Superalce, fitting an oil tap

[Richard Harding]

Hi All,

My superalce gets infrequent use, and after leaving it for a few weeks, quite a lot of oil seems to end up in the lower engine, so I thought I would install a tap.

I bought the tap shown in the picture but I'm not sure of the best way to fit it - are those connections crimped onto the original setup?

Any advice on how to proceed?

Thanks

Richard (South West UK)

[Alan Greenslade]

This is what I did. Push rubber oil line onto tap and turned up alloy ferrules to push over the hose. The ferrule doesn’t need to be a tight fit as the oil line seals sufficiently. 

Regards
Alan

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Guzzi Singles" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to guzzi-single...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/2e0977c9-7ebe-4b8b-91b9-bb3e9eccb347n%40googlegroups.com.

[Patrick Hughes]

You should be able to pull out the top pipe from the rubber and push in the one with the tap.

Sent from Outlook for Android

---

From: guzzi-...@googlegroups.com <guzzi-...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Alan Greenslade <alan.e.g...@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2026 11:37:47 AM
To: guzzi-...@googlegroups.com <guzzi-...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [guzzi-singles] Superalce, fitting an oil tap

 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/CAOLcq8ep7D3quAvBAcmqGeVqrioJFGvA9%2B7ZFcoYw45N5tySJQ%40mail.gmail.com.

[Joe Joseph]

My tap isn’t as fancy as yours (plumbing supplies, gasp!!!) but I just slipped an oil hose into the metal tube and retained it with clips. 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/PAVPR10MB7012109A9BFD85254889E20BCB022%40PAVPR10MB7012.EURPRD10.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM.

[Patrick Hayes]

On 5/17/26 02:38, Richard Harding wrote:
> are those connections crimped onto the original setup?

There are a variety of ways to make DIY clamps with safety wire or
copper wire. Although they are more modern, I prefer fuel injection
hose clamps from BMW. They don't cut or penetrate the hose rubber in
any way.



--
Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA
Falcone-NT and SuperAlce
www.motohayes.com

[Patrick Hayes]

On 5/17/26 05:31, Joe Joseph wrote:
> (plumbing supplies, gasp!!!)

I like Joe's plumbing substitute. I have something quite similar as a
cutoff for my Falcone-NT. Mine was a natural gas stove fitting.
Stamped on the back it says 'Made in Italy'!!

[Mike Peavey]

Most importantly is remembering to TURN IT ON… I use simple "Remove Before Flight" flags on the kick start.  On my two Airone I have engineered a simple ground to the Magneto that requires turning on the tap for spark. 

To give you an idea of how much oil can leak down, I parked a new to me, known by me, Falcone for the winter without a shut off last Fall, between the floor, drained from the crank case and drained from the clutch housing, after installing a shut-off today, I added 1 and a half quarts to top it off.

Mike Peavey

Boston

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Guzzi Singles" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to guzzi-single...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/8076bdd2-8e61-4ade-9fa8-ded70237be2b%40comcast.net.

[RICHARD YAMANE]

Use the clamps from an Alfa Romeo or Fiat. They're more appropriate. Sexier design too!

Rick Yamane
Importer of Vape/Powerdynamo ignition systems and Polisher of bikes at Motion Pro

> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Guzzi Singles" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to guzzi-single...@googlegroups.com.

> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/5e951df1-546a-43cc-80b2-1c32cbb8cc38%40comcast.net.

[RICHARD YAMANE]

Here are a couple of pics of a shut off valve on one of Chris' old Harleys. (Greasy mess!) when shut it grounds against the exhaust pipe, shorting the magneto. When open, the circuit is also open allowing the mag to spark.

On my GTV, even with the valve closed I still get a fair amount of oil on the floor. Probably a leak draining the oil left in the sump after running. The scavenging system seems to be working well. If I forget to close it, it's Exxon Valdez time!

[Andrew Nahum]

They are old bikes after all.  Agree oil tap is the way to go.  I like Mike’s ‘remove before flight’ flags.  I have used those disc lock warning things.  A corkscrew shaped bright yellow plastic warning line that you can run from the handlebar grip down to the oil tap.  

