021-117-151A VW Doghouse Oil Cooler Seal - Beetle, Bus, 914 & Thing

Oil Cooler Seal – 021-117-151A

Protect your engine from overheating and messy leaks with the 021-117-151A Oil Cooler Seal. This specialized rubber "O-ring" style seal is a critical component for the "Doghouse" style oil cooler. While originally designed for the larger Type 4 engines, these seals are the standard for 1600cc dual-port engines equipped with the offset oil cooler housing. Because these seals handle high-pressure oil flow directly from the engine case, they are a common failure point as they harden and shrink over time.

A leaking oil cooler seal can be difficult to diagnose, as the oil often drips down the internal engine tin and appears to be coming from the pushrod tubes or the main case seal. Replacing these seals is a vital part of any top-end service. This high-quality replacement is made from oil-resistant elastomer, ensuring a flexible and airtight seal that can withstand the extreme temperature fluctuations of an air-cooled engine bay.

Detailed Vehicle Compatibility

Porsche 914:

• 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976

VW Beetle (Standard):

• 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977

VW Super Beetle:

• 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979

VW Karmann Ghia:

• 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974

VW Bus (Type 2):

• 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979

VW Vanagon (Air-Cooled):

• 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983

VW Thing:

• 1973, 1974

VW 411:

• 1971, 1972

VW 412:

• 1973, 1974

Product Highlights & Features

• Doghouse & Type 4 Compatible: Specifically designed for the offset oil cooler used on late-model upright engines and all Type 4/Porsche 914 engines.

• High-Pressure Sealing: Engineered to contain oil pressures that can exceed 60+ PSI during cold starts.

• Oil-Resistant Material: Constructed from premium rubber compounds that won't degrade when exposed to modern synthetic or conventional engine oils.

• OEM Specification: Matches the original Volkswagen factory dimensions for a drop-in, leak-free replacement.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 021-117-151A

• Material: Nitrile / Viton Rubber

• Quantity Required: 2 per oil cooler & 2 per adapter (For Doghouse style coolers)

• Application: Engine Case to Oil Cooler Junction (Offset style) as well as Junction to oil cooler

Installation & Maintenance Tips

• VW Thing Note: Since all US-spec VW Things came with 1600cc dual-port engines and doghouse fan shrouds, these are the correct seals for your factory oil cooler.

• Replace in Pairs: There are two seals required to mount the oil cooler. Always replace both at the same time to ensure an even seal and prevent future teardowns.

• Clean the Sealing Grooves: Use a lint-free cloth and brake cleaner to remove all old oil and debris from the grooves in the engine case. Even a tiny piece of old rubber can cause a new seal to fail.

• Lube Before Pressing: Apply a light film of clean engine oil to the seals before installing the cooler. This helps the seals slide into position without pinching or tearing during the torquing process.

021117151A

70-21931-00

702193100

190.098

190098