It seems just about every Type 3 I’ve owned has had a different fuel pump setup, so I thought I’d set the record straight here for those who are interested in having things authentic.

The first (and best) place to find accurate information on what the factory equipped your Type 34 with is the Parts List. It shows the fuel pump as part number 311 127 025 A for all years along and the rarely-seen protection cover 311 127 195 A. I thought I could just call Bill & Steve’s and order a new pair in a jif, but no chance (it shows how much I take them for granted!). These days, you’re lucky if you can find the Brazilian reproduction fuel pump, but the protection cover just doesn’t seem to exist. By now, I’ve gotten pretty used to the “oh...uh...we don’t have that anymore” routine, so here’s how I found these parts.

The fuel pump was the easier of the two to find. The trick is to get one that has the provision for the ring at the bottom that secures the protection cover. I looked high and low just to find a used one, but I did. The trick is to know what you’re looking for: here’s a picture (above) of the correct pump.

Note the ring at the bottom. The best place to find one is at VW shows or your local VW salvage yard. It should be found very inexpensively since most people just use the standard replacement (that doesn’t use the cover). Mine was in good shape when I found it, but even if it wasn’t I could have found the rebuild kit for it at Wolfsburg West (714 630-9653).

Once you’ve got that, the cover is next on the list. This one is definitely harder to find, but once again if you know what to look for it’ll turn up. It looks a lot like the cap to a paint can and is usually frosted clear or tan clear. Most that I’ve seen are the frosted clear.

It is important when you do find one to make sure it has the metal ring around the base or it won’t stay on the pump. These turn up in the same places as the pumps and are usually inexpensive as well. Try swap meets and VW salvage yards. Put the word out to your local VW friends and dealers or list your want in the Registry classifieds. Once you have it, it just snaps on with that metal ring.

It may seem trivial, but once you’ve found both pieces and installed them, it looks pretty cool and educated Type 3 enthusiasts will notice you’ve done your homework. Good luck!

From Everett: I have seen these pumps with the covers and rings on eBay recently, maybe 1-2 per month. Although the pumps are not usually genuine VW, the prices they sell for are often worth it just to acquire a new pump cover as well as a new non-VW pump as a spare.