Unkept's V11 LeMans Repair, Maybe Restoration, Thread

[Chuck in Indiana]

Just MHO, you could have found a better ground connection for the regulator. One of the timing chest screws, maybe? You can tighten them up without splitting the plastic.

[Unkept]

Just MHO, you could have found a better ground connection for the regulator. One of the timing chest screws, maybe? You can tighten them up without splitting the plastic.

A good opinion to have. Thanks Chuck, should be easy to fix.

-Joe

[flangeman_70]

G'day Joe,

What's goin' on?
Things are a bit quiet and I'm looking forward to seeing your ride up and running.

Regards,

Adam

[Unkept]

G'day Joe,

What's goin' on?
Things are a bit quiet and I'm looking forward to seeing your ride up and running.

Regards,

Adam

Good day to you Adam,

Thanks for the message. I did get a few more things done since my last post, but life has been getting in the way with good and bad events! Concerts, family issues, financial issues, job issues, car issues...

I just finished swapping a wheel bearing, tie rod end, and a bunch of front brake components on my car today. *Phew*

Tomorrow I should be visiting Chuck's place for a fly in fish broil party. Should be a good time. After that's over I'll get back to this thread and the bike I hope. I'm antsy to get it done before the national rally!

-Joe

[Unkept]

Well guys here's my update.

I am still feeling stupid and unable to bleed the clutch line. I bought a turkey injector, but am still unable to get a solid connection and pump the fluid through. I think I could fix this... BUT...

I decided to drop the oil pan to install my Roper plate. After draining most of the oil I started to find some interesting bits... copper colored flakes on the mesh oil screen, and a small piece of metal which looks like a piece of a metal ring.  >:(

Noticed when looking under there that one cylinder wall and piston looked shiny and new while the other was black with carbon deposit. Piston ring failure maybe?

The copper bits are likely con rod shells right? Oh boy.

Feeling down here gang.  :-\ *sigh*

Well I don't want to miss Elkader, so it looks like we'll be Breva riders. It's got better luggage anyways.  :BEER: I'll put the trunk on it from the LeMans and do a few tweaks and it'll be ready to go.

I won't give up, but this may put another long delay on my completion. I don't have the money really to rebuild the engine at this point, but I don't want to start it up knowing there are issues.

-Joe

[1Sourdough]

Good on you for not risking starting the engine.  We have just seen a couple of threads about the results of that sort of act.  You're doing well, and will have the good results for doing it right.

[mpwvp]

Well guys here's my update.

I am still feeling stupid and unable to bleed the clutch line. I bought a turkey injector, but am still unable to get a solid connection and pump the fluid through. I think I could fix this... BUT...

I decided to drop the oil pan to install my Roper plate. After draining most of the oil I started to find some interesting bits... copper colored flakes on the mesh oil screen, and a small piece of metal which looks like a piece of a metal ring.  >:(

Noticed when looking under there that one cylinder wall and piston looked shiny and new while the other was black with carbon deposit. Piston ring failure maybe?

The copper bits are likely con rod shells right? Oh boy.

Feeling down here gang.  :-\ *sigh*

Well I don't want to miss Elkader, so it looks like we'll be Breva riders. It's got better luggage anyways.  :BEER: I'll put the trunk on it from the LeMans and do a few tweaks and it'll be ready to go.

I won't give up, but this may put another long delay on my completion. I don't have the money really to rebuild the engine at this point, but I don't want to start it up knowing there are issues.

-Joe

Oh man, I'm sorry to hear that Joe. That's a real bummer considering everything you have done to your bike thus far. If the sump pan looks anything like mine then your probably right. The con rod shells have started to desenagrate. If you still have the sump off just take the four con rod bolts bolts off and pop off the shells to take a look.

I just got my 32mm socket in the mail so I'll be attempting to take out my crank today and have it at the machine shop this week. I'll also be taking a ton pics too and sharing my experience as well. Depending when I'm done I'll be happy to send you my rear bearing puller so don't bother to buy one.

[kevdog3019]

Big Bummer on the metal bits.   :-\  Appears it needed the Roper plate awhile ago.  Where did you get this project bike? 

[Unkept]

Good on you for not risking starting the engine.  We have just seen a couple of threads about the results of that sort of act.  You're doing well, and will have the good results for doing it right.

Thanks. I hope I'm doing it right.  ;)

Oh man, I'm sorry to hear that Joe. That's a real bummer considering everything you have done to your bike thus far. If the sump pan looks anything like mine then your probably right. The con rod shells have started to desenagrate. If you still have the sump off just take the four con rod bolts bolts off and pop off the shells to take a look.

I just got my 32mm socket in the mail so I'll be attempting to take out my crank today and have it at the machine shop this week. I'll also be taking a ton pics too and sharing my experience as well. Depending when I'm done I'll be happy to send you my rear bearing puller so don't bother to buy one.

