The Cali EV Secrets -?

[SemperVee]

 I’m enjoying  doing the maintenance of my recently acquired 2003 EV Hydro and getting familiar with its components. I recently bought a pair of used Genuine Guzzi Hepco-Becker black panniers from a fellow board member and am eagerly awaiting their arrival!

As I admire the chrome accents and stainless steel tubeless spoke wheels, I wonder how other Guzzisti keep them clean, as it seems time-consuming. Any recommendations for effective spray products for tubeless wheels would be appreciated.

The starter works but emits a loud "moan" when starting. I just installed a new battery; is this normal for the Elder EV? I haven't connected it to Guzzi Diag or removed the tank yet since it's running smoothly. Any tips on the quirks of the EV California or tank removal would be great.

I also took my Norge, VroomHilda, for a quick ride so she wouldn't feel left out. After riding the EV, the Norge feels quite nimble! LOL!

[Mr Revhead]

The wheels look amazing, but are an utter bitch to clean. Also the material used for the spoke nipples rusts. So use something that will prevent rust. I use ACF50 to clean them.

The trick to the tank is the fuel connection, its push the rubber in, push the connecter in and hold, pul hose out. Can be fiddly.
There's 2 plugs and an over flow hose that just pulls off.

As for the starter, the original Vaileo ones do fail, common issue is the magnets falling off. I replaced mine with a no name chinese one and it's outlasted the original.

[n3303j]

Are you sure the wheels are stainless? The '98 EV uses aluminum. A lot different than stainless for cleaning. Wish they were stainless (except for weight) as any good detergent would leave them shining.

[Mr Revhead]

They are chromed aluminium.  And the chrome will start to peel off one day.

[Wayne Orwig]

Yes, the plating on the spoke nipples is a failure. I removed mine and spray painted them. That was a slow process.
 

[PeteS]

They are chromed aluminium.  And the chrome will start to peel off one day.

Thats not good. The wheels on my ‘98 were just aluminum. For the back wheel I just out it in the centerstand, started it up, put it in first and held a rag with aluminum polish next to the rim.

Pete

[n3303j]

They are chromed aluminium.  And the chrome will start to peel off one day.

Guess they didn't learn anything from T3 cylinders.

[rocker59]

S100 will do the trick.

https://www.s100.com/portfolio/s100-total-cycle-cleaner/

[SemperVee]

Are you sure the wheels are stainless? The '98 EV uses aluminum. A lot different than stainless for cleaning. Wish they were stainless (except for weight) as any good detergent would leave them shining.

I am absolutely sure the 03 EV wheels are Behr Steel and chromed as I reference it from the 2003 Moto Guzzi Sales Brochure for specs...

[n3303j]

Chrome cleans up a lot easier than aluminum. Scrub brush and a bit of detergent and the job is done. No pitting or electrolytic reactions.

Can't believe the factory literature used "breaking" for "braking".
Oh well.....

[SemperVee]

Chrome cleans up a lot easier than aluminum. Scrub brush and a bit of detergent and the job is done. No pitting or electrolytic reactions.

Can't believe the factory literature used "breaking" for "braking".
Oh well.....

Italian -  Apparently the language proof reader was on vaca at the time?  Remember how bad Japanese manuals were written not that long ago...

[elrealistico]

I quit cleaning spokes a long time ago. Maybe I will squirt some soap or something on there and hose it off or powerwash.  I will do the rims, if it isnt too much hassle, using the spin it with a cloth & polish method. +1 for S100! The rims n my EV have pitted/flaking chrome in some spots, not worth taking off and getting redone or replaced at this point.

[SemperVee]

 I'm truly enjoying the work I've been doing on this 03 EV so far. Today, I installed the risers, and tomorrow, my HB panniers with mounts are set to arrive. While polishing the bike after I installed new front and rear tires, adjusted the clutch and fast idle mechanism, flushed the brakes, and checked the pads and oil levels. I also installed a new battery.

