Author Topic: on the side of the road (Read 5552 times)

nwguy · « **on:** May 17, 2021, 02:47:40 PM »

Broke down on the side of the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Boone near Glendale Springs. No internet; my wife is typing this as I talk to her by phone. If you have any suggestions, please call me --- my number is 206-898-9000.
Looks like it might be a blown head gasket...oil is running down the side of my right cylinder. Engine still runs; I stopped because I saw oil on my right boot. Thanks in advance for your help. Jim

LowRyter · « **Reply #1 on:** May 17, 2021, 03:00:26 PM »

Check the valve cover gasket. Notoriously bad. If so, you can ride until you make repairs but could ruin a pair of jeans. If this is the culprit, get some gasket maker at the auto part store.

Don't ask me how I know this.

tris · « **Reply #2 on:** May 17, 2021, 03:05:14 PM »

Have a look at the oil feed Y hose between the cylinders.

Mine made a right mess when it failed

Good luck!!!!!

LowRyter · « **Reply #3 on:** May 17, 2021, 03:06:06 PM »

just called him. I think it's the VC gasket.

Wildguzzi.com · « **Reply #3 on:** May 17, 2021, 03:06:06 PM »

guzzisteve · « **Reply #4 on:** May 17, 2021, 03:11:06 PM »

Yep, original ones are junk. What John said.

Is that VA or NC?

LowRyter · « **Reply #5 on:** May 17, 2021, 03:15:35 PM »

Anyone in the area with a gasket or a tow might be helpful to him.

Guzzistajohn · « **Reply #6 on:** May 17, 2021, 03:35:03 PM »

Doesn't that Lannis guy live close by?

Huzo · « **Reply #7 on:** May 17, 2021, 03:42:51 PM »

Quote from: Guzzistajohn on May 17, 2021, 03:35:03 PM

Doesn't that Lannis guy live close by?

Nice one....

LowRyter · « **Reply #8 on:** May 17, 2021, 03:46:17 PM »

I'm guessing he's three hours away. Any Guzzi dealer around town in the ~~Tech Triangle~~ ?

Charlotte

Huzo · « **Reply #9 on:** May 17, 2021, 03:46:27 PM »

I had to do the same thing in Italy in 2014 on my Norge in a camping ground.
I replaced the standard brown one which is absolute shyte, with a green Valpolini one.
They are good for multiple removal/refits.

Mayor_of_BBQ · « **Reply #10 on:** May 17, 2021, 04:17:33 PM »

We just spoke on the phone. He's at an auto parts store in West Jefferson NC making a gasket... That's Ashe County, about an hour or less south of the VA border.

I have the exact valve cover gasket he needs but im 2:20 in the wrong direction from where he is going. He has a dealer list and is going to try and repair it with gasket material and get to a dealer with one in stock. I dont think the Charlotte dealer stocks much parts for 13yr old guzzi... And that's a 2-3hr haul south on interstate, he is heading N/NE on back roads.

Bike is a 2008 Norge 1100/2v

I think he's good. I told him if the repair doesnt hold, i can drive up there or meet him with the gaskets. I'm not sure if he's camping or hoteling, he may also order one overnight and intercept it along his route.

Kiwi_Roy · « **Reply #11 on:** May 17, 2021, 04:22:37 PM »

A home made gasket should last, there's very little pressure involved.
I didn't read what bike it is.

Huzo · « **Reply #12 on:** May 17, 2021, 04:26:03 PM »

Quote from: Mayor_of_BBQ on May 17, 2021, 04:17:33 PM

I think he's good. I told him if the repair doesnt hold, i can drive up there or meet him with the gaskets. I'm not sure if he's camping or hoteling, he may also order one overnight and intercept it along his route.

Now THAT’S the shit I’m talking about...

Stuff like that makes me mist over just slightly when no one’s around....
We ARE a different bunch...

Guzzistajohn · « **Reply #13 on:** May 17, 2021, 04:28:22 PM »

Would have loved to go help on the BRP

but it's a two day ride

Mayor_of_BBQ · « **Reply #14 on:** May 17, 2021, 04:31:56 PM »

I wonder if he could camp in the yard of NCdan's cabin? I haven't seen it, but it sounds like his setup might accommodate someone camping who just needed a hose and an outlet outside? Oh dan, dan!

LowRyter · « **Reply #15 on:** May 17, 2021, 04:39:11 PM »

Quote from: Mayor_of_BBQ on May 17, 2021, 04:17:33 PM

We just spoke on the phone. He's at an auto parts store in West Jefferson NC making a gasket... That's Ashe County, about an hour or less south of the VA border.

I have the exact valve cover gasket he needs but im 2:20 in the wrong direction from where he is going. He has a dealer list and is going to try and repair it with gasket material and get to a dealer with one in stock. I dont think the Charlotte dealer stocks much parts for 13yr old guzzi... And that's a 2-3hr haul south on interstate, he is heading N/NE on back roads.

Bike is a 2008 Norge 1100/2v

I think he's good. I told him if the repair doesnt hold, i can drive up there or meet him with the gaskets. I'm not sure if he's camping or hoteling, he may also order one overnight and intercept it along his route.

