Modern Vespa

I bought my 2007 MP3 with milky oil, so I knew what I was letting myself into.
As there was no leak from the bleed/overflow nipple (?) on the stator cover I figured a blown head gasket was the culprit. So, I dropped the engine and stripped off the head. To my dismay there was no visible signs of water/coolant egress . So, with the engine already out I stripped the water pump. There I found the cause, the bearings were almost seized with rust. I re-installed the head – not forgetting to replace the head gasket, the valve cover gasket, the (5) valve cover screw gaskets, the auto decompression slider/ gasket and the four cylinder stud 'o' rings – then turned my attention to the water pump. I took a chance on buying a water pump repair kit and after reading a thread on the forum took my chances on installing the ceramic oil seal using the pvc pipe method. Just like the author of the post, I destroyed the oil seal on my first attempt. Unlike the author I took a step back to weigh up my options:
1. New Water Pump - $139.00
2. Used Water Pump - $89.00
4. Oil Seal Water Pump Installation Tool - $180
3. Replacement Ceramic Oil Seal $16
After calling my local dealer, I was quoted $250 to install the water pump in the casing. I think I must have been the only person ever to ask how much just to install the oil seal in a case. They had no comprehension of someone just taking the case into the service shop and installing the oil seal.
Then ….. I was researching prices when I noticed tucked away on Scooter West website and offer to re-build water pump for $40, why isn't this on their YouTube channel? . How I wish I had know this before I started.. I'm guessing it's just the labor charge and postage (there and back) along with parts is extra – but this is epic.
Replacement Ceramic Oil Seal $16
Postage $20
Labor $40
Total $76 - That has to be the most cost effective option.
I'm going to call on Monday to book my appointment.
I had forgotten to order a replacement oil sump gasket with the cylinder head consumables, I also found a few other worn items in the engine –So, I may get a deal on the return postage bundling the extra service items.
So, these are my three tips for today, If you have milky oil – Consider the water pump first, secondly don't forget to clear the oil sump and pump of gunk before re-filling with dollar -store oil and eBay filter. Then flush it all out and add the good stuff. And don't forget you can have your water pump rebuilt at scooterwest.