Found a Manfred lemans engine

[amamet]

I found a 77 lemans basket case with a Manfred built engine  that was never reinstalled or run after the build. Obviously it’s been like that for a long time. Stored in an apt so environmental conditions were fine. What would need to be looked at internal wise if anything, front and rear seal? The owner is looking for the build sheet so we know what was done.
Thx
Allen

[PeteS]

If its never been run then you shouldn’t have to do anything. Not sure when he quit building but it may be less than 25 years ago. Make sure it has oil in it and turn it over with a wrench of strong drill motor.

Pete

[wirespokes]

I've brought back lots of bikes, beemers and guzzis, from long term storage. Only rarely have I had to replace crank seals.

What I believe happens is the oil or lube around the seal has gone away or dried up. Then when the engine is started, the seal chatters and can eject its tension spring. Getting the oil system pressurized before starting the engine is key. Either rotate the engine slowly with the rear wheel or the crank until the oil light goes out, or pressurize through the pressure sensor port.

In your case, rotating the engine so oil gets everywhere would probably be sufficient.

[Turin]

I've had to replace at least 3 rear seals on old guzzi's. The worst was my ambassador. It was brittle and soaked the clutch in oil. I do the rear when I change the clutch.
These were running bikes. Never dealt with a motor stored in an apartment.

[blackcat]

"Stored in an apt so environmental conditions were fine"

Allen, If this was in a typical NYC apartment which is usually hotter than hell in the winter with steam heat, I'd change those seals.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

The question one has to ask themselves is: "Do I really want to take the bike back apart if the (rear main) seal leaks, or for only a few dollars and a few minutes of my time I can prevent that?" "A stitch in time saves nine."

[amamet]

Thx, yes seals are easy to replace.  First my friend and I have to get the bike. I’ll be doing the work for my friend. He’s been trying to buy this bike for awhile. I just found out about the Manfred work yesterday. The trans was done by him as well. It’s completely disassembled in boxes except engine and trans. Body work was painted black (poorly) years ago when it was purchased in the late ‘80’s I believe. Just need to figure out what to offer the seller?

[PeteS]

Its possible the transmission is a close ratio with straight cut gears. Manfred upgraded mine that way. Great for track days, OK on the street as first gear is about the same a 1.75 on the stock gearbox.

Pete

[nc43bsa]

If the engine/transmission is out of the frame, by all means replace the rear seal, for peace of mind if nothing else. 

If the bike is disassembled to that point, it's easy peasy.

[TN Mark]

Manfred is a name that's a blast from the last for sure. I never 'knew" him. But I was traveling for work near his shop in the late 1990's. I stopped, just to say hi and thank him for what he's done, and was still doing, for the Moto Guzzi community.
He gave me the grand tour of his shop and spent over 30 minutes with me. I wasn't buying anything, that was clear, I was just a fan. His reputation and his kindness will continue to live on.

I certainly don't 'know', but I imagine back in the hay days of Moto Guzzi, the guys running the company had that same curiosity, knowledge and attitude that Manfred had. They had to be true enthusiasts to do and to accomplish what they did. Manfred as well as Moto Guzzi



.

[blackcat]

I never 'knew" him. But I was traveling for work near his shop in the late 1990's.

You can't believe how that neighborhood has changed since you were in that part of Brooklyn. If Manfred had held out for a few more years he could have sold that property for millions more than what he got for that home/shop. In the early 80's I ran a business out of a loft that overlooked his shop and always wondered who lived there and a few years later I bought a Guzzi and was told that some guy in Brooklyn was a Guzzi Guru so it was fun for me to meet the guy who I wondered about for years. In the 80's that neighborhood was exceptionally scary, especially after dark.