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Another Head Gasket Complaint

Sean_Kelly

Sean_Kelly

Tuned and Synch'ed
Joined
Nov 17, 2016
Messages
38
Location
Riverside, CA
I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record about this on here, but just wanted to keep you guys aware that this is a recurring issue that needs to be addressed (in my opinion, either in a maintenance schedule revision requiring more frequent head retorque, or a TSB supplying better quality gaskets).

Bought my V7 II in 2016, had the first service done by Todd's shop at 600 miles and they did a great job.

13,000 miles reached at almost exactly a year after purchase and the first head gasket failed on the right cylinder. Moto Guzzi replaced the gasket under warranty. A little annoyed that my heads are now stained with burned oil from the leak on a few of the cooling fins.

14,000 miles about a month later, second head gasket failed on the left cylinder. Moto Guzzi again replaced under warranty. Shop tells me I am fine to retorque the heads myself so I go with that route thinking this was a one off issue. Both heads retorqued 350 miles after each gasket replacement.

26,000 miles another year down the line, and the right head gasket fails again. This time the dealer tells me Moto Guzzi denied the warranty claim, saying that there is no "proof" I retorqued the heads correctly. Surely it is only a coincidence the gasket lasted the same exact mileage as the first one.

I sent Piaggio an email myself this morning explaining that they identified their gaskets are faulty during the last replacement when there was adequate "proof" the heads were retorqued correctly during the first service, yet the gaskets still failed anyway at 13,000 miles.

Currently awaiting a response from Piaggio.

*Note this should hopefully only apply to V7 and V7 II owners. Supposedly the new V7 III uses better head gaskets and should not have this issue (Hmm wonder why they did that?)
 
I feel your pain, but how common is this problem? I put 12,000 mi on my '13 V7 Stone and, so far, 27,000 mi on my '16 V7II Stone. On both bikes, the head bolts were re-torqued only at the first, 600-mi service. I've had no leaks.

I will point out that early versions of the service manuals had some incorrect head nut torque values listed. The proper final torques for all 4 10-mm nuts are 42 Nm and, for the 8-mm nut, 28 Nm.
 
With this issue I'm wondering about the heads and barrels. Have your delaer replace the gaskets and check the heads and barrels with a straight edge. I'm suspecting they aren't square or are warped.
 
I have swapped quite a few smallblock head gskts, still the same stuff until the metal ones. I always coat the fiber ones w/natural grease or Copper Coat spray. They seal better. Last longer.
 
I would second the copper coat. Easy to apply and install while still tacky. I use it all the time on Model T Ford head gaskets.
 
Sean_Kelly said:
Bought my V7 II in 2016, had the first service done by Todd's shop at 600 miles and they did a great job.
[...]
26,000 miles another year down the line,
Click to expand...
I am bowing down to you. That is awesome that you are able to ride your bike that much.

Changing topics... is it not about time that we organize another V7/V9 ride?
 
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