Subject: Re: The Same Yet So Different
Author: Alan Dunphy
Date: Jul 1, 2002, 1:01 PM
Post ID: 1710525323
Don,
Question # 1. They are DB bags with Ford truck tail lights fitted
into the back on the White Eldo, and I think the bags on black Ambo are
Bates but it's been along time and the bags were on it when I got it. I
never paid much attention to the accessories on the Ambo (it was my beater,
remember) other than the fairing as the label is in plain view when riding.
Question # 2. I have never had that type of oil loss problem with
any of the loops that I've owned. If the breather you put on was not new,
did you verify that the check valve was free, they tend to get gummed up
sometimes. Especially if the bike it came off had sat for a while. Easy to
check, just touch it gently with a pencil erasure, it should move freely.
Don,t push it more than an eight of an inch or so, you don't want to bend
the spring. Also check that the drain back line (the smaller of the two
that go into the block) is not partially or totally clogged. It is not
abnormal to some oil enter the breather but not more than can drain back to
block. The line is long and curved and ends with a banjo fitting in the
clutch cavity. If the bike sat for any length of time that may be stopped
up. If it is clogged you might be able to clean it with solvent and air
pressure after removing the oil pan. Make sure it is free of solvent before
adding fresh oil. Removing the line requires removal of the flywheel, A lot
of work.
I tend lean towards the possible blowby in the cylinders that may
be creating undue crankcase pressure especially after the engine gets hot.
Sleeved cylinders can be a problem if they are NOT properly done. My brother
is currently having a problem with oil consumption (blue Smoke) on his Eldo
with fresh resleeved cylinders. Make sure you do a compression check when
the engine it up to full operating temp and compare it to a cold check.
According to "Guzziology" iron liners can also leak at the head gasket
resulting in a compression leak into the push rod holes and forcing high
crankcase pressure and oil out of the vent. If I were to redo my engine I
would go with new Nikasil cylinder sets, the price is higher but the results
are better from what I here.
Those are my best guesses but I am not an expert by any means, I
just read a lot and try hard. I can't find anything other than the above in
any of my books and I think I have at least one copy of them all.
Question # 3. A leak down test requires a fitting for the spark plug
hole and an air pressure source and gauge. If a compressor is not available
some rental places have portable air tanks. Make sure both intake and
exhaust valves are closed. Block off the supply then monitor the air
pressure drop. I will defer to any of the other experienced Guzzisti for
the amount of time the pressure should take to drop, I have never had a call
to do this test on a Guzzi. If adding oil to the combustion chamber (just
enough to coat the rings, a squirt or two aimed at the high side of the
piston) increases the time it takes for the air pressure to drop then you
are not getting a good ring seal, if it does NOT then you have a choice
between head gasket leak or bad valves. You can do the oil trick on the
compression test also, if the oil increases the compression dramatically
then its the rings, otherwise NOT.
Of course you could always just stay below 55MPH. Good luck, hope
you find the problem and get it fixed, 55 don't sound like all that much
fun.
Alan
'74 Eldorado LAPD Wixomized
MGNOC 4352
Alan R. Dunphy
adun-@midmaine.com
Pittsfield, ME 04967-1426
----- Original Message -----
From: <dc-@webtv.net>
To: <Loopfram-@topica.com>
Sent: Monday, July 01, 2002 1:50 PM
Subject: RE: The Same Yet So Different
Hi,I was reading your response regarding the difference between the ELDO
and AMBO.You sound like you have alot of experience with Guzzi's.Iam
new to the Moto Guzzi motorcycle.I recently picked up a 1973
Eldorado.Iam experiencing a major probleem with oil loss.It seems that
when the bike is driven over 65mph on hot days the engine is pushing oil
out the breather box vent tube.Recnently on a 60 mile ride to the city I
lost almost 2 quarts of oil :-(.This happened previously and it was
recommended replacing the breather box.I did that and still hav oil
loss.
The actual miles on the bike is unknown.The previous owner resleeved
the cylinders and replaced the rings while using the stock pistons..At
this time my compression is a little under 120lbs in both sides.I was
told that I may have cylinder problems and need to do a leak down test.
Do you have any ideas as to what is going on?Have you ever done a leak
down test?What is the procedure for doing that test?
I really love the bike.It starts every time and seems to run good.I
would really like t repair this problem and enjoy the bike.
Any halp would be geatly appreciated.
Don