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Re: Delving into VSE1M
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 11:01 pm
by storkfoot
Well I have a Vespa engine stand now so it would be rude not to use it again
Vespas may have less engine parts but there are so many variations of the same part. Much more so than Lambrettas.
Anyway, the next engine build will be a Vega

Re: Delving into VSE1M
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 4:03 pm
by cgt75b
Great thread, keep up the good work I think we are all learning something ! Well I know I am.
Sent my switch off to be rewired/repaired at a well known dealer, came back damaged because they couldn't be arsed to package it correctly ! Pissed off is an understatement.
Good luck with the rest of your build : )
Re: Delving into VSE1M
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 11:21 pm
by storkfoot
Hope you get the switch sorted without having to pay out again.
The only reason I started this thread was because, unlike Lambretta engine builds, you seem to rarely see large frame Vespa ones despite there being so many on the road. I'm not sure why to be honest.
Also, I was also intrigued as to what this engine looked like inside given that it'd been off the road for so many years and only had 1500 miles on the clock when I got it (and the speedo still worked).
Anyway, I need to get a shift on with this. I need this engine back in the frame and my GP totally stripped by a week tomorrow [that's never going to happen

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Re: Delving into VSE1M
Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 9:37 pm
by storkfoot
Managed to find an hour today to get the casing back together without killing any more seals. Also, clutch back in and have used a Cosa nut rather than the castellated standard.
Am I correct in saying that there are no recommended torque settings for the clutch nut or the 12 casing nuts?
Re: Delving into VSE1M
Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 9:59 pm
by GLscoot
Re: Delving into VSE1M
Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2015 10:58 pm
by storkfoot
Excellent. Thank you.
Re: Delving into VSE1M
Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 6:38 pm
by storkfoot
Engine was finished off last weekend so, over the last couple of days, I managed to get it in the frame.
As this is my first Vespa engine rebuild, it was with some trepidation that I prodded the kickstart. Initially, my worst fears were confirmed. Little or no compression. Actually, no, the flywheel is hardly moving, did I put the woodruff key in?
Flywheel removed, woodruff key is there. Then it occurred to me that I haven't properly cabled it up yet so I wonder if the clutch is partly on? I then activate the clutch____ snap!
Something is clearly not right in the headset if it has been catching there.
Re: Delving into VSE1M
Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 6:56 pm
by GLscoot
Did you lube the barrel with 2T when you put the engine together, I usually just wipe the barrel lightly with 2T to help with the new piston or rings.
Re: Delving into VSE1M
Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 7:43 pm
by storkfoot
Yes I did. I always do that too
Re: Delving into VSE1M
Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 8:00 pm
by GLscoot
Where about on the clutch cable did it snap, as you may not of pushed the outer far enough into the headset, you should be able to see the end of the cable outer when you remove the lever.