Modern Vespa

Hi all,

I have an SS180 with oil all over the back wheel and a drip. It starts when cold but cuts out when it gets hot. I think this means it needs some attention - seals? One specific seal? All seals? Sump plug and oil fill bolt are nice and tight.

I'm happy to tackle the job but what's the best manual or reference to see how to do it? I haven't found anything online that shows me what needs doing.

Thanks all, and look forward to sharing more issues with various Vespas that I am working on at the moment.

Charlie

Sounds like you have multiple issues. This will be difficult to trouble shoot online. You need someone who knows about SS180's to look it over IMO.

Rear axel seal leaking? Fuel or ignition issues. That would be a start.

A number of video tutorials on YouTube

Hi both,

Thanks for this. Not looking for a diagnosis online, I was asking about which manual or where I can find a guide to the engine so I can see what needs doing.

I had a look on YouTube but couldn't see anything that shows an SS180 engine seal replacement. Do you have a link to one?

Charlie

Here are some manuals and a link to a general engine break down.

You will need to split the cases. Replace all seals, cruciform, and main bearings.
Sounds like you may have some other issues as well , regarding cutting out at speed. Fuel flow? Electrics?

All these links are relevant to the job. The SS has some slight differences than what is referenced in all of the links here. Do note the SS engine has some bits and bobs that are unique and hard to source so be very careful as you proceed.

https://www.scooterhelp.com/tips/engine/engine.drop.lf.vespa.html

https://www.scootermercato.com/Garage/Tech-Tips/Engine-Disassembly

https://www.amazon.com/Restore-Classic-Largeframe-Vespa-Scooters/dp/1787110281/ref=asc_df_1787110281?mcid=242d5568e1e933bd864679eac134dede&hvocijid=2025498939496440646-1787110281-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2025498939496440646&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9196317&hvtargid=pla-2281435177578&psc=1

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/how-to-restore-and-maintain-your-vespa-motorscooter-motorbooks-workshop-motorbooks-workshop_bob-darnell_bob-golfen/467649/item/10431737/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=us_shopping_zombies_hvfl_2155271854&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=&utm_content=719330010207&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw-qi_BhBxEiwAkxvbkLie4KIP3ZNMiU3BJAMo5K8rncnbdvYOL5ADWecvD6x20uss5_jnURoCmUcQAvD_BwE#idiq=10431737&edition=5656094

https://www.amazon.com/Vespa-Scooters-Owners-Workshop-Manual/dp/0856961264/ref=asc_df_0856961264?mcid=594107174d443bf086313d361f247283&hvocijid=2025498939496440646-0856961264-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2025498939496440646&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9196317&hvtargid=pla-2281435177418&psc=1

Many thanks. Good info. A big job ahead...

There really isn't a good engine rebuild manual for the SS180. I've had my SS for 34 years (holy shit!), and I've rebuilt the engine three times (mainly new seals every 10 years), and have put about 35,000 miles on it.

One mistake I did on my first rebuild was that I followed the parts manual in terms of rebuild part order, but there is an error in the book. On this page:

http://www.scooterhelp.com/manuals/VSC1T.parts.manual/p4.jpg

The seal for the left side of the crankshaft (item #9) and the bearing for the same side (item #11) look like they go on opposite sides of the engine casing on the left side. They do not. So, when reinstalling the seal and bearing on the left side, first the seal goes in, then the bearing OVER it, then the C-clip that holds both in. That really confused me for a long time, made it very hard to start.

You can also temporarily remove the clutch cover breather on top of the clutch cover, then start it, then put your finger over that hole and feel for large pressure trying to get out there. Caused by the pressure of the fuel air mix getting pushed out past a bad left side seal rather than all going up into the combustion area above the piston. And, check your crankscase oil - Is it diluted with fuel? - that's a good indicator that the left hand crankshaft seal is leaking.

Post here when you have questions, I and all the GS160 and SS180 folks will help you. We're cool like that.

- Paul

Is the fly side crank bearing lubricated by the gear oil ? Seals on each side ?

Thanks Paul!

The SS180 engine will be done tomorrow morning. Got seals and gaskets so all good.

In the last couple of weeks I have brought an old GS160 to life with various small fixes. It just needs a speedo cable (previous owner fitted a GS150 cable which doesn't work) and fuel tap change, then will be fully working and up for sale. Fuel leaks sorted.

GS150 VS5 I own has had some holes welded up (previous owner drilled through the body and legshield - WHY?!?!?), some bad filler and paint touch ups, currently sorting hilarious dodgy wiring bodges. This bike has no damping but can't figure out how to remove shock from top mount as suspect the central threaded rod is broken somewhere. Will be done this week and then possible repaint or continue with home made paint touch ups.

So this week I may end up with a working SS180, working GS150 and working GS160. One to be sold, one maybe sold and possibly restored, the SS180 is a keeper.

More news to follow....

Engine split.
[/img]

In situ.

Color me impressed

Seals in one side. Bike flipped old school. Now onto the next...

Going back together...

And in all this, why are fuel taps so annoying. Got a brand new one, it oozes fuel from the two screws. Old ones, they ooze. Grrr

It lives. Lots of gunk in various parts of the carb cleaned out. New seals and gaskets, stator wiring replaced, points adjusted. Now running properly and not spewing oil.

Right on!

...and damn it is a looker!

Thanks. It looks cute but may be the devil incarnate. After this photo was taken it completely refused to start and is now back in the garage. Grrr. More fettling to be done.

This GS160 works though (put your sunglasses on and hold back on the comments please - I didn't do it):

I dunno about anyone else, but I like it!

Thanks! Not sure it's my cup of tea but it fits a certain British mod style.

Also what happened to the original front mudguard, cowls, engine shroud, etc etc. Why do people do these things to an original Vespa?!?

Anyway, up and running and on Ebay: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/135688938540

Imagine throwing a pair of yellow boots at that thing

Did someone say "British Mod"?