open sesame

a few weeks ago I got a case of beer, a few pizzas, and some new seals/ gaskets and had the lads from the Melbourne Vespa Connection around for a case splitting ceremony.
In attendance were Jeremy, Paul, Stuart and myself (dirty derek)
I had been sorely tempted to just fire up this baby and see what happened, but a bit of reason and a lot of curiosity got the better of me and we pulled it to bits.

Firstly the head came off.. no big deal but it was freshly machined by the look of it and seemed nice.
Next the barrel... ooh boy such a shiny new piston in there.
As we went to remove the circlips from the gudgeon pin (holding the piston on) I found one wasn't completely on. From this point I truly realise that the motor, while being complete and a great find, is now reliant on ME to make it safe and prepared for active duty.

With the combined experiences of the four of us we split the cases, replaced the seals (in case they had deteriorated in the years the engine has sat without being used since rebuild) and put it back together.

In the weeks following I have added the new stator plate, added a new rear hub, put the cdi/coil on and filled it with oil.

Apparently the starter motor I ordered from a gut in england was sent back by customs, so after a bit of negotiation I cut my losses, got most of my money back and bought one from a guy in Sydney.
That arrived promptly and I bolted it on.

The electrics produce a spark

Pablo (Brisbane) kindly sent me the correct oil pump pinion and cog, and I now I await one washer from the states before I can assemble the autolube pump, and put the carb on.

I have stripped the carb and replaced the float and needle.

One washer and I am away. My wife goes to Tasmania for a week, so I hope to burn the midnight oil and get this beast started by next week.

Once it is running I see no reason why I can't have it in the scooter for jetting the next day.