1974 Eldo Police Rebuild...Having Fun!

[DaGootz]

  So, I didn't want to hijack Dave Swanson's thread of "1974 Eldorado Rejuvination" so I'm starting my own. Dave has been very helpful to this point and I thanks him for that. I purchased this 1974 Eldo Police from the son of the previous owner after the Father passed about four years ago. The Father lived in California so I know the bike is a Cal. Police bike. The son had it stored in Baltimore, I answered the ad so here I am. I always thought Moto Guzzi's were cool bikes, not having never ridden one, I just liked the design. I've owned BMW's for the last 26 years, both opposed twin and flying brick, putting close to 250k on them. I've had motorcycles since 1970 and had formal motorcycle mechanic training and worked in several motorcycle shops in the 70's and 80's.
  I wanted to ride this bike so badly after I purchased it but you guys here talked me out of it and told me to inspect and check the cylinders and pistons for wear and the dreaded chrome flaking of the cylinders. I did all that and am grateful to you guys to point these things out. At this point the bike is down to the frame, engine out, heads off, forks and triple tree disassembled. I'm not going into a total restoration to the point Dave did, which is absolutely gorgeous, but I just want, at this point, to get it mechanically sound and dependable. The lack of attention to detail on this motorcycle in the past has led me to a total disassembly and inspection of this poor bike. The first thing I did was rebuild the front wheel with new bearings and install a bearing spacer it didn't have, if it's not supposed to have one it does now. Then a rebuild of the front caliper and master cylinder. I lengthened the braided brake line for better routing.
  The engine was then removed, cleaned, sludge trap cleaned and sits ready for re-assembly. I'm looking at a Stein-Dinse oil filter conversion kit for it right now....thoughts? The rear end was very tight, so I'm leaving that alone for now. I did have to replace a u-joint that had excessive movement. The front forks are being rebuilt with new 10mm seals and Wirth progressive springs and dampers, the forks were a mess and assembled incorrectly. I have new steering head bearings and races going in also. New bearings were installed in the generator and the cross-threaded shaft has been repaired and new hardware installed. Transmission bearings and shifting feel good so I'll leave that for now. There's chrome hardware everywhere, I hate chrome hardware. So much is flaking off I have to be real careful when I'm handling hardware. I'll be replacing a lot of hardware with zinc coated bolts and locking nuts where I can....thoughts? I had custom ignition wires made, distributor is tight. I'll need to re-wire the bike and also go LED on bulbs and H4 headlamp.
  So I'm saving the big items for last, the cylinders/pistons and valve job. Okay, that's it for now, thanks for reading. Feel free to comment and guide me where your expertise may help this Guzzi Noob....much appreciated.

[Aldo]

I personally wouldn't bother with an oil filter kit.  I don't have one for my Eldo, I just a use a good quality oil and change it more often.

You can a get stainless hardware kit from Stainless Cycles to replace your existing stuff:
https://stainlesscycle.com/wordpress/product/moto-guzzi-eldorado-ambassador-stainless-kit-bolts-screws-kit-loopframe/


For electrical/wiring if you decide to replace, I highly recommend Greg Bender's custom harnesses built to spec:
https://www.thisoldtractor.com/for_sale_wiring_harness.html

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Yes, there is supposed to be a spacer in between the front wheel bearings. Do note that only one bearing is fully seated in the carrier and secured by a circlip - the other one is installed flush and is allowed to float.

I would recommend replacing the seals and o-rings in the transmission, along with the shift return spring. The original spring is prone to failure, Guzzi redesigned it at least 2 times before they got it right.

At the same time, I would replace the clutch with the "SD-TEC" kit that has deep splines on the hub. I would also recommend the throw-out bearing outer body with two o-rings. I will send you a set of six o-rings for the clutch pushrod for free - I'll just need your address. They are far superior to the hard plastic tube that was original and the "upgrade" rubber cones that came after that.

[DaGootz]

I personally wouldn't bother with an oil filter kit.  I don't have one for my Eldo, I just a use a good quality oil and change it more often.

