Modern Vespa

Would appreciate some help —

I'm trying to unscrew the gear oil drain bolt on my 2022 GTS for the first time and, for some reason, I'm having a really tough time with it. I checked the service manual to make sure I am in fact working on the right bolt and I confirmed that I am using the right hex bit (6mm). I've tried using a 6" extension on both a 1/4" and 3/8" ratchet to reach the bolt, but the length of the tool makes it kind of wobbly and that makes it kind of difficult to get a solid grasp on the bolt. Every time I try to unscrew the bolt, I feel like the hex bit is going to give way before I actually get the bolt to turn. Looking at videos of other folks doing it, though, it doesn't seem like they struggle very much and I know the bolt is supposed to only be torqued to 12 foot pounds.

What am I doing wrong? I feel silly not being able to undo this one bolt as this is supposed to be a quick service task, although Piaggio sure didn't put it in an easy to access spot.

I don't think you're doing anything wrong. It's just in a position that is so awkward that makes it difficult to service it. That's the main reason I only change my gearbox oil with the rear tire off.

Hmm. Not sure how much I can help without being there, but sounds like you've got everything going right. It should be an easy task, and just being there to have a go at it would make it a lot easier....

BTW, I assume you're doing your own first service? That rules out some clod overtightening the bolt in the first place. My guess is that you just need to be more aggressive with it, but the risk is slipping and rounding off the head if it doesn't give. Definitely be sure everything is firmly in place and squared off if you do. ....

Haha yeah, I don't believe the bolt has ever been touched outside of the factory. I had a mechanic do the engine oil + filter change when installing the sight glass oil pan, but I'm doing the rest of the first service myself.

I think you're right and I haven't been applying enough forward pressure, although I'm always nervous about doing so. Will try again today and hopefully have better luck.

A little fear is a good thing. Countless rounded bolts and stripped threads lie in the wake of hubris.

Oh I can round out and strip a bolt with no hubris at all! No problem with that

Alas, I wasn't able to get the drain bolt unscrewed today either. Not sure if I mucked something up, but I'm going to ask the dealership to do it at this point.

Probably the safest. A few bucks to save kicking yourself later.

...and not all that urgent, IMO...

It's best to be cautious when undoing bolts. Lots of people round the heads because of using the wrong technique. The bolt was probably over-torqued at the factory. Just make sure the 6mm hex is fully inserted into the bolt head and try to keep the bar straight when applying force on the ratchet handle. There is a copper crush washer on the bolt that should be replaced when the oil is changed. Filling the new oil can be tricky without spilling it. It's best to use a plastic syringe with a short piece of hose attached to the nozzle. This way you can also accurately measure how much oil you are putting in.

... and he'll tell you it doesn't need changing

Yeah, my technique likely was off. It's really tricky getting the hex bit fully inserted while keeping the tool straight because the top of the extension / ratchet touches the bottom of the exhaust. And then applying force is also really tricky because the length of the ratchet with the extension and bit makes it want to wobble, and the awkward position of the bolt makes it tricky to stabilize the tool.

My guess is that I wasn't careful enough when first attempting to unscrew it as the head is definitely a little iffy at this point (although the inside still looks okay) Still very much learning how to do my own work; hopefully I didn't muck things up too bad. lol that is EXACTLY what they said when I called. And when I mentioned it's in the owner's manual so I'd like to have it done, they hesitantly agreed to help.

Righty tightly. Lefty loosie?

Haha yes, although I questioned myself a few times.

Tyre off, use hand-held impact tool with judicious use of hammer.

Ah, I see part of the problem.Likely hard to square up the connection ...not sure a wobble extension would do the trick as its so tight....

So I guess it was my technique after all as I had the dealership change the gear oil for me today and they didn't have any issues with it.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Oh well, I'm just glad that it's done and that they did a good job. Now my first service is officially behind me and I can start racking up some miles.

Well, glad it's done. Would be nice if you could have someone check your technique! My mechanic let me watch him do the service and gave info the whole while.

Now go ride!

And he only charged twice as much because you were watching.

He should have. I asked enough questions!

Unless it goes boom!

Propane, Acetylene etc usually have "reverse" threads, you go righty loosey and vice versa on them.

Righty tighty lefty loosey unless it goes boom!

Or unless you have a scooter where one mirror has a RH thread and the other a LH thread. That includes Yamaha scooters, Genuine Buddy's, and some Vespas.

Excellent point! This must be kept in mind when working mirrors!

Bicycles also have one pedal that is reverse threaded for a similar reason, the pedal on the left is reverse threaded as well.

I am pretty sure there are some other things as well but as a general rule righty tighty is correct.

and of course here in the land down under everything is upside down 🇦🇺