Modern Vespa

My hub dipstick has 4 lines, but no real indicator of a max/min/normal range. Can anyone tell me where along these 4 lil lines is the normal level. I have just gotten it out of storage and am finally doing the initial changes before I start riding it regularly, but I don't wanna risk fouling it up (specially since it's technically the wife's and we're seperated right now...) Also, what is the appropriate amount of hub oil to replace and what's a good way to measure it? I'm thinking of bugging my family doc for a big syringe, since it'll have the cc's marked, but any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Welcome to MV joeCole!

The answer to both questions is in your owner's manual. My mechanic currently has my owner's manual or I'd tell you, but I think the hub oil line is the top one on the stick for the LX150 ... if I remember correctly. The other marks are for different Piaggio models. But for God's sake, don't take my word for it ... check your manual!

The amount of oil (as well as the type of oil) to drain out and replace is also in the manual. Sorry I can't be more specific! I have a lousy memory.

Top and bottom depends on which end of the dipstick you are holding at the time. And which way up you are holding it. One mark from the SHARP end, ie from the end pointing down is the right answer. Who wants to be a millionaire anyway?

http://www.wotmeworry.org.uk/manuals/Vespa/LX150/LX150E3%20Owners%20Manual.pdf

Aloha and welcome to the forum. I have my manual so here goes. The hub oil should be between the min and max level which according to the manual is as follows. Min level is the bottom bar (4th) and max is halfway between the 3rd and 4th bar. The hub oil should be SAE75W/85 and they recommend Tutela. Oh as with any oil check pull out the dipstick wipe and then dip it again to see what the true reading is. Hope this helps and have fun with your scooter.y [/i]

Thanks Judy! Always good to read your manual. I just wish I had a better memory!

TRAFFIC your welcome and i don't know why but my manual is on the table next to my computer so i didn't have to go far

I agree that stick is really hard to read. I don't know why all the lines.

Has anyone tried one of the Jettin Dipsticks? And if so, I would like to know how they worked.

They look great but are no improvement for viewing for me. I use a colored paper towel to touch it to, the oil level darkens the paper.

Also, be sure to follow this procedure from the manual:

To check the rear hub oil level, proceed as follows:
1) Park the scooter on level ground and place it on the centre stand.
2) Unscrew the dipstick "A", dry it with a clean rag and then reinsert it, screwing it tightly into place;
3) Pull out the dipstick and check that the oil level is between the MIN and MAX notches. If the oil level is below the MIN notch, top up with the required amount of hub oil.
4) Screw the dipstick back in, checking that it is locked in place.

Thanks. I shamefully admit, I was too lazy to search for the answer. I did find other posts which indicate the same about it being hard to read the oil.

The same 'stick' is used on many, many different engines. They are a very pretty device. There is no extra function from it, but you spends your money, you gets your choice.

Please never quote me for fitting out my kitchen...

Here's a fun video from Motorsport Scooters on that topic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03FBQj0tGt0&feature=related

Thank you to everyone for replying, you have all been very helpful (especially DougL, the image cleared up everything.) Thanx again, and hope to see you on the road sometime.

I have the Jettin hub oil dipstick, it is nice and chromed and good looking. Works just fine too.

Have? Or had?


(glad it worked out for you)

The hub oil dipstick I still have on my Super. The oil dipstick and hub oil dipsticks I have on my GT 200.

I'm glad things worked out for me too.

No kidding dood. Sometimes stuff happens, mistakes are made. What counts is how it is handled.

Agreed 100%.

This is exactly correct.

Best,
SDG

I couldn't read the stock dip stick at all, just couldn't see the oil mark on the black plastic, especially new oil, I bought the Jettin Chrome dipstick set, they are very easy to read and are what Vespa should have used in the first place, black plastic dipsticks what were they thinking!! .