Modern Vespa

Has got to be the most difficult part of building these early engines. Not only do have to mount the entire mechanism onto the output shaft, you have to set the spring. A clamp helps as you warm up the flyside case to mount. Remove the clamp and you have to apply pressure onto the mechanism as it will push off negating all the work you have done so far. You are applying pressure onto the mechanism as you mount the warmed flyside case with your other hand. You also have to have slotted bush kickstart segment orientated to allow the kickstart mechanism index screw to be installed; if not, you will be opening those cases and starting over. Olympic achievements.


This engine is from 1951.

Wow! I wonder if you could make a tool similar to a Lambretta fork tool that could grab the kickstart assembly a little lower so the half of the case could be aligned and then the tool removed and then the big shove home?

no need. a simple store bought clamp works. You still have to take the clamp off and apply pressure to the mechanism with one hand while installing the case with the other.

Was there a piaggio factory tool made to assist this process? I guess it's not necessary better than the clamp from what your saying… just curious.

Yeah, I've always done it the other way with the kickstart mechanism installed on the flywheel side. There is a tool (hook with a handle really) to pull the spring into alignment. I've never had much luck with your method.

I was wondering the same concerning a GS 150 engine going to have to do a rebuild soon and my memory is I installed the kicker in the fly side case.

you are correct and it's different then V30-V33.