Modern Vespa

I've never seen this question here (and yeah, I searched ) so maybe it's a non-issue but are there any problems running the engine without the CVT cover and variator installed?

I'm troubleshooting an oil leak at the top of the sump and am pretty sure it's only a loose bolt and not a boogered-up gasket. I have everything removed and all the gunk cleaned up but would like to run the engine for a few minutes to see if there's any seeping there before I reinstall (and cover up) everything. Worse case, it seeps and I replace that gasket but I'd like to avoid doing that if at all possible (it has already been replaced once).

Thoughts?

Oh yeah, it's a 2009 BV250 with 37k miles on it. TIA!

Why do you need the CVT installed? Remove everything that spins and you'll get more room to poke around. Dust the suspected area with baby powder to help identify the source.

Spray on foot powder works better.

I don't. I just wanted to make sure it was OK to run without any of the transmission bits installed.

And good tip about powder, thank you.

No, you shouldn't run the engine with the variator removed. There's a video by 'Robot' at scooterwest telling you what can happen if you do. Sorry, no link but if I remember correctly it's in one of the complete engine rebuild videos. But I've heard of folks that have done it and the world hasn't ended.

If the variator is not clamped in place, there is a chance the timing chain sprocket on the crankshaft will dis-engage from the crankshaft, The result would be timing shifts, bent camshafts and probably damaged piston crown. Not worth the risk

And it you run the engine with the transmission cover off and the clutch bell not bolted in place, the clutch shoes will spring out and clobber anything within reach, apart from stretching the springs and rendering them useless.

So be very careful.

Mike

I do it just don't rev it up.

John

Thank you all, I'll button everything up and give her a go and keep my fingers crossed the oil leak is resolved.

So he could just bolt the variator on with no belt?

Yes. The rollers would immediately shoot out all the way in the variator (unless they were removed). I don't seed any problem there. I hadn't thought of that simple answer.

Mike

Without the variator , no load on the crank. Just let it idle.