JP Group Coolant Flange, Rear of Cylinder Head | VW Golf, Jetta & New Beetle 1.9 TDI ALH 1998–2003 | OE 038 121 132 C (JP-3160-0)
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- Vendor JP Group
- SKU JP-3160-0
- Barcode 707924541427
-
Fits
- 1999-2003 Volkswagen Golf TDI ALH (auto, or manual w/o coolant glow plugs)
- 1999-2003 Volkswagen Jetta TDI ALH (auto, or manual w/o coolant glow plugs)
- 1998-2003 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI ALH (auto, or manual w/o coolant glow plugs)
Not sure it fits? Call the shop: (657) 438-7002.
JP Group Coolant Flange, Rear of Cylinder Head — VW 1.9 TDI ALH, OE 038 121 132 C (JP-3160-0)
Short answer: JP Group JP-3160-0 is the plastic coolant flange (water outlet) that bolts to the transmission-side end of the cylinder head on the VW 1.9 TDI ALH engine. It replaces OE 038 121 132 C (JP ref 1114502700) and fits the 1999–2003 Golf and Jetta Mk4 TDI and the 1998–2003 New Beetle TDI, on automatics and on manual cars without coolant glow plugs. Sold each.
Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1999–2003 | VW Golf Mk4 TDI (ALH) | Automatic, or manual without coolant glow plugs |
| 1999–2003 | VW Jetta Mk4 TDI sedan / 2002–2003 Jetta Wagon TDI (ALH) | Same conditions |
| 1998–2003 | VW New Beetle TDI (ALH) | Same conditions |
| Any | ALH manual with coolant glow plugs (auxiliary heater) | Does not fit. Those cars use a flange with the glow-plug ports. |
| 2004+ | BEW / BRM pumpe-düse TDI | Does not fit |
Fitment note: EMPI's listing gives no vehicle application for this part. The fitment above is based on the OE number 038 121 132 C as cross-referenced by US TDI specialists. Compare it with your old flange before you install.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Part number | JP Group JP-3160-0 |
| OE reference | 038 121 132 C |
| JP Group reference | 1114502700 |
| UPC | 707924541427 |
| Location | Rear (transmission side) of cylinder head |
| Material | Plastic, OE-style |
| Sold as | Each |
| Shipping weight | 3.17 lb as published by EMPI (package 8 x 8 x 9 in) |
What's Included
- One coolant flange
Not Included
- Flange-to-head O-ring or seal (check yours. A new seal is strongly recommended)
- Coolant hoses and clamps
- G12 / G12+ coolant
Why It Matters
The ALH TDI is one of the most loved VW engines, but its plastic coolant flanges get brittle from years of heat cycles. Hairline cracks form, often around the hose nipples or the mounting ears. You may see crusty pink or purple coolant residue on the back of the head or the transmission bell housing, smell sweet coolant after a drive, or need to top up the expansion tank. A cracked flange can fail suddenly and dump coolant, which risks overheating the engine. Many TDI owners replace these flanges as preventive maintenance during a timing belt or hose job.
Installation Notes
- Work on a cold engine. Drain enough coolant to bring the level below the flange.
- Remove the hoses and the two bolts, then clean the head face with a plastic scraper. Do not gouge the aluminum.
- Fit a new O-ring or seal, lightly wetted with coolant, and tighten the bolts evenly. Plastic flanges crack easily if over-tightened.
- Refill with the correct VW-spec coolant, bleed the system, and check for leaks once warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it fit my 2002 Jetta TDI 5-speed?
Yes, unless your car has coolant glow plugs (auxiliary heater) in the flange. In that case it uses a different flange.
How do I tell if I have coolant glow plugs?
Look at the back of the head. A flange with electrical heater elements and wires plugged into it means you have coolant glow plugs.
Is this the same as OE 038 121 132 C?
Yes. JP Group cross-references JP-3160-0 to 038 121 132 C.
Does it fit a 2004 Jetta TDI?
No. The 2004+ BEW engine uses different flanges.
What else do I need?
A new flange seal or O-ring, hose clamps if the old ones are weak, and VW-spec coolant.
Is it new?
Yes, new JP Group.
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