I will do that, and report back. I just don't feel "up" to it at the moment as I'm sorta bummed out.  :winer

That being said, how have your talks with Mike Rich went? I may have to speak with him myself.

Thanks for the offer on the loaner tools. We shall see.

Big Bummer on the metal bits.   :-\  Appears it needed the Roper plate awhile ago.  Where did you get this project bike? 

I bought the bike from MPH Cycle a few years ago, it was a higher mileage long distance touring bike and it needed the TLC. I just didn't address it right away.

Whether or not it had these issues developing before or after my ownership is unclear, but I'll assume it's nobodies fault but my own and take ownership of the issue. The oil filter wasn't hose-clamped (my fault), and it could have been a problem. I never have seen the oil lamp flicker on since I've owned the bike however.

Going to try and get the Breva ready for the Elkader rally. We should be there Friday and Saturday for an undetermined amount of time.

I'm already daydreaming of some Mike Rich pistons and more...  :BEER: There has to be a bright side to this right?

-Joe

[Stormtruck2]

I've got ya covered for a ride at Elkader! ;-T  That way you and Linz can ride together around Elkader. If you want you can slip through my place on the way to Elkader and pick the bike up! Either way, you won't have to ride 2 up at the rally.  :bike

[mpwvp]

Thanks. I hope I'm doing it right.  ;)

I will do that, and report back. I just don't feel "up" to it at the moment as I'm sorta bummed out.  :winer

That being said, how have your talks with Mike Rich went? I may have to speak with him myself.

Thanks for the offer on the loaner tools. We shall see.

I sent my heads out to Mike about three weeks ago, I know he had a big project that he had to give priority to so I plan on sending him a email to see how its going and what the ETA may be? I have not been in a rush seeing that I have not taken my crank to the machine shop yet. I also sent the sub-frame out to get powder coated. by chance do you remember which direction the crank bolt comes off ? does it turn opposite or the norm ? After reading your thread today, I don't think taking the motor out will be that much more difficult then what you have already done previously. couple more steps and the motor comes out pretty easy, and does not weigh very much at all.

Keep your chin up, you'll be happy at the end result when its all completed. You'll also be a Guzzi expert too !   

[Unkept]

I've got ya covered for a ride at Elkader! ;-T  That way you and Linz can ride together around Elkader. If you want you can slip through my place on the way to Elkader and pick the bike up! Either way, you won't have to ride 2 up at the rally.  :bike

Thanks for the offer ST, but I think we'll be ok. Lindsey is still a bit iffy on the bike at the moment, so I'm not sure she would want to ride on her own for now. I have no problem riding two up! I enjoy it.  :)

I sent my heads out to Mike about three weeks ago, I know he had a big project that he had to give priority to so I plan on sending him a email to see how its going and what the ETA may be? I have not been in a rush seeing that I have not taken my crank to the machine shop yet. I also sent the sub-frame out to get powder coated. by chance do you remember which direction the crank bolt comes off ? does it turn opposite or the norm ? After reading your thread today, I don't think taking the motor out will be that much more difficult then what you have already done previously. couple more steps and the motor comes out pretty easy, and does not weigh very much at all.

Keep your chin up, you'll be happy at the end result when its all completed. You'll also be a Guzzi expert too !   

Hopefully your experience is good. Mike sounds like he does excellent work!

Everything was standard thread, and removes the normal way. Just have to lock the flywheel is all, and if you have the engine out you may want to buy a tool to lock things up. http://www.mgcycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=332&osCsid=d15e7af44bdadc8c539434af54475b48 I used a screwdriver since the engine was mounted up to the bike.

It shouldn't be too hard to get the engine out, you are right. But I don't have a bench at the moment, and I can't imagine working on the engine on the floor.  ;) So I think I'll tackle it slowly and plan for the bench and possible repair costs. Might as well form an upgrade path while I'm at it, hence why I'm thinking about those pistons.  :BEER:

I will be happy when its all completed, certainly. Maybe I should do the rear drive and transmission rebuild too?  :D  :BEER:

In any case, looks like the Breva will be the Guzzi for this next weekend's trip.

-Joe

[Stormtruck2]

I will have my Norge, two Centauros, and a Ballabio at the rally.  My offer still stands.  We should be easy to find, just off the center road next to the central pavilion there.  Look for the Tent Majhal!! ;-T :bike

[Unkept]

I will have my Norge, two Centauros, and a Ballabio at the rally.  My offer still stands.  We should be easy to find, just off the center road next to the central pavilion there.  Look for the Tent Majhal!! ;-T :bike

You are bringing half of the Guzzi's in Iowa to the rally?  ;)  ;D

We might have to borrow that Norge, Lindsey thinks they are nice looking bikes.

We will be on the lookout for you and your tent!

-Joe

[Chuck in Indiana]

Bummer, Joe. Keep me in the loop if there's anything I can do to help.

[Unkept]

Bummer, Joe. Keep me in the loop if there's anything I can do to help.

