghia: 1955 – 1974

VW Type 3: 1961 – 1973

VW Trekker: 1968 – 1983

VW Buggy + Baja: 1949 – 1979

This trick item eliminates stock gear spacer failure.

The stock “horse shoe” spacer is notorious for opening under high stress and destroys the gear train and often the case.

Unit simply slips around the crankshaft to form a bullet proof setup.