Modern Vespa

Does anyone else clean the Variator and Belts with water from the hose as maintenance?
I've changed my belts on my Vespa now for the last 5 years on 4 scooter 150, 200, 250 and 300 gts
1st thing I do is clean all the parts inside the CVT housing with brake cleaner when changing the belt.
What I notices is the housing of the CVT transmission is sealed and very dirty and dusty. Most of it is grim from the belt dust and roller wear. My air filter is usually clean every oil change and is very dirty after 2000-3000 miles oil changes.

So I started implementing a cleaning of the roller/belt housing using water from the hose.
I flood water into the air cleaner intake and run the engine / transmission to circulate water in the rollers/variator transmission / belt housing for 2-3 mins.
What I notices is a ton of black water cleaning the seal housing.
It seems to me that this is a good practice to keep these moving parts clean between belt changes and maintenance. I've open the housing after a cleaning and notices the CVT transmission is clean and free of dust build up.


Who else does this water cleaning as maintenance?
Who thinks this is stupid?
What kind of problems will this cause?
Found no threads about this procedure or maintenance!
I've been doing this for 3 years now and see no issues but benefits as maintenance. I even think this may prolonged the life of CVT belts by keeping this area clean and belts free of dust accumulation.

Please chime in!

I wouldn't, but you seem to have no problems?

the components in there are meant to operate dry and introduction to water also means the possibility of rust which would drastically shorten the lifespan of specific things.

not to mention if the seals of the crank, gearbox or clutch are compromised. which, that would be a bad time all around and that can't be good for the bearings on the idler pulley or trans cover.

it's certainly unconventional, that's for sure.

Well I would submit to your expertise by all means.
Looking back I feel the bears and premature rusting is definitely a possible problem. I also think the water may short out the electric starter since it's not sealed.
Maybe it not a good plan after all.
I have ridden in the rain and puddles of water and thought this exposure was similar but maybe not a good practice after a second thought.
I always like good feedback.

Answer: Don't water clean your CVT housing with water!

Greasys spot on, you will create yourself a big hangover when you don't need one .
Compressed air, Clutch & brake cleaner

OTOH, the CVT runs hot enough that it's going to dry out almost immediately.

Saw this on insta and remembered this thread

(Not a judgement)

Soft wire brush and brake cleaner does the job