Subject: Swingarm Seal Woe
Author: jas-@xenakes.com
Date: Apr 17, 2003, 11:36 AM
Post ID: 1712663899
Hi,
I've been reading the list for some time now and have really benefitted
from many of the posts. Thanks to all. I'll give you some background
information by way of an introduction and then just jump into my current
dilemma with a 1970 Ambassador.
I had a 'lucky guy' (or 'rat', depending on how you look at it) moment
four years ago when I came across three Ambassadors and an incredible
amount of spares in a western Pennsylvania barn/water shed. After
getting everything home, I found that all three bikes were 1970
Ambassadors. Two were in dire need of the restorative arts and the
third, after minimal fuss, started...
Initially, I had no intentions of doing much more to any of these bikes;
I was most interested in British iron, had a few too many projects, and
very little time. Over the years, however, I found myself enamored with
the Guzzis - like some character in a bad horror film, drawn to the evil
gateway in the basement - I could not stop futzing around with them. I
sold the British projects, the extraneous (I use that word VERY lightly
here) running machines, and set myself to restoring two of the Guzzis. I
began in January of this year.
The current restoration is well underway: all powdercoating, etc. is
finished. New bearings have been installed all around. All parts are new
or rebuilt and waiting for fitment.
Here's the problem: When fitting the rear swingarm to the frame, the
seal on the right side tends to pop out when tightening the spindle. I
checked that the bearing was properly seated in the swingarm, and that
there wasn't excessive grease forcing it out. I've tried to fit it now
four times. The seal simply doesn't want to stay in there, and is
visibly making it's escape as soon as I give it a pinch. What's up? Have
I missed something here?
Thanks in advance to any replies. Furthermore, if anyone would like to
contribute a little wisdom to this project (like ' something to consider
before...' or 'boneheaded things new guzzi builders do') I'd really
appreciate it. If I'm already in the 'bonehead' category, by all means,
let me know!
Thanks!
Jason X.