Modern Vespa

For those who are not familiar, or who may have forgotten, last spring I did something that I knew better not to. With transmission cover and variator off, I started the engine to check a suspected oil leak. Before I could utter "oh @*#$!" and hit the kill switch, the engine seized. The drive shaft moved about 1/8th inch outboard. Needed new cylinder head (in part due to broken header bolt from previous mishap), and new cylinder assembly and all the bits that go with it.

NEVER DO THAT!!

I eventually figured it best to let a pro make the fix. Transport was the big problem getting it up to Orlando, two hours north. Things finally came together a couple of weeks ago, and the good folks, notably Dave the mechanic, at Vespa of Orlando did a great job.

My wife and I drove up today, and I had a great 105 mile drive home. Boy I missed riding! Paperino the avatar is no longer sad, but back in the saddle. Woo hoo!!

As for the oil leak, I likely overfilled it, and there was some leaking near the drive shaft. Thinking that, and before I buggered things up, I pumped out some oil, and the steady leaking stopped. I still had little dribbles as what was in the case slowly came out. Don't overfill.

Have fun out there!!

[In the interest of being less vague in the title, I have ammended it]

Ooohhhhh.... Sad story. But a happy ending Glad you have your scooter back

Glad your back on the road. You do miss them when you can't ride them don't you? Hope it didn't set you back very much. For me it really pisses me off when dumb stuff i do costs me money but i get pissed when other people actions cost me money too. Can't win. Have fun and be careful.