On 18 May 2026, at 17:27, 'RICHARD YAMANE' via Guzzi Singles <guzzi-...@googlegroups.com> wrote:



--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Guzzi Singles" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to guzzi-single...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/1694169240.516172.1779121619607%40connect.xfinity.com.

<oil valve closed.jpg>

<oil valve open.jpg>

[Alan Comfort]

I left the tap in the on position yesterday afternoon. Half the oil in the tank migrated to the sump overnight. Not a problem. Just fired it up and watched the oil tank fill. It only took a couple of minutes. If had been left sitting much longer it would probably have meant draining the sump and the clutch case.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/0BE326A9-067F-4B9B-A532-52E2EC2CB6AA%40gmail.com.

[MIKE CURTIS]

Genemuns, I am confident one or more of the wizards here will have been far enough inside a Lodola 235 GT (mines a 63) to help me with my clutch challenge.  The bell crank behind the flywheel when pulled to its physical limit of travel still has the clutch dragging.  Seems to me I’m looking for some way to adjust the clutch rod that opens up the clutch pack.  Doesn’t seem to me the cable is in play here.  It does release some, just not fully.  It does not slip under load when it the lever is released.  My hands are already dirty so I’ll wait.  Thanks in advance for the wisdom.

Sent from my iPad

On May 19, 2026, at 4:35 PM, Alan Comfort <alan.c...@gmail.com> wrote:



To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/CAC8DhY1bDTGMLm%2BcwhHGGJtcVo%3DceVKt4qbr1bnobpN82255Fg%40mail.gmail.com.

[MIKE CURTIS]

Surprised not to have heard a whisper on this inquiry.  Does this mean I am the only Lodola guy in the show?  Did it come through the first time?  Sure would appreciate a clue.  Thanks, Mike Curtis

Sent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:

From: MIKE CURTIS <lmci...@aol.com>
Date: May 31, 2026 at 3:53:32 PM CDT
To: guzzi-...@googlegroups.com
Cc: guzzi-...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [guzzi-singles] Superalce, fitting an oil tap

Reply-To: guzzi-...@googlegroups.com

Genemuns, I am confident one or more of the wizards here will have been far enough inside a Lodola 235 GT (mines a 63) to help me with my clutch challenge.  The bell crank behind the flywheel when pulled to its physical limit of travel still has the clutch dragging.  Seems to me I’m looking for some way to adjust the clutch rod that opens up the clutch pack.  Doesn’t seem to me the cable is in play here.  It does release some, just not fully.  It does not slip under load when it the lever is released.  My hands are already dirty so I’ll wait.  Thanks in advance for the wisdom.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/C88D1EE4-34FA-4F06-8E13-020299E79485%40aol.com.

[Miles Carnahan]

You might be the only Lodola 235GT on the list. It did come through the first time.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/FA58B409-43F3-4BEF-9209-E19303FE42E9%40aol.com.

[Alan Comfort]

Maybe one plate too many, or plates not in the right order?? If they are new plates, the friction disks might be too thick. A couple of thou on each plate can make  big difference. Does the workshop manual provide dimensions?

Alan in Roberts Creek

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/CAKXvv8enctvpHY1ORn7T6fnLTBiX%2Be%2Ban%2B2j-4p4VisfoUX7UA%40mail.gmail.com.

[Alan Comfort]

If the any of the plain steel disks are warped, that will cause the clutch to drag. Easy to check on a piece of plate glass. Somewhere in the workshop manual you might find  the specifications for the clutch discs. I looked, but my Italian is pretty much non-existent. 

I would try leaving out one friction disc and one plain disc to see if there is an improvement.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/FA58B409-43F3-4BEF-9209-E19303FE42E9%40aol.com.

[MIKE CURTIS]

I’m waiting for a service manual from Harpers.  It’ll be Italian but you can get an ap for your phone that literally translates a page while you’re pointed at it.  I haven’t been inside yet.  Just took the cover off.  Hoped there might be an adjustment somewhere other than the cable.  Looks like access to the basket and plates is right behind the flywheel?  This little bike is an award winning historically registered beautiful.  I’ve had for 18 mos and just took the time to get it tuned up and starting.  Runs great and discovered the clutch problem.  The rest of the bike borders on amazing so it’s a little hard to believe somebody put the basket in wrong.  I guess I’m going in in any case if there isn’t an adjustment I missed.  Peavey, you know anything about this?  Thanks for the responses.

