Modern Vespa

Hey, I'm fixing a 1976 Vespa 150 for a friend and I was told that crankcase seals are a potential issue on a machine this old. Are they a big deal to replace? I'm looking at the parts book and it looks like I can get at them without splitting the cases. Does that sound right?

You'll need to split the case regardless, because you need to remove the crank. However, if you're lucky, that 150 engine may be the second iteration, so more like an early P series. These have different cranks and easier to change bearings and oil seals. The crank taper and nut on the flywheel side will tell you what you have. If you do have the later design, you can at least change the flywheel side seal without splitting the case.

Doh! Okay. I was thinking about doing it preemptively but I guess I'll wait. This was worked on before me and supposedly has new main bearings. I would hope that means the seals were replaced, too but with some of the other stuff I found that's far from guaranteed.

What part of the burbs are you in? I'm in NW Philly.