I was wondering why there was a slight oil mist on the rear shock and now I know why , one broken headstud on the vertical cyclinder . Seeing as it's going to involve dropping the engine it might be a good time to get the valve guides sorted out as well and then maybe alloy cluch basket and fresh plates . So the question is do I take the bike to Louigi Moto near Bristol or Moto Rapido at Winchester since Dorset is sadly lacking in Ducati specialists ?
Louigi Moto always get good reviews? Fitted these to my SS: Search results for: 'studs' | ca-cycleworks.com
Both Louigi and Rapido have EXCELLENT reputations Pip.......you wont go wrong by taking it to either.......and Chris at CJS racing does most of Rich's heads I understand, Chris also has an excellent reputation...but drop the engine out first, you'll save a mint in labour.......battery out, coil pack off, airbox off, carbs off, then rear wheel out, swingarm off, and only 2 bolts hold the engine in......
Yes my money would be with rich and chris at LouigiMoto really top lads can't say enough good things about them and very very knowledgable!!
Sounds simple when you list it like that , what does an engine weigh ? probably as much as I do . How doable is it with no engine stand and no garage rafters to suspend the frame from . My bike stand uses the swingarm pivot point as well . Taking it all apart doesn't worry me too much , it's catching the heavy bits that will be a problem . pippa
I made a rear stand that doesn't use the swingarm (but you start the process of lifting it with a rear paddock stand and you need one for the front as well)......simple and easy to make...........also made one for the front. Mine are different in appearance purely because I used what was available in the shed at the time, but they can both be the same..... AL.
Thanks guys , looks like I'll have to find a couple of pallets ........ Started taking the bike apart tonight , bodywork , battery and exhausts stored , tank off . Tomorrow I'll consult my Haynes manual on how to remove the airbox ,carbs and the manifolds . Typically it's going to be a sunny weekend for the first time in ages and I shall be bikeless :frown: , almost wish I had kept the Versys now .
This was my experience with my studs, hi-comps & more importantly a £1.84 crank plug... 900SS trials & tribulations... - Ducati.ms - The Ultimate Ducati Forum Ah FFS noooooooooooo.... (oil galley plug.) - Ducati.ms - The Ultimate Ducati Forum Pippa - once these are sorted you SHOULD enjoy a trouble-free Summer! I do however strongly suggest you have the cases split whilst they are out and upgrade your crank plug or it may come back and bite you later, meaning ANOTHER engine-out saga. :wink:
P.S. These people are really rather good - just under Bristol? CJS RACING Ducati Cylinder Heads Tuning Gas Flow Dyno ECU Custom Mapping Bristol Bath
Whilst I agree with those on here that separating the engine/swingarm from the frame is simple (takes about a day first time, then no more than a couple of hours every time after!), you do need some 'odd' tools - the nuts for the engine/frame bolts require narrow walled sockets, and although the engine is then very simple to work on (it's an old air cooled job so no head gaskets to worry about), you need a lovely weird spanner to get at (and retorque) the head nuts ..... and unless your very lucky (and mole grips work) you'll need a stud extractor. If these tools aren't to hand, suddenly those shop labour costs seem reasonable!
"narrow walled sockets" Never simple is it , I presume that means grinding down a normal socket ? What sizes are we talking about ? I'll make a note to have me crank plug looked at when I take the engine over to Louigi's
Not sure TBH? The engine bolts are quite deep inside the frame tubes after you remove the plastic plugs - allen head one side with a nut on the other? Can't remember using any special sockets as such? A standard socket should do with an extension bar, or a long "deep reach" socket?
I have a set of 3/8 deep sockets that does the job for getting the engine out. Think I got them from halfords years back.
Update .................over three days sneaking time from normal duties I've managed to get manifolds off , airbox , carbs , swingarm and rear shock removed .Finally down to the two frame monunts now , first one with the 14mm nut loosened off no problem BUT the rear one that screws into the frame on the other side is stuck fast . I've left it with Plusgas soaking into it and I'm hoping that'll work otherwise I imagine it'll be a whole kerfuffle to remove .
That's novel , instead of finishing off the creme brulee with my Kitchen Craft blowtorch I'll be attacking the Ducati with it . I thought the idea of home mechanics was to bring motorcycle parts into the kitchen not remove utensils from it :biggrin: Seriously though won't I burn the paint off the frame doing this ? and which bit am I heating up the engine bolt or the frame itself ?
Engine bolt nut 1st then hopefully you'll be able to remove the bolt. yes you might impair frame paint but its available in touch up or can from RS bike paints (assumes its the light bronze colour)
most likely neither tbh as the most common area to get a purchase (corrosion-wise) on the bolt is the crankcase often at the extreme left and/or right of the crankcase assembly. You might get away with minimal paint damage if this is the case (NPI). Probably don't have to tell you, take your time bring it up in temperature rather than using a fierce flame. When you try turning the bolt is it quite springy when you lean on it or is it 'dead'? This can give you a clue as to where it's binding.
