Actually we were discussing the diesel (Subject:Vanagon D) which is a whole
'nother engine from the aircooled.
I believe Michael snow had it right, that the flat surfaces seal as
required, and besides, I already installed mine without a gasket so don't
mess with me now!
Oh, one more thing: NEVER, I repeat NEVER ask the VW dealer for advice!

Entity Stan Wilder spoke thus:

> Think about it!
> Call a VW Dealer and ask him if it requires a gasket.
> If its an oil pump and it can leak oil to the outside it just stands to
> reason it requires a gasket.
> I have an 83 AirCooled and it has a gasket between the case and the front
> housing of the pump.
> If the pump is an internal part (and thats what it looks like to me) that
> would only leak back inside the engine it could  possibly just be a
> precision machine fit.