Sent from my iPad

On Jun 3, 2026, at 6:33 PM, Alan Comfort <alan.c...@gmail.com> wrote:



To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/CAC8DhY3fcFqffEUOH62RybhaXb5EVbWBuTGs2ZiH9MxDMqSc5A%40mail.gmail.com.

[Mike Peavey]

Mike, 

You are not the only Lodola in the group.

 I sold my 235 owned for many years, last year, but still have a 175. On the 235 I found a rubber oil line under the engine and just installed a simple small plumbing shut-off. Being under the engine, a bit of a pain, but you get used to it.  More important than ever, a “Remove before flight” flag on a small bungee connected  to the kick start. 

The 175 has a real shut off under the oil tank with a handy on/off knob, not sure where I found it, maybe Nonsolo guzzi, let me look when I’m at the shop tomorrow. 

Mike 

The Bean

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 3, 2026, at 18:46, Miles Carnahan <miles.c...@gmail.com> wrote:



To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/CAKXvv8enctvpHY1ORn7T6fnLTBiX%2Be%2Ban%2B2j-4p4VisfoUX7UA%40mail.gmail.com.

[Alan Comfort]

this old tractor has a Lodola Service Manual. You can probably print the appropriate pages for translation.

Everything that is worth doing is worth checking, even work done by the pros. 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/6C6C02BA-45DC-442F-A095-FE7EB3B2DB03%40aol.com.

[dan...@earthlink.net]

You're not alone. I have a '60 235GT. Nice to finally see a discussion of the modern singles on the list!

 

   -Danny 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Alan Comfort <alan.c...@gmail.com>
Sent: Jun 3, 2026 4:08 PM
To: <guzzi-...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [guzzi-singles] Superalce, fitting an oil tap

 

Maybe one plate too many, or plates not in the right order?? If they are new plates, the friction disks might be too thick. A couple of thou on each plate can make  big difference. Does the workshop manual provide dimensions?

Alan in Roberts Creek

On Wed, Jun 3, 2026 at 3:46 PM Miles Carnahan <miles.c...@gmail.com> wrote:

You might be the only Lodola 235GT on the list. It did come through the first time.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/CAKXvv8enctvpHY1ORn7T6fnLTBiX%2Be%2Ban%2B2j-4p4VisfoUX7UA%40mail.gmail.com.

 

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Guzzi Singles" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to guzzi-single...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/CAC8DhY03osMHpMgE8zqrusRUoE%2BNXBQn__uFyJje3s4-Wvx2fQ%40mail.gmail.com.

[MIKE CURTIS]

I’m on it Alan, thanks

Sent from my iPad

On Jun 3, 2026, at 7:13 PM, dan...@earthlink.net wrote:



To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/0ca677b0-cbab-5d56-cf68-157dc79e4861%40earthlink.net.

[MIKE CURTIS]

The manual on “This Old Tractor” is great Alan.  169 pages.  Pictures start on 119 to the end.  Pictures are good.

Sent from my iPad

On Jun 3, 2026, at 7:28 PM, MIKE CURTIS <lmci...@aol.com> wrote:

I’m on it Alan, thanks

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/677ED75C-71C9-4024-9FF7-17BF094F0985%40aol.com.

[Alan Comfort]

Generally speaking, wet multi plate clutches are quite forgiving and can perform adequately with less than perfect components and assembly.

Nonetheless, quality components and careful assembly will make the difference between sweet performance and problem performance. Make sure that the springs are of equal length and in a perfect world; equal compression strength. I have not figured out a way to adequately test compression strength, so I am happy if the springs appear to have the same number of windings and wire gauge. It is easy to measure length. If any are slightly longer or shorter, best to place them opposite one another rather than side by side. When fitting the slotted nuts, make sure that the seats facing the springs are all on the same plane. On the Lodola, I believe that this is accomplished by making all of the slots flush with the outer face of the spring holder.

