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Close call

B

BE404

Just got it firing!
Joined
May 22, 2017
Messages
3
Location
London
Sorry for the long read.


I had a very dangerous event happen to me a few days ago which could of been a lot worse but somehow I got lucky.


Quick history. I drive a 2012 V7 Stone which has generally been fine since I got it, although it has its MG quirks every now and then but nothing major.


In Sept 2019 I noticed a small amount of oily residue on the back wheel and I suspected it was dripping from the drive train compartment. My bike was in need of a service so I brought it into my usual place to get it looked at. The repairs were done and it was fine to drive for the rest of the year.


I went away in December so it was standing still for about 2 months, came back and took it for a drive. Been driving it around slightly less than usual with CV going on but even so I took it for a 30km drive the day before the incident with someone on the back as well.


The next day we planned a drive around with some friends so I cleaned it up a bit and didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary.


I drove about 10 miles to meet up at friends house then continued to drive some more and got on a motorway. Going about 60/70mph I went to push a button on the speedo to clear the mileage. Around that time something happened and I very quickly started to lose power, then control which caused my back wheel to skid side to side as the speed dropped. Luckily I managed to keep control of the bike and must of dropped at least half my speed maybe more. I don’t know how I did it but I was VERY close to losing it. If the roads were wet I don’t think I could of counter stirred to stay upright. I really don’t think I pushed a gear down or anything when I hit that dial button in case people wonder about that.


I quickly pulled to the hard shoulder safely and noticed smoke coming from the drive train.


We were in a pretty sketchy part of the road so I very carefully drove on to get off the motorway to have a safer look. After stopping I then noticed that on the drive train/transmission that the oil plug (6) wasn’t there along with all the oil inside the housing.


I was shocked! And I still don’t understand how this happened. I then got it picked up and transported to my usual Guzzi mechanic.


There was a bit of very fine metal shaving on the wheel and what looked like some splatter marks around the wheel but it wasn’t thick at all.


I asked for a brief description from the mechanic its with and some photos which are below.


“Pinion gear chewed 107/8, 109 debris, 110 inner bearing surprisingly good, 111 inner race also surprisingly good. Bearing hidden under crown wheel, in 110, destroyed.”


My question is... where did the oil go, as there was none on the wheel or tyre? Where did the filler/level plug go? If they come loose, they drip on the tyre.”


If anyone can she some light on this please let me know as I feel this is all very strange and should not me happening?


It possible to change some internal bits inside the drive train to get it running again but tbh I am a little on edge to drive that specific bike. Should that be a thing or not?

107 108 109 110 111
 
Oil plug (6) gone, then the oil drained out. At speed it would probably go straight back and not on the tire. It may be more economical to just replace the complete rear drive, either choice used or new unit. My guess is the drain plug was not snugged up or was over tightened damaging (stripping) the threads. I suggest you carefully inspect the threads for the drain hole. Good to hear you were able to control the bike with the rear locking up like that.
 
I reckon that the repairer forgot to replace both the plug and the oil. With some amount of oily residue in there you'd be really surprised how far you can get, especially in shortish hops allowing it cool a bit between each hop. What you see now is only the final result of ??Kms of deterioration without oil. If the oil had leaked out on your garage floor you'd have seen it. If it leaked out whilst riding, the entire back end of your bike would still dripping! The whole diff appears to be cactus, just looking at your pix. It's been run a long way dry. Best bet: See if you can buy good a 2nd hand one. Perhaps a low mileage one from a crashed bike - usually the front end takes the brunt of a decent crash.

It's a bit late (I think) to expect the mechanic to accept responsibility, but I'd bet my bottom dollar (given all the info you've supplied) that I'm right - if I were a betting man that is.

ps Just had another look at your pix. I'm right! It's bone dry.
 
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This is exactly why I do my own maintenance. Sorry to hear of your predicament, glad to hear you are all right.
 
Glad you (and the bike ) survived it!
I once stopped at a light and a buddy pulls up next to me pointing down.
The drain plug of my old Eldo had fallen out AT THAT LIGHT. The plug was laying on the ground and the oil was glugging out of the engine.
Since then I pay more attention to drain plugs (threads, torque, leakage, etc).

Just another Guzzi day eh? Gotta love it.
 
Hey guys, long overdue reply!

So yes I've put this question on another forum and the finger seems to be pointing to the tech and the last service. Its a shame as I really liked the guy and he was a specialised Guzzi mechanic. He's been working on Guzzi's for years and years so Id would of hoped he would of been the best.

On the last service report as well I see the the drive box oil on the list so would that mean they forgot it but still checked it on the invoice.....?

Yeah there was no oil on my floor and the wheel didn't have much either but maybe I was driving around with enough residue keep it going till the motorway.

Definitely going to be paying attention to a lot more of everything now!

I did send it back to the same tech to check out and total costs for repair are about £600-700. Parts from a used drive box but I am considering doing this myself now as I do see good reasoning behind looking after your own skin with bikes.

Appreciate all the replies !
 
BE404 said:
Hey guys, long overdue reply!

So yes I've put this question on another forum and the finger seems to be pointing to the tech and the last service. Its a shame as I really liked the guy and he was a specialised Guzzi mechanic. He's been working on Guzzi's for years and years so Id would of hoped he would of been the best.

On the last service report as well I see the the drive box oil on the list so would that mean they forgot it but still checked it on the invoice.....?

Yeah there was no oil on my floor and the wheel didn't have much either but maybe I was driving around with enough residue keep it going till the motorway.

Definitely going to be paying attention to a lot more of everything now!

I did send it back to the same tech to check out and total costs for repair are about £600-700. Parts from a used drive box but I am considering doing this myself now as I do see good reasoning behind looking after your own skin with bikes.

Appreciate all the replies !
Click to expand...


I suggest letting the tech do the job. He will have the shims necessary to set up the ring and pinion engagement.
 
vagrant said:
sorry but if the tech couldn't remember to put the gear oil in it i sure wouldn't let him rebuild it. I'd find one of a totalled bike first.
Click to expand...


I bet even you made a mistake once. The dealership technician would have access to all the shims required.
 
vagrant said:
sorry but if the tech couldn't remember to put the gear oil in it i sure wouldn't let him rebuild it. I'd find one of a totalled bike first.
Click to expand...
I agree with Vagrant. A used, but properly maintained final drive will be better than that one re-built, and a whole lot cheaper I'd reckon. Darn near everything in that old diff needs replacing - expensive stuff indeed!
 
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