I talked to him at the auto parts store. He mentioned some plastic to remove to get the valve cover. Texted the phone number for Charlotte MG dealer. The problem is messy but the bike is rideable, just make sure the oil doesn't get low. He might be able to make a temporary fix.

Since dealers seldom keep these gaskets in stock, he might be better off taking the Mayor's offer. Glad he's got a local contact now.

I might emphasize, anyone traveling on a Guzzi might have these gaskets with them.

Guzzistajohn · « **Reply #16 on:** May 17, 2021, 04:40:12 PM »

Quote from: Mayor_of_BBQ on May 17, 2021, 04:31:56 PM

I wonder if he could camp in the yard of NCdan's cabin? I haven't seen it, but it sounds like his setup might accommodate someone camping who just needed a hose and an outlet outside? Oh dan, dan!

He's not answering! (Dan) Probably AT the cabin

inditx · « **Reply #17 on:** May 17, 2021, 04:42:32 PM »

Way to go Team Guzzi!

Huzo · « **Reply #18 on:** May 17, 2021, 05:57:12 PM »

Quote from: Guzzistajohn on May 17, 2021, 04:40:12 PM

He's not answering! (Dan) Probably AT the cabin

Yeah.
I just tried to call him and as you say he’s incommunicado.

oldbike54 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 17, 2021, 06:19:16 PM »

Danny answered for me , ya just gotta know the secret ring

Dusty

Huzo · « **Reply #20 on:** May 17, 2021, 06:21:47 PM »

Quote from: oldbike54 on May 17, 2021, 06:19:16 PM

Danny answered for me , ya just gotta know the secret ring

Dusty

Bloody beauty...!

Ncdan · « **Reply #21 on:** May 17, 2021, 06:26:46 PM »

I’m trying to get In touch with Jim now and yes I’m in the area with tools snd a pickup. So far can’t get an answer.

Ncdan · « **Reply #22 on:** May 17, 2021, 06:28:56 PM »

If someone can get him to answer his phone I can at least put him up for the night.

guzzisteve · « **Reply #23 on:** May 17, 2021, 06:30:39 PM »

Way to go Dan!!!

Ncdan · « **Reply #24 on:** May 17, 2021, 06:33:25 PM »

Jim, I’m 20 minutes from your location. I’ll put you up tonight and feed you if you’ll get back.
Possibly even pick u a tune on the banjo!

nwguy · « **Reply #25 on:** May 17, 2021, 06:57:07 PM »

Hey all, THANK YOU for all your support!!! I think I have things under control. It was the valve cover gasket. Went to an auto parts store in West Jefferson, NC and initially bought cork gasket material and gasket sealant, plus a couple tools. Took the valve cover off and found the gasket wasn't installed perfectly. They're greyish green in color. Stock? One side of the gasket had oozed inwards and was loose. There was accumulated oil on the cover there too. Makes sense now. This whole trip I've sensed a slight smell of burning oil and that's why I used almost a quart of oil in 4k miles. Back at the auto parts store, 2 mechanics suggested I just use this grey gasket maker stuff in a tube. "After all, new cars don't even have gaskets." said one. He suggested I clean off the old gasket first. I thought it would be safer to leave it on (it's glued to the valve cover). So I laid down a bead of this gasket maker stuff like the instructions said. Immediately assembled it and tightened the bolts finger tight. Waited an hour then torqued them down to something that felt right. Not supposed to run the engine for 24 hours, so I'm checked into a Best Western that I coasted to from the auto parts store. Lots of helpful people in these parts. Anyway, I'll stay till checkout tomorrow at 11:00 AM and ride back up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The guy who suggested the gasket maker said "it'll never leak". We'll see. Not sure if I should backtrack to Charlotte to a dealer there to have them replace both gaskets, or go the the dealer in Arlington, VA near my next destination. Maybe it'll hold till I get to Hamlin's in CT. What do you think?

delrod · « **Reply #26 on:** May 17, 2021, 07:08:15 PM »

I don't think I would backtrack unless they for sure have the gaskets.Call ahead and find some . If the leak stopped you probably got it under control. Enjoy your ride

Ncdan · « **Reply #27 on:** May 17, 2021, 07:14:17 PM »

We just got off the phone, I’m going to pick him up in the morning and go out for breakfast. We’ll hang out long enough to be sure his bike is road worthy before he’s off again into the wild blue yonder 👍

Huzo · « **Reply #28 on:** May 17, 2021, 07:19:56 PM »

Quote from: Ncdan on May 17, 2021, 07:14:17 PM

We just got off the phone, I’m going to pick him up in the morning and go out for breakfast. We’ll hang out long enough to be sure his bike is road worthy before he’s off again into the wild blue yonder 👍

No wonder you believe in God, Dan.
You’re proof that Christianity is alive and well...

Guzzistajohn · « **Reply #29 on:** May 17, 2021, 07:38:43 PM »

Quote from: Ncdan on May 17, 2021, 06:33:25 PM

Jim, I’m 20 minutes from your location. I’ll put you up tonight and feed you if you’ll get back.
Possibly even pick u a tune on the banjo!

Run Jim RUUUUUUNNNNNNNN

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Author Topic: on the side of the road (Read 5552 times)

Wildguzzi.com

oldbike54