Oil filter addition - Adapting an existing block to use an internal filter
Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, and 850 California Police models
Updated:
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Guzziology covers this technique fairly well. A few pointers from when I converted my Ambassador:
This modification can only be done on engine cases that have the additional horizontal webbing. This includes all Eldorado models and a very few late Ambassador models (of which mine is one).
I could not locate an aluminum bolt to plug the existing threaded hole. Instead, I threaded a short length of 8 mm aluminum rod I had on hand. Takes very little time, works great and is a lot easier to find than aluminum fasteners.
Guzziology mentions using 55 mm long allen head bolts. This is important. Hex head bolts will not fit within the fins on the underneath of the pan. The allen head bolts work perfect.
George Dockray's write-up
George Dockray did a brief write-up about this technique and posted it on the Guzzi Power website. There is a minor error in his write up with regard to the proper size holes to drill in each location. Paul Linn caught the error and sent me the corrected version:
Modifying Non Filter Cases to Filter Style by George Dockray
Even though Guzziology gives a complete run-down for this mod, here are some pictures that will make the process a bit more clear.
(A) Plug threaded hole from pre-filter main bearing housing with red Lock-tighted aluminum bolt.
(B) Drill 8 mm (5⁄16 inch) hole through existing boss at bottom of case.
(C) Existing main bearing hole is blanked off by new filter-type main bearing housing.
(D) Drill 10 mm (3⁄8 inch) hole through existing boss at bottom of case.
(E) Using new filter-style main bearing housing as a guide, drill & tap 8 mm relocated mount hole.
Thanks to Rob Anderson for providing the following information on the old Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group (which has now moved to Groups.io). In Rob' own words:
I am rebuilding my ‘74 Police Eldorado. The chrome bores had worn through and been circulated through the engine. Mains had bits of chrome embedded in them and journals scored (but not too badly) I decided to go 1st undersize on mains and big ends and use a later sump with oil filter. The only modification I had concern about was drilling the new 8 mm oil gallery to the later style front main bearing. I was able to do it myself on a good drill press and some set-up time.
