Early Vespa engine bearing retainers.

[lambro]

I am sure most people who have built Vespa engines know how weak the alloy circlip retainers for the driveside bearings are
Hit too hard and snap all the alloy off, and the bearing is free floating.

I have scrapped several PX125/150 cases for this reason, and had a coupla 200 cases wlded and ground to suit.

I also have been told that a 'bodge' repair is to remove the circlip, and screw a coupla washers in the slotted area's and use these washers as a stop for the bearing.
I have never tried this, or had much faith in it as a proper repair.

But, (always a 'but').
I am doing a favour for a mate, driveside seal.
(take the gear oil level bung out and it spews petrol like a cow having a p155).
Anyway, this is the first 150 Super driveside seal I have had to do,



And I found the factory also use 2 washers and NO circlip on this early 1968 150 Super.

I have no idea if this is standard, but thought I would share

[Bifter]

That's nothing to do with H is it ? anything is possible if it is

[gaz_powell]

I have a factory px engine (1983 crossover model) which uses the same system - my mate had a same year P2 and that was the same - they both used an oblong plate and not a circular washer with a tab washer - 7mm stud tapped into the casing

so definitely not a bodge but I have never seen one on such an early model

I have saved a few 200 casings with this method - there`s one in my current p2 has been done for years and I have no issue with it - Just about to do another on some casings I`m salvaging.

SIP offer a similar solution with circlip type arrangement that uses studs to bolt it in place

[joeythescooterboy]

Had no idea they used autolube that early???

[lambro]

I have a factory px engine (1983 crossover model) which uses the same system - my mate had a same year P2 and that was the same - they both used an oblong plate and not a circular washer with a tab washer - 7mm stud tapped into the casing

so definitely not a bodge but I have never seen one on such an early model

I have saved a few 200 casings with this method - there`s one in my current p2 has been done for years and I have no issue with it - Just about to do another on some casings I`m salvaging.

SIP offer a similar solution with circlip type arrangement that uses studs to bolt it in place

First 150 Super I have stripped.
I think it is a much more secure way to retain it, and will use this method in future to save cases heavy handed people have hit bearings into.

Bifter, no not H this time
Joey, this is just about (if not ) the earliest released autolube model in this country, 1968, Douglas Kingswood reg from new

[goldeneye]

seen this on early 80"s px125, again a "crossover" model. flat plates secured by M7 studs. also there is a lad I know up here with an autolube 150 SUPER, dunno if it was an optional extra,or introduced and withdrawn, but ive only ever seen the one. you couldnt give 150 supers away up here mind , no one wanted them.

[Yanker]

Also seen the 'plates' bearing locating on an early P125x engine...also with autolube. Cases had been butchered and plates now held in with screws,
Decided to use the circlip groove (which was also there) and fit the circlip at 180 deg to normal, so it could seat properly then use a pair of tabs using the older system to supplement it. A/lube disabled on this one.

Once serviced a Rally 200 'S' plate ('76)? that had autolube and a pressed metal oil tank

Quote Piaggio stock manager around December 1975"Hey Enrico how we gonna get rid of all these 2 port cases now we got these new models?"
Answer from the Gods:
"Luigi, you stupid or what? we will sell them to the women. Self lubrication...it is a dream to them, they are waiting for this. Have you seen my poster? Do you want one?" E

[goldeneye]

for being mass produced, Piaggio wasn't adverse to throwing a curve ball along the way, ive seen T5 non autolube casings, T5 electric start casings, an autolube RALLY 200 , autolube 150 super etc. the "crossover" models we"ve mentioned are anomalies themselves, px"s with inside panel fasteners, early steering locks, mk1 headsets, autolube on flip top petrol tanks ,EFL forks and switches and mk1 horncasting and headset! really a parts bin special. depends what was available , and probly the same with casings.

[lambro]

Interesting and varied replies
next question should be, is it right on a Super for the seal to sit in first and then the bearing?

I can google it, but I am lazy

[goldeneye]

just done a Rally 200 Femsatronic motor today that had the castings for autolube pump in casing, but the castings hadn't been machined for the pump bits. another one I hadn't seen before. ive converted it to P200 crank anyway.