Frankenbike

[studiotanscott]

Hey there guys! This will be my first post here, or anywhere for that matter re: my Guzzi. Recently acquired a '75 T-3 in which the engine was replaced with a '90 Cal 1000cc. Have no tach or instrument panel (or warning lights) of any kind--getting a leak at rear drive(rear hub is coated). Vibration is fairly severe esp. at low apparent rpm's and smooths out somewhat at higher revs on L&R footboards but is still very uncomfortable. originally thought over-filling the rear drive and tranny was the culpret re: leaks and have roughly synced the carbs for small improvement in vibes. I am completely new at turning wrenches
and could use some guidance--Thanks Scott-- P.S. I own Guzziology and the Haynes Workshop manual

 

[Chris R]

Vibration from the floorboards is usually a sign that the UJ and/or support bearings are on their way out. The UJ 's are rebuildable (if you can find the bearings - they are a strange size) if they haven't gone to far but it is one of those things that is relatively easy if you have a press and do them on a regular basis and a pain if you don't. Cost wise, you are still ahead of buying chains and sprockets even if you have to buy a complete new UJ. Grease splines with moly or similar. The rear seal is easy to replace but inspect the surface that it runs on is not scored. The rear drive and tranny sometimes will leak if not properly vented.

The guzzi is about the easiest modern bike to work on and difficult to screw up so wrench away. The rear drive takes may 20 minutes to remove and an hour to put back on - the gaiter can be a pain to fit.

Once sorted guzzi's go pretty much forever.

Chris R

 

[rolf j]

Vibration from the floorboards is usually a sign that the UJ and/or support bearings are on their way out. The UJ 's are rebuildable (if you can find the bearings - they are a strange size)

I tried to buy separate crosses&bearings some years back and experienced that the total price was near enough a complete unit, and opted for a total unit for convenience. Funny though how exactly this type of bearings/crosses stuck out like sore thumb in the price list - higher than others..... :?

If the UJ is gone then the support bearing obviously should be replaced as well. In fact the support bearing is so standard&cheap from your local store that I'd say that when the back swingarm is off, you should consider replacing it even if the UJ can stay in there longer (which I doubt judging from the vibrations you notice...)

 

[studiotanscott]

Dear Chris--Thanks for your help--yes I read that the cross is mysteriously expensive and that it is a good idea to go ahead and replace the support bearing while the swingarm is off. It seems that I recall that the cross could possibly be inverted if not too worn. A lot of my difficulties in doing some of these fixes is the lack of proper tools and the $$'s to buy them. As of this writing, I have not become a member of the Guzzi National Owners club. so I'd guess its about time to do so.
I noticed also that there is a steady leak at the clutch, and wonder if the o'ring at the thrust bearing needs to be replaced--if so -to what lengths must I go to do this--Scott

 

[Chris R]

Does it smell like tranny fluid or engine oil? Tranny related is either the seal around the hub or the pushrod seal - hopefully the later as it is easily rectified without removing much. O rings around the pushrod are the go solution - see Guzziology.
If it is engine oil look at the return line hose and check that the rubber hose hasn't perished and hose clamps are tight.

The guzzi really needs only a handful of tools to take apart and really no specialized tools you can't make yourself - the clutch centering tools and the special socket to remove the crankshaft nut as pretty much it.

Inverting the cross is a waste of time and likely to only get you 10 more miles down the road. I recall that I once obtained the bearings and crosses as part of kit from I think a John Deere lawn tractor - forget the model. It was way cheaper but hard to find. You need an arbor press - not really dear.

MG cycle do them for $80 per cross and 25 for the support bearing, so $180 and the risk of buggering it and an afternoon of faving about or buy a whole kit with support bearing and new gaiter for $240 - make your choice! It is actually not unreasonable when you think on a normal bike that would probably equate to 4 sets of chains and sprockets. My choice would obviously be the new one as when the bearings start to fail it also hammers the rest of the joint.

Have Fun and remember it is a 30+ year old bike - things will need sorting out.

 

[vintageguzzi]

HEY ! That's my old bike !

Sold it a few years ago to a guy in Houston so you might have bought it from him ?

Owned it about 3 years, fun as hell to ride and gets lots of attention.

I know the history, who did the engine swap, and various mods/maintenance I performed during the time I owned her.

Give me a call if you want: 480-969-0532

Greg