You can a get stainless hardware kit from Stainless Cycles to replace your existing stuff:
https://stainlesscycle.com/wordpress/product/moto-guzzi-eldorado-ambassador-stainless-kit-bolts-screws-kit-loopframe/


For electrical/wiring if you decide to replace, I highly recommend Greg Bender's custom harnesses built to spec:
https://www.thisoldtractor.com/for_sale_wiring_harness.html

Thanks Aldo. I have a lot of Mobil1 15-50 I use for my BMW K1200RS. What are your thoughts on using that? Thanks for the links, I'll check them out, pretty sure I glance through ToT wiring guide a few weeks back......I've been immersed in so much Guzzi information I have to take a break sometimes.

[DaGootz]

Yes, there is supposed to be a spacer in between the front wheel bearings. Do note that only one bearing is fully seated in the carrier and secured by a circlip - the other one is installed flush and is allowed to float. Ahh, I did install a clip, thought someone left one out. Should I remove it or will it be ok? I believe it was the left side if I'm not mistaken...Thanks

I would recommend replacing the seals and o-rings in the transmission, along with the shift return spring. The original spring is prone to failure, Guzzi redesigned it at least 2 times before they got it right.

At the same time, I would replace the clutch with the "SD-TEC" kit that has deep splines on the hub. I would also recommend the throw-out bearing outer body with two o-rings. I will send you a set of six o-rings for the clutch pushrod for free - I'll just need your address. They are far superior to the hard plastic tube that was original and the "upgrade" rubber cones that came after that.

  Do you have any info on the clutch parts you're talking about. Can you give me the Guzzi part numbers please and I'll look them up on my parts guide .pdf. I see MG is out of stock on the clutch kit. How about all those clutch tools MG has....are all those really needed? Thanks

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

  Do you have any info on the clutch parts you're talking about. Can you give me the Guzzi part numbers please and I'll look them up on my parts guide .pdf. I see MG is out of stock on the clutch kit. How about all those clutch tools MG has....are all those really needed? Thanks

One bearing needs to float, so the spacer should be long enough that one sits flush with the carrier and the other fully inserted.

Here's the dual o-ring outer body: https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193&products_id=4793

Clutch from the source: https://www.stein-dinse.com/en/moto-guzzi-clutch-set-with-locking-plate-new/item-2-1078679-200033302+-.html Unfortunately, it will be hit with tariffs... Might be back in stock at MG Cycle and Crusty Cycle soon though.

The tools aren't absolutely necessary - you can use the clutch hub (with a suitable spacer and bolt) to align and compress the clutch plates.

Shift return spring: https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1011

[DaGootz]

One bearing needs to float, so the spacer should be long enough that one sits flush with the carrier and the other fully inserted.

Here's the dual o-ring outer body: https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193&products_id=4793

Clutch from the source: https://www.stein-dinse.com/en/moto-guzzi-clutch-set-with-locking-plate-new/item-2-1078679-200033302+-.html Unfortunately, it will be hit with tariffs... Might be back in stock at MG Cycle and Crusty Cycle soon though.

The tools aren't absolutely necessary - you can use the clutch hub (with a suitable spacer and bolt) to align and compress the clutch plates.

Shift return spring: https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1011

Thanks Charlie. With regard to the front wheel spacer, here's what I did. I purchased the recommended spacer from McMaster-Carr suggested by This Old Tractor and had my buddy cut it down to the correct length posted by Gregory. I got it home and went to install it and, because I'm a Guzzi noob, it appeared too long so we cut it down until we could get the newly purchased snap ring to fit. So it sounds like you're telling me the original spec would be good, remove that snap ring and go with that. I bet that's why my axle hole on the right side was partially covered when it was tightened down......that would make sense as it was drawn too far to the nut side when tightened. With all the things I'm finding mechanically incorrect with this bike I assumed some one left out the snap ring, since they left out the spacer.
Any alternative tool source for the clutch hub nut? That's a real bite paying $60 for a tool you won't use often.

[kidsmoke]

Sounds like a great project. Good Luck!

