Subject: Re: re torquing heads (tip for V700 and early Ambos)

Author: Robert Hawkes

Date: Jan 21, 2001, 4:07 PM

Post ID: 1705033517

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Hi Bob,
The V65SP will not likely be a "jump-'n-go-bike" either. Plus you won't

parts or information support that you have with a Loopframe. I've never

"small-block" Guzzi, but my impression is that build quality new wasn't as

as the larger Guzzis and durability hasn't been either. Someone correct me

I'm wrong!
As for the Ambo, any money that you spend on it will likely be well spent.
Loopframes will continue to increase in value as the owner base expands

under Aprilia's ownership, and "newbies" "discover" that Guzzi had a

prior to 2001. There will most likely come a time when your relationship

this Ambo will reach a "plateau", and all that will be required of you

ride/wash/maintenance. This has been exactly my experience, though there

signs that the old '69 will need attention before too long. If you have

funding/spousal approval/garage space for a second bike, this may be the

alternative. Personally, I need at least three bikes - a Loopframe, a

(currently a Cagiva 350 Alarossa), and a sportbike (hopefully a '99

750S) to satisfy my two-wheeled moto-lust. I can't conceive of a time when

won't have at least one Loopframe though, they've just become too

of my (motorcycling) life. If there is anything I can help with, just let

know.

Charlie

Robert Hawkes wrote:

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Charlie,
Thanks for writing and I live in Rochester, NY. I bought my Ambo from

Cycle last year at this time. The bike never ran well from the day I got

The dealer just offered to me today to buy it back for what I paid for

I buy a v65sp at his shop. I just don't know. I know I love the look

the Ambo, I love old bikes in general. I love the loping gait of the

I love the way it pratically tears out from under me in 2nd gear and I

never had the attention from strangers that I get with this bike.

come up and are all friendly when I'm on the Ambo. The thing is

with character. So, there is a side to me that does not want to ever

rid of it. It's simply that it I wanted a bike that I could get on an

with not something that needed tender loving care. I guess you can't

character and a jump-'n-go-bike. Thanks again, your opinions are

Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: Charles Mullendore <C.D.Mul-@worldnet.att.net>
To: <Loopfram-@topica.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2001 7:54 PM
Subject: Re: re torquing heads (tip for V700 and early Ambos)

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Hi Bob,
Sorry your experience hasn't been a pleasant one. I consider myself

simply because this has been the most enjoyable Guzzi I've ever owned

I've

owned six Tonti framed bikes - two bought new). Mine has been very

reliable, especially for a 31 yr. old bike with 50k miles on it.

it had some

minor bugs that needed attention, the previous owner had only put 3k

on in 13 years. I done several 400 mile days on it and wouldn't hesitate

ride it

just about anywhere. I am of the opinion that any vehicle (especially

Italian one) is only as good as it's mechanic. I happen to have grown up

my

father's machine/welding shop and was exposed to several great "shade

tree" mechanics as a youth. As a result of this and further education,

become a

fairly good mechanic. This is not to call anyones mechanical abilities

to question, just the logical explanation for my success with my

sincerely hope that you will continue to try and work out whatever

problems yours may have. This list is the best place to go for advice,

"phone fixing"

only goes so far. If you don't feel confident in your mechanical

find a good shop to do the work - Moto Guzzi Classics, Cycle Garden,

Where do

you live? List members may be able to help in person. As Red Green

"We're all in this together.":-)

Charlie
'69 & (2)'71 Ambos

Robert Hawkes wrote:

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Charlie,
My name is Bob and I own a 1969 Ambo 750cc. You said in your e-mail

you

are lucky enough to own one of these". Ever since I bought my Ambo

have

had problems. I wanted a neat-old-bike and what I got was

'unreliability'.

I am seriously thinking of trading it in. Why do you consider

lucky wit this bike? Thanks, Bob Hawkes
----- Original Message -----
From: Charles Mullendore <C.D.Mul-@worldnet.att.net>
To: <Loopfram-@topica.com>
Sent: Friday, January 19, 2001 7:15 PM
Subject: Re: re torquing heads (tip for V700 and early Ambos)

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Hi Ian and All,
I had some seepage from the cylinder head area on my early '69

Ambassador.

I

thought it was the headgasket, but it turned out to be be the

used

to

seal the long "nut" opposite the sparkplug. It still leaked even

I

replaced the o-ring, tried sealer(s) and everything else that was

recommended

but nothing worked. The fix I finally came up with was to machine

another

o-ring

groove just below the first and install a second o-ring. So far,

good!

Oil

seepage from this area is usually easy to spot - it will run down

"channel"

between the top and bottom cylinder head nuts, drip onto the plug

wire,

then fly

back and decorate your saddlebags (if so fitted). Just something

keep

in mind

if you're lucky enough to own one of these and are experiencing

leakage.

Charlie

Ian Adkins wrote:

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Tim,

Interesting that you mention that. I retorqued the heads on my

Ambo

and

afterwards I had some seepage of oil from the heads. Only thing

that

I

can't remember if it was leaking before.

Ian

-----Original Message-----
From: Tim <tf-@gte.net>
To: Loopfram-@topica.com <Loopfram-@topica.com>
Date: January 19, 2001 3:24 PM
Subject: Re: re torquing heads

>Ian....

I have limited experience at best compared to most of the

the

>list, but I was told by my local dealer to back off, then

the

>heads on my Eldo. Did as instructed, and was rewarded with a

oil

leak.

>Dealer then told me that was common on the older bikes, and it

better

>just to check the torque without backing off. Can cause the

o-rings to

>leak. Gee thanks Mr. Dealer.


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