Before buying a 3 1/2 Sport

[Anders Pedersen]

Hello everyone.

Sometime in the near future I will probably be buying a 3 1/2 Sport from a colleague of mine, or rather his wife. She has had it for a number of years, but have not ridden it much, leaving it up to him to ride it occasionally. I have arranged with my colleague that he and I will do a major service on the bike together before the sale.

He has told me of one minor flaw, engine oil is leaking into the clutch. So, my question is: Can this oil seal be changed from the outside, or would we have to tear the engine apart?

I am also working on a spares part list, what to order before we do the service. Could anyone be so kind as to give it a quick glance and see if something obvious is missing?

- Spark plugs
- Gaskets, valve covers
- Oil filter
- Timing belt
- Gasket, timing belt cover
- Oil seal (for the clutch)
- Gasket, clutch cover
- Sets of gaskets, carburettors
- Intake rubbers
- Air filter
- Gas cables
- Clutch cable

(Perhaps I should mention it is a ride of 150+ miles before I get the bike home, so I am quite keen on having the bike working properly before taking off). As I haven't seen the bike yet, I don't much more than that it has alloy wheels and disc brake(s?).

I hope you can provide me with some valid inputs, the more the merrier. And sorry for the broken English, I hope it was not too peculiar to read..

Best regards and best wishes for a warm and dry summer.

Anders Pedersen
Svendborg, Denmark

('92 BMW R 650 G/S & '92 Moto Guzzi Le Mans)

[EVguru]

He has told me of one minor flaw, engine oil is leaking into the clutch. So, my question is: Can this oil seal be changed from the outside, or would we have to tear the engine apart?

Before changing the seal, there are a couple of things to consider. Morini changed the oil capacity when they converted from the ball race on the timing side to a plain bearing. The higher level can be above the clutch seal when the bike is on the side stand. I usually only use my side stand at the annual track day (when the centre stand is wired up). This is also the only time my clutch leaks (slightly and with a very hot engine). Secondly, what is the oil level? There are two marks on the dipstick, minimum and maximum. The latter is just that, MAXIMUM and you should normally run the oil level below that mark. If you really do have to replace the seal, it can be done by just removing the clutch. There is a seal in the clutch basket and another in the side casing. There is a hardened sleeve, that needs to be sealed to the shaft with a SMALL ammount of Blue Hylomar (I have sucessfully used a VERY small bead of silicon).

I am also working on a spares part list, what to order before we do the service. Could anyone be so kind as to give it a quick glance and see if something obvious is missing?

- Spark plugs (I use NGK BP7ES)

- Gaskets, valve covers (Don't think I've ever replaced one, I've always been able to re-use the old ones. Not a bad idea to have a pair, just in case)

- Oil filter (there is no oil filter, only a washable strainer.)

- Timing belt (good quality standard industrial belt)

- Gasket, timing belt cover (no gasket)

- Oil seal (for the clutch)

- Gasket, clutch cover (there is no gasket, unless you mean the clutch side outer casing)

- Sets of gaskets, carburettors

- Intake rubbers (just check the condition of the existing ones)

- Air filter (wash with somethink like brake cleaner)

- Gas cables (check condition)

- Clutch cable (carry spare)

[3potjohn]

Expect to see foamy water/oil in the breather pipes from the rocker covers if it's only been used for short runs once you get the engine doing some distance.And if travelling a fair way on an unfamiliar bike make sure the bolt holding the gear lever pivot is not likely to work loose, as I found it tricky to hold it in with my foot whilst negociating a roundabout on a dual carriageway in rush hour, with no mirror or indicators.

[Anders Pedersen]

Thank you kindly for your advice, updating me on what spares are a good thing to have and what spares are non-existent.. Only shows that I am a learner on this particular bike!
Also I will try and notice if there is a difference in between using the side or the centre stand.

I'll keep an eye out for mayo when adjusting the valves, and be sure to bring some adjustable spanners/select tools for my long ride home. If I have learned a few things from old bikes it is that one should not take anything for granted, and confidence in a bike is something you grow.

Brgds Anders P.