Hey Chuck,

It's all a learnin' experience. Too bad this lesson costs money.  ;)

I will keep in touch. I might just have to build the engine to match or exceed the mighty Scura!  :o  ;D

-Joe

[Stormtruck2]

Hey Chuck,

It's all a learnin' experience. Too bad this lesson costs money.  ;)

I will keep in touch. I might just have to build the engine to match or exceed the mighty Scura!  :o  ;D

-Joe

Education is cheap. ignorance is very expensive! ;-T  Your getting an education UK.  I'm following your thread with great interest. :bow

[Tobit]

Ok guys, got a few things tackled recently.

Got to loctite the monster bolts which hold the damn thing on!

As posted already, that's a lot of loctite, but probably won't hurt anything, a dab'l do ya.  However the rusty Snoor washers (like the one on the bottom bolt) should be tossed and replaced with new.  They fracture, disintegrate, and leave your bolt held in place only by the loctite.  A bolt needs tension against the head to hold parts together.

Nice looking bike.

Tobit.

[mpwvp]

I'm using a rubber made table as my bench for my engine rebuild. The motor is pretty light so there shouldn't be a problem using that for your rebuild.


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[NCAmother]

I'm using a rubber made table as my bench for my engine rebuild. The motor is pretty light so there shouldn't be a problem using that for your rebuild.


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great idea!

[NCAmother]

sorry to hear about the motor.  I usually take car engine cases to this one shop to get magnifluxed and the oil passages cleaned out, for peace of mind plus its cheap.

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Great thread, just went thru the whole thing again!  ;-T

[Unkept]

Great thread, just went thru the whole thing again!  ;-T

Thanks! Things are home are just in a weird zone at the moment. Don't know when I'll get to resume the project. :/

Rest assured, it will be completed. Just can't say for sure "when" now. Jim at Rosefarm thinks it could be a worn cam follower? Hoping I won't need to touch the crank.

We shall see! Right now I'm getting tired of the Subaru and looking for a fair priced Jetta diesel. The search is not as hard as finding a Guzzi, but it's not easy because I want a very specific year, model, trim, etc. for the right price!

-Joe

[Tom]

Hang in there, Joe.

[mpwvp]

When it's all done you'll be happy you did.. Perfection takes time. I know how you feel ! You'll get'her done 👍

[Unkept]

So I hate to tease, but I just wanted to let my friends on WildGuzzi know I'm still alive...

My wife and I have had a very up and down year financially, and we've both been working a lot. I was working seven days a week for awhile, but thankfully that is over now...

So now that I'm back to five days a week, time is once again somewhat available to me. Money is still tight though, especially now that my second job is gone.

We found a shelf/workbench kit on sale at Menards for $34 so soon I hope to have the garage a bit more organized, and I'll have a place to plop my engine onto to take a look see.

I'm still worried about what those copper bits were. Bearing shells or something else?

Regardless, this will become the first time I've torn down an engine besides a Briggs and Straton in high school. Exciting!

Soon the transmission will literally be the only thing I haven't torn apart on the V11 LeMans.  ;D Maybe I'll get into that as well this winter.

My riding season wasn't the grand vision I had for 2014. Lindsey and I may still get a few rides in on the Breva 750. I just don't want to ride alone, and we work opposite shifts most of the time.

My plan is to have the bench complete by next weekend. This weekend is my wife and I's second anniversary in marriage.  :) We've been together for around eight years, married two.

Hope my WildGuzzi friends have been well.

-Joe

[LowRyter]

best of luck and hang in there.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I just wanted to let my friends on WildGuzzi know I'm still alive...

I was beginning to wonder.. been checking the obits, but mainly to see if I was in there.  ;D
 


Oh, yeah! I remember my first time..  ;D :BEER:

Hope you and Lindsay are doing well, too. Don't hesitate to ask if you get into a bind, need machine shop experience, etc.
Happy anniversary!

[Unkept]

I was beginning to wonder.. been checking the obits, but mainly to see if I was in there.  ;D
 


Oh, yeah! I remember my first time..  ;D :BEER:

Hope you and Lindsay are doing well, too. Don't hesitate to ask if you get into a bind, need machine shop experience, etc.
Happy anniversary!

Thanks Chuck! Getting married is the best decision I've ever made. We're doing the geeky thing and going to the Ohio Renaissance Festival. :) Should be fun. We used to go together to those kind of things the first few years we were dating.

I will be sure to ask you for help again at some point.  ;) If anything so I could hang out with you and Dorcia again!

If things pan out financially, maybe the engine will get a few "upgrades"...  ;D

[Unkept]

How was the Shire , hear they have nice weddings there  :D Check in a bit more often dang it .

  Dusty

Has Chuck been trainin' yah while I was away?  :D

We did get married in a botanical garden, close enough! ;)

I'll try my best. I was distracted when I purchased the replacement car... the VW diesel is nice.  ;D