Pictures always welcome for those of us following along.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Thanks Charlie. With regard to the front wheel spacer, here's what I did. I purchased the recommended spacer from McMaster-Carr suggested by This Old Tractor and had my buddy cut it down to the correct length posted by Gregory. I got it home and went to install it and, because I'm a Guzzi noob, it appeared too long so we cut it down until we could get the newly purchased snap ring to fit. So it sounds like you're telling me the original spec would be good, remove that snap ring and go with that. I bet that's why my axle hole on the right side was partially covered when it was tightened down......that would make sense as it was drawn too far to the nut side when tightened. With all the things I'm finding mechanically incorrect with this bike I assumed some one left out the snap ring, since they left out the spacer.
Any alternative tool source for the clutch hub nut? That's a real bite paying $60 for a tool you won't use often.

The dimension (76 mm long) on This Old Tractor is correct. As I wrote previously, one bearing will be fully inserted and secured with a circlip and the other will be flush, or nearly so, with the outer edge of the bearing carrier.

You can make your own clutch hub nut tool - an old socket of the appropriate diameter and an angle grinder or even a hacksaw. Or modify a tool purchased on Amazon to work as shown here:
https://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_clutch_hub_securing_nut_tool_14912600.html#option_2

Here's information on the bolt size needed to use the clutch hub as an alignment and compressing tool.
https://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_clutch_plate_spline_alignment-_centering-_and_pressure_plate_compression_tool_-_using_a_clutch_hub_and_a_bolt_-30906500-.html
Here's a photo of the spacer Les Price made:

[DaGootz]

The dimension (76 mm long) on This Old Tractor is correct. As I wrote previously, one bearing will be fully inserted and secured with a circlip and the other will be flush, or nearly so, with the outer edge of the bearing carrier.

You can make your own clutch hub nut tool - an old socket of the appropriate diameter and an angle grinder or even a hacksaw. Or modify a tool purchased on Amazon to work as shown here:
https://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_clutch_hub_securing_nut_tool_14912600.html#option_2

Here's information on the bolt size needed to use the clutch hub as an alignment and compressing tool.
https://www.thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe_clutch_plate_spline_alignment-_centering-_and_pressure_plate_compression_tool_-_using_a_clutch_hub_and_a_bolt_-30906500-.html
Here's a photo of the spacer Les Price made:

Thanks again Charlie. I ordered one of those tool from Amazon that was recommended on TOT, and I'll dig into the other link you sent.
Getting back to the front axle spacer. What was Guzzi's thought process with regards to the left bearing being a "floating" bearing? I took the front hub apart yesterday and the spacer my buddy made came out to 70.22mm. My buddy Gil was with me and I decided to just make a 6mm spacer from the leftover McMaster-Carr tube and reinstall it. Gil asked why couldn't we just leave everything the same, bearing in place with the snap ring like the right side, and put the 6mm spacer on the outside of the left bearing? This will allow the front axle to still seat at the proper distance.....unless Guzzi decided the wider stance of the bearing is needed for stability or tracking reasons. Thought's?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Thanks again Charlie. I ordered one of those tool from Amazon that was recommended on TOT, and I'll dig into the other link you sent.
Getting back to the front axle spacer. What was Guzzi's thought process with regards to the left bearing being a "floating" bearing? I took the front hub apart yesterday and the spacer my buddy made came out to 70.22mm. My buddy Gil was with me and I decided to just make a 6mm spacer from the leftover McMaster-Carr tube and reinstall it. Gil asked why couldn't we just leave everything the same, bearing in place with the snap ring like the right side, and put the 6mm spacer on the outside of the left bearing? This will allow the front axle to still seat at the proper distance.....unless Guzzi decided the wider stance of the bearing is needed for stability or tracking reasons. Thought's?

I've been asked that question more than once and really don't have a good answer. If Lino Tonti was still alive we could ask him...

[DaGootz]

I've been asked that question more than once and really don't have a good answer. If Lino Tonti was still alive we could ask him...

That darn Lino just had to take that secret with him...