If new clutch components have been installed, it is best to soak them in oil before assembly. Wet clutches installed with dry friction plates will be likely to drag before they have bedded in and are well-oiled. If you do not know whether or not your friction disks are fully lubricated, try running the bike for a few minutes in neutral while releasing and engaging the clutch to see if there is improvement. No joy? Then pull the flywheel, dismantle the clutch and go from there.

Alan in Roberts Creek

[Andrew Nahum]



On old Brit bikes we used to cut the actuator (clutch push rod) in half and insert a ball and grease in the middle of the gearbox shaft tunnel   tunnel.  Or a short roller.   We hoped to reduce wear on the rod or lever by giving it one less reason to spin!  Of course you have to shorten the rod on the lever side by cutting, filing or grinding if it’s hard.  But the ball or roller gives the extra length you need.  In those days it was always a battle between slipping or dragging.  If unlucky you had not!

One thing to check very carefully is that all the plates are flat. Both friction plates and the plain steel plates.  It’s the key to avoid drag (and to have full grip).  A piece of plate glass is ok if no surface plate is available and eyeballing from side on is adequate. The plates can be nudged flat in a vise with a mallet or even pressure or a blow from the heel of the hand.   Then returned to the plate to check. It takes a few iterations on each plate to get them right. 

Andrew

Sent from my iPhone

[MIKE CURTIS]

Occurs to me that this clutch may be simply sticking due to 18 mos of no use.  I’ve read the technique here for the Airones and Falcones using the mineral oil rinse.  Any technique for this Lodola?  Thanks

Sent from my iPad

On Jun 3, 2026, at 10:05 PM, Andrew Nahum <andrew...@gmail.com> wrote:



To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/36F14157-85EE-476F-B81E-68E974B5560B%40gmail.com.

[guzz...@aol.com]

I think my 235GT is a 1966 but I haven't had any reason to work on it yet. 

Tim

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/0ca677b0-cbab-5d56-cf68-157dc79e4861%40earthlink.net.

[Alan Comfort]

The Falcone/Airone/GTV etc clutches are quite different from the Lodola clutch. It would not be possible to give it "the rinse" as it is pretty much immersed in oil anyway.

It would not hurt to run it in neutral for a few minutes while rapidly engaging and disengaging the clutch to see if that offers an improvement.

No joy? Then off with the flywheel to see what is amiss.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/94258625-34B7-4D4E-94A8-8363BC845913%40aol.com.

[George Smith Located Norfolk UK]

A good source for Italian manuals including, Lodola, that can be downloaded free of charge. https://www.rpw.it/Documentazione.htm 

    I am getting to like my SuperAlace although struggling a bit with the weight when off the bike. I have not found a way to combat loosing strength due to old age yet. Looking to the future I have purchased a 235cc Lodola project for the winter and ready to ride next year.

[George Smith Located Norfolk UK]

A good source for Italian manuals, including Lodola  https://www.rpw.it/Documentazione.htm 

I am enjoying the SuperAlce but finding it a bit heavy to push around. I have not found a way to combat losing strength in old age yet. Looking to the future I have purchased a 235cc Lodola project to restore over next winter ready to ride next year.

On Thursday, 4 June 2026 at 08:13:21 UTC+1 Alan in Vancouver wrote:

[George Smith Located Norfolk UK]

A good sourse for Italian motorcycle manuals https://www.rpw.it/Documentazione.htm 

On Thursday, 4 June 2026 at 08:13:21 UTC+1 Alan in Vancouver wrote:

[George Smith Located Norfolk UK]

I have tried adding a link to a site that has a very good selection of Italian motorcycle manuals, including Lodola, and post is getting deleted. Am i doing something wrong? I have recently purchased a 235 Lodola project for when the SuperAlce gets to heavy for me.

