Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: dxhall on August 24, 2019, 08:37:31 AM
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There are several Converts on offer right now on MG sites. This makes me wonder - how reliable is the torque converter on these? I know a former WG member put a Convert drivetrain in a trike, and had many problems. How does Convert mileage compare to mileage on conventional Guzzis?
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Rodekyll put much more stress on the torque converter than it was ever designed for, so no surprise it failed (repeatedly). In it's original application, the Sachs-made torque converter seems to be very reliable. The fluid pump coupling is much more likely to have issues, but that can be fixed.
I average 42 mpg.
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The one thing to watch is, the early 75-76 models had a pressed steel flywheel with separate ring gear, they could fail, most have the replacement heavy FW by now..
(https://photos.smugmug.com/EVert-project/i-GpMpdJ6/0/50570187/M/DSCN1405-M.jpg) (https://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/EVert-project/i-GpMpdJ6/A)
Light FW on the right next to an EV FW.
Here's a late Vert FW
(https://photos.smugmug.com/EVert-project/i-KF6xBmc/0/e17fbb15/M/DSCN1524-M.jpg) (https://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/EVert-project/i-KF6xBmc/A)
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When Rodekyll ( Dave P.) was going through his issues I purchased a spare torque converter to keep on the shelf for my Cal II auto "just in case" I ever toasted mine. Now I realize it isnt necessary, in its intended purpose, the sachs TC is a solid, reliable drive system.
Once you sort the flywheel, on the early bikes, and the coupling to the pump, you are good to go.
I would ride mine anywhere, with total confidence.
Last Saturday, I was in Tombstone riding with a few friends, I needed to get home mid day, and the temps were at 105 degrees, I had a 50 mile ride home, and the desert roads in this rural part of Arizona were mostly empty, with some long straightaways, I got the idea, that if this bike were ever to overheat its ATF system, now would be the ideal conditions, so I decided to give it a little test. I hammered the Cal II almost all the way home as fast as it would go 90-95 mph, touching the "ton" a couple of times. I just wanted to get home, out of that heat, I mean that bike was flyin'!
When I got home, after all that high speed running in crazy hot temps, the Cal II just sat there with its smooth idle, "Chuff, chuff, chuff" while I opened the garage door,like it just got back from a leisurly putt around the block. No burnt up TC, no bubbling fluid, didnt smell hot or anything weird at all. Once you have these Converts sorted, they are tough old birds! :thumb:
Love my Cal II!
Rick.
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I just rode 700 miles over two days on my 76 Convert, mostly droning along at a steady 60-65 mph. Zero issues! I'm becoming extremely fond of it and confident in it.
Nick
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Earlier this year I bought an early convert with the stamped flywheel with only ~17000 miles. The flywheel failed soon after I had bought it, so took it apart and replaced with a newer heavy cast flywheel, added a Dyna electronic ignition, upgraded timing chain tensioner, added an external oil filter sump spacer with windage plate, rebuilt the u-joint courtesy of John Chicoine, and fixed a few minor other things here and there. Put another 2000 miles on it since the FW upgrade and it's been running great with no issues and no leaks. All the dash lights work, too. It's been as reliable as any many of the other Guzzi's I've owned the last 20 years so no real complaints here.
(https://i.ibb.co/QvdgTJ7/15666769004952794956352752424207.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QvdgTJ7)
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There are several Converts on offer right now on MG sites
If I didn't already own a Convert I'd jump on this one. FANTASTIC price IMO, especially for one that has been well sorted out.
https://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=102268.0