Hydros again

[wirespokes]

I just got this 2003 Stone for $500. It's got Mistral exhaust, Ikons, dual discs, Cartridge emulators and an LED headlight. And... a ticking left side top end.

I'm not worried since the parts are worth so much more than I paid. No idea of mileage since the speedo has been replaced with a nice aftermarket. It looks well kept and low mileage. No history  because the previous owner bought it at auction, not running. Soon as he started it up, discovered the noise, did some research and put it up for sale. He got one offer of $500 but didn't accept it because the guy intended to part it out. He wanted to see it repaired. I told him I intended to fix it, so he sold it to me.

I pulled the valve covers and it's got the original, from the factory, smooth lifter adjusters. Should have taken a photo, but think the spring retainers are dark. I'll drain the oil and see what comes out. If all clean, pull the pan, and if nothing, pull the front cover for a look at the pump.

At first I was thinking that a lifter just hadn't pumped up yet from sitting a long time, but now I'm betting this is the reason it went to auction.

Since the hydro kits are crazy expensive, what are my options? If the cam looks good - can I replace the lifters and pushrods and be done with it? I have another engine and could do a swap. I haven't looked at the clutch yet, but if the engine recall hasn't been done, I wouldn't expect the clutch to have been touched either. Haven't checked out the triples either.

It's a pretty nice bike with no rust, and I've got enough parts to make it right. So I won't be parting it out. I'm just trying to figure out which direction to go with it. Since I prefer carbs over FI, I might make that part of the project. If anyone knows the ins and outs of that conversion I'd like to hear what's needed. Will PHMs mount right up?

From what I've read, the hydro is a great engine, with the normal solid lifter valve springs being the root cause of all the trouble. If everything looks good with little to no wear, can the valve springs be replaced with lighter ones and all will be good?

[SemperVee]

 Was just talking about this bike why no one had jumped on it when it was $900 on my FB page down in Portland OR thinking owner  perhaps did not know how to adjust valves?  At that price was a good parts bike since I already have an EV.

MY 03 Hydro is such a great running smooth and high torque well balanced bike. I have nothing bad to say.   Great project bike. Good luck

[wirespokes]

I wondered the same thing. For one, he listed it as a V7Stone -- so it would take someone in the know to realize it wasn't a V7. Also, I've got enough projects and limited space so let it ride. And then he dropped the price, and still no one took it. I guess the market is really depressed. Then again, it's the end of the riding season and no one's thinking about bikes, much less a project. 

Why do you say it just needs adjusting? It does sound like loose tappets. When the hydros go bad, do they make noise? (like loose tappets?)  And how would I adjust the things without a way to grab them?

The aftermarket speedo has almost 25K on it, and there's a bit more wear on things than I'd first noticed. But still, it looks pretty good over all. Of course it needs fender and a tail light, but I knew that going in. Just noticed there are no mirrors. Ah well, minor details.
 

[SemperVee]

   

    RU sure it is a hydraulic Model?  Not all were.  Seems going backward should not be that hard.  Not all got the fix.
 before and after pic

 

[wirespokes]

Yes, it definitely has the original adjusters like your top photo.

I got the wild idea to call the local dealer here in Portland Oregon to see about getting the kit. I was asked for the VIN and it turns out this bike isn't listed as having had the recall. It's eligible. WOW! So they're on order and the wait begins. I thought there were no more kits available. Any idea how long it might take for this stuff to arrive?

I always do my own work, so am hesitant putting it in someone else's hands. What's the consensus on the Portland dealer? Can I trust them?

In the meantime, I'll do my own research into the condition of the engine. Pull the oil pump, and if it's worn with indications of having seen a lot of metal in the oil, I'll pull a cylinder for a look at the piston. That way I'll ensure the complete job is done. Take it in half disassembled.

I'm guessing that with lifter noise happening, a bunch of wear has already occurred and it could be a real mess in there. What do you think?

It also has the single plate clutch - I wondered about how easy the clutch pulled in. Now I know. Is there a replacement single plate clutch disc now that doesn't fail early? Why do these fail when the BMWs don't? Also, it appears the clutch isn't a recall item. I read that the clutch hub is different - shorter?

The lower triple tree looks fine, so my guess is that it won't be an issue.

[SemperVee]

 Haven't heard anything bad or good about the Portland dealer.  Good that you can access the cam kit. Running well you will be amazed how much torque the 1100 has with the 5 speed. My Norge just passed 50K miles is good with 25 more HP but seems less torque then the 1100 - from the seat of the pants feeling... and S M O O T H. Both are.  My Clutch was replaced with double plate when purchased and took about 6 hrs dealer labor. Not easy job but if yours feels fine I would leave it alone. There is a lot to like about the 1100 series.  If you want come a few hours north to see a perfect running example..Then again you might want to take mine home..  :^)

[wirespokes]

Gorgeous bike! You're right - I'd want to take it home.

I've done a clutch, or something related, on just about every Guzzi I've owned so far, so why should this one be any different? LOL

I'm collecting parts for when that day comes.

I keep hearing how great these hydros are, but have a hard time believing it. All of my Guzzis are smooth and strong, even the 850.  It has me wondering.

[SemperVee]

 I have to let go of one of my Guzzi's, the Hydro or the Norge but I have to say I am with 50+K miles on VroomHilda partial to the Norge, but I love them both. I look at the 03 as a collector classic a bit.

[wirespokes]

That's funny thinking of the 03 as a collector classic. It seems like a new bike to me.