On Thursday, 4 June 2026 at 08:13:21 UTC+1 Alan in Vancouver wrote:

[MIKE CURTIS]

Turns out this lodola clutch rod has two ball bearings in it from factory.  I pulled it all apart from both sides of the motor, inspected and cleaned everything, reassembled and adjusted everything seemed intuitively helpful.  Not difficult or complex.  Needed a puller for the flywheel but other than that wrenches, pliers n screwdrivers.  Sent several pics here but they never showed up.  Clutch plates all appear brand new.  All parts very fresh.  On reassembly and adjustment it is much better.  Seems it probably just bpne3s to 

New Lodola challenge:  took the speedo apart to see why I wasn’t working.  First discovery was a broken cable so the drive is working.  Pulled the instrument and disassembled to discover the drive input was frozen.  I can probably free it up but I have broken the very brittle plastic face beyond repair.  Retro doesn’t have a new gage or a used one.  If anybody here has source or applicable parts available I’d appreciate the direction.  Also, anybody have any idea how to get the needle off of the instrument?  Thanks

Sent from my iPad

On Jun 3, 2026, at 10:29 PM, MIKE CURTIS <lmci...@aol.com> wrote:

Occurs to me that this clutch may be simply sticking due to 18 mos of no use.  I’ve read the technique here for the Airones and Falcones using the mineral oil rinse.  Any technique for this Lodola?  Thanks

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/94258625-34B7-4D4E-94A8-8363BC845913%40aol.com.

[Don West]

Hi Mike  

I use a reproduction Lambretta LD speedo in my Stornello, they are made in India and work remarkably well.  They are a perfect fit in the hole in the Moto Guzzi headlight shell.   You will need to mark the dial with dots for the main speeds, but it is an economic solution.  You can also sometimes get new glasses and chrome trim for them if you want to try and refurbish your old speedo.  Have a hunt around for Lambretta suppliers.  

Here is one for sale in the UK at under £30 for a brand new speedo.  

https://ebay.io/m/zfIGOu  

Don West  (in the UK.)   

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/100A6AAC-2E7C-4D49-8670-22921007E60C%40aol.com.

[MIKE CURTIS]

Great tip Don.  I messaged the seller.  It would be amazing if this fit the Lodola.  Cheap solution too!  Thanks.,

Sent from my iPad

On Jun 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM, 'Don West' via Guzzi Singles <guzzi-...@googlegroups.com> wrote:



To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/1324030466.10247.1780959531934%40mail.yahoo.com.

[guzz...@aol.com]

don't the gears in the speedo have to match the trans gears ,,,,,, how about a bicycle speedo instead

Tim

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/A87B7ED6-D6F3-4F8E-AB6F-97C9134E1DDF%40aol.com.

[Don West]

The Lambretta speedo is marked in km/hr and is reasonably accurate at that.  The gearing is determined by the gears in the drive in the front wheel.  I was expecting mine to be way off due to the small wheels fitted to a scooter, but it works remarkably well.  Plus it makes you feel good when you look down and see 80 on the speedo of a Stornello, until you remember that's only 50mph!

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/1696026014.233483.1781019735133%40mail.yahoo.com.

[MIKE CURTIS]

This 1963 Lodola speedo is driven by the transmission out of the cases behind the cylinder.

Sent from my iPad

On Jun 9, 2026, at 11:50 AM, 'Don West' via Guzzi Singles <guzzi-...@googlegroups.com> wrote:



To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/570986755.520447.1781023847843%40mail.yahoo.com.

[MIKE CURTIS]



[MIKE CURTIS]



[MIKE CURTIS]

Don has pointed out a Veglia unit that appears to be in exactly the same case as the Lodola Veglia unit.  As he points out it will be necessary to mark the face in some way.  (Small tape marks in 10mph increments).  Entirely adequate for use on a motorcycle of this size and utility.  More significantly, visually it will be unnoticeable otherwise.  It’s on the way.  $46 USD.  Thanks again Don!

Sent from my iPad

[MIKE CURTIS]

I sent some photos of my Lodola clutch work that I thought the group might find interesting and I haven’t seen them.  Did anyone else?  If not, is there some picture sending limitation associated with the list?  Thanks

Sent from my iPad

On Jun 9, 2026, at 12:05 PM, MIKE CURTIS <lmci...@aol.com> wrote:



To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/guzzi-singles/8B178B39-3150-4667-8CC7-225318B54042%40aol.com.