I can see why I’m so drawn to this bike. Everything that needs attention, like the oil sending unit, is easily accessible—unlike the extensive effort it took to change things on the Norge recently. I still need to drop the oil pan, which I'm not looking forward to. I have GuzziDiag, but I'm uncertain about what I can do with it on this model since the throttle position sensor (TPS) and throttle body sync (TBS) are set up differently than on the Norge.

Many former owners of these bikes have expressed regret about selling them years later, which makes me understand why this model has such a dedicated following. Some knowledgeable enthusiasts even describe it as a joy to own and possibly one of the best engines Guzzi has ever made. Besides cleaning the spokes on the wheels and installing the upcoming Hepco Becker mounts, the bike is ready to hit the road at speed!

[Mr Revhead]

I've had mine ten years. I've used Guzzidiag on it three times.

First was to set TPS. Second was to adjust idle trim.
Third was to check TPS again 7 years later, didn't need touching!

As for the idle trim, if you ride it and find it a little lean at low speeds and around town, then you can use guzzidiag to adjust it.
Mine was bloody awful at around town speed. 2nd gear barely any throttle and it would hunt and miss. I hated it! Bumped up the idle trim and now sweet as a nut

Does your bike have a o2 sensor?

[SemperVee]

I've had mine ten years. I've used Guzzidiag on it three times.

First was to set TPS. Second was to adjust idle trim.
Third was to check TPS again 7 years later, didn't need touching!

As for the idle trim, if you ride it and find it a little lean at low speeds and around town, then you can use guzzidiag to adjust it.
Mine was bloody awful at around town speed. 2nd gear barely any throttle and it would hunt and miss. I hated it! Bumped up the idle trim and now sweet as a nut

Does your bike have a o2 sensor?

Yes it has the Lamda ox sensor and if anything it is running a bit rich. I just put in my first full  premium Non ethanol tank of Mermaid tears...    The good stuff.
I will reference what you said and hook it up.  I have already downloaded the reader and writer software for the correct ECU.  Hope it tells me what the settings should be.  It is running so well right now.  Hopefully not much to fuss with.

[drdwb]

I still need to drop the oil pan, which I'm not looking forward to.

What is the reluctance to dropping the oil pan, are you afraid of what you might see, or just the task?
I don’t like the fact that I have to drop it to change the oil and filter, but it’s rather easy, just be very careful and slow when you do to save the gasket, I always have a jack knife ready to help release it carefully. But I also always have a new one ready in case it sticks and the pan comes off too fast.

My wife’s 04 stone came with an outsider, which made changing oil and filter easier, but the thing leaked, and I couldn’t isolate where it leaked from, I tried new gaskets and sealants but got tired of messing with it about 10 years ago. Removed the outsider leak went away.

Another suggestion: make sure you have good un worn Allen wrenches, if you find any of the pan screw hex heads are showing wear, replace them. I may be anal but I also always use a torque wrench, sorry can’t remember value now, it’s to easy to over tighten them. Just my .02

[n3303j]

I use 60 inch/pounds (5 ft/lb).
So far, so good.
Dump oil 2,500 miles.
Change filter 10,000 miles.

[kingoffleece]

My Outsider has been perfect since I installed it 6 years ago.

[Wayne Orwig]

I still need to drop the oil pan, which I'm not looking forward to.

You do the oil change in my POS Honda, and I will do your EV.

That Honda filter is under a cover. You need to pull the screws and remove the cover. You need to remove the plate under the motor, to drain the motor. Then you need to also drain the transmission. And it is dry sump, so now you need to drain the frame. Assume you need to replace ALL o-rings. Reassemble. Fill the frame. I would have been on the road long ago if I was doing the EV.

[bad Chad]

Dropping the pan was kind of cool, yes it's a bit time consuming, but then you get to stick your head under and look up into to the crank case and see the pistons, rods and so on, very cool for one such as me.

[Jose Mendez]

A very wise person turned me on the the ultimate cleaner for the EV's.

Windex and a dry rag.

[SemperVee]

A very wise person turned me on the the ultimate cleaner for the EV's.

Windex and a dry rag.

It's been taking more than that for the spokes.   I have been using  fine Brass wool and Brasso liquid from my Marine Corps days and even S100 which was better than I had thought it would be.  Still work to do on the spokes and it is S L O W going.