Modern Vespa

Hi there,

I have a question regarding these rubber bushings, aka, silentblocs. My engine needs a new pair before I put it back into the frame, so I have ordered a set from easyparts.nl

https://www.easyparts.nl/Silentbloc-Engine-Connection-p26289533

When I got them, I instantly noticed an issue that the outer diameter is 24mm, but my crankcase holes are 22mm ... there is just no way this is going to go in. I knew they were a different design that the old one...the old one is just a rubber bush, no outside metal sleeve, but I didn't think this would be an issue, of course, as long as the specs fit my case.

I tried to look online desperately to see how people were dealing with this, because surely I am not the only one in this situation. But I cannot find really any reference or video regarding this.... strange, or I am missing something and the joke is on me ...

Before I start correcting the issue, I am wondering what people think of this. Because this is the only silentbloc design I have seen nowadays ... 24mm x 30mm with 10mm hole ... I don't see anyone selling the old style, so I naturally wonder what is everyone doing when changing them. Because I hear they go quite regularly after certain mileage on the bike.

Thanks for your input.
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This could be a difference between the Leader and Pre-Leader engines.

It's definitely pre-Leader bike so I ordered pre-Leader model year part.

The part number on that Easyparts page is 486081 - which is the number for the Leader engine silent block. I'm afraid I can't find the Pre-leader parts list - anyone?

Easyparts lists the same part number for both engines.

Looks like the same size is used in anything from ET4 onwards…. Not much distinction for different years in ET4.

https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/rubber-engine-mounting-bush-crankcase-o-i-10mm-a-24x30-mm-for-vespa-et4-lx-lxv-s-gts-gts-super-gtv-gt-60-gt-gt-l-50-300ccm-4t-ac-lc_PI486081?usrc=Silent%20Block%20Engine%20Swing%20Arm

I wouldn't bother with this problem if there is no other solution (which there isn't, I haven't found another suitable product). I would adjust the diameter on a lathe, there will certainly be enough material left to press into a block. So that I don't forget, I greet the neighbor in the Czech Republic.

Yeah, I am ready to do just that.

I just wanted to post this here first, because it seems kind of weird that they are selling a wrong part like this. I still cannot believe it to be honest... I have never experienced anything of this sort with official parts bought through parts diagram.

It's probably too late, but I thought about using polyurethane materials, they are of better quality than rubber.

I guess if one known the right compound you could make one.

For now, I will just throw it in the lathe and mill it down. Or if I cannot get access to friend's lathe I will have to find a way to grind the cylinder evenly 2 mils down. I have some ideas... We will see.

It's too bad that pays 6 Eur per piece and still has to finish off the product at home...

https://www.energysuspensionparts.com/energy-suspension-universal-polyurethane-bushings.asp

Anything here that would work? Urethane is easy to machine with a sander.

Nothing which would be easily usable or adjustable.

For what it's worth, I ended up machining the part from Easyparts. The customer service there is telling me that they have sold thousands of these since they started selling them and I am the first one with an issue ... I don't get it, but it's not the first strange thing and certainly not the last one. I sent them pictures and they could not really explain what they were seeing ....

Probably too late but the part number you are looking for is 266773 it's available at sip scooter shop, they seem to be the only one who have the correct part number on the explo diagram. I just fitted them to my 98 pre leader. I had the same issues, bought the newer ones did not fit, hardly any info on the old ones. However part 266773 is 100% correct not metal casing and easy fit.
Cheers

That is strange, because when I look up the part number on SIP site, it shows completely different image than what my OEM looked like.

https://www.sip-scootershop.com/en/product/rubber-engine-mounting-bush-crankcase-piaggio-for-vespa-et4-hexagon-lx-liberty-sfera-125-150ccm-4t_PI266773?q=266773

At any rate, I got the metal one in after a considerable modification ... it was not fun. Hopefully I don't have to deal with it again.

I just shake my head when the NL seller easyparts told me that they sold tens of thousands of those without ANYONE ever complaining ... ... yeah sure.

Yep your totally right, I had the same issue I would have not bought if I saw the old I took out, I bought it before even looking at the bush area, it was more a preventative thing as I was planning to take the engine out.

It actually conformed perfect into the housing once pressed it.

Anyway hopefully you don't have to worry about it anymore just putting this here to help others in future.

Cheers

Sounds good, thanks.