Vespa Primavera 50 - Service manual > Engine oil

In four stroke engines, the engine oil is used to lubricate the timing elements, the bench bearings and the thermal group. An insufficient quantity of oil can cause serious damage to the engine.

In all four stroke engines, the deterioration of the oil characteristics, or a certain consumption should be considered normal, especially if during the run-in period. Consumption levels in particular can be influenced by the conditions of use (e.g.: oil consumption increases when driving at "full throttle".

Replacement

Change oil and replace filter as indicated in the scheduled maintenance table. The engine must be emptied by draining off the oil through the drainage plug of the mesh pre-filter, flywheel side; furthermore to facilitate oil drainage, loosen or remove the cap/dipstick. Once all the oil has drained through the drainage hole, unscrew the oil cartridge filter and remove it.

Make sure the pre-filter and drainage plug O-rings are in good conditions.

Lubricate them and refit the mesh filter and the oil drainage plug, screwing them up to the prescribed torque.

Refit the new cartridge filter being careful to lubricate the O-ring before fitting it.

Change the engine oil.

Since a certain quantity of oil still remains in the circuit, oil must be filled from oil dipstick/cover.

Then start up the vehicle, leave it running for a few minutes and switch it off: After about five minutes, check the level and, if necessary, top-up but never exceeding the MAX level reference mark. The cartridge filter must be replaced every time the oil is changed. Use new oil of the recommended type for topping up and changing purposes.

N.B.

THE ENGINE MUST BE HOT WHEN THE OIL IS CHANGED.

Recommended products
eni i-Ride PG 5W-40 Synthetic based lubricant for high-performance four-stroke engines.

JASO MA, MA2 - API SL - ACEA A3

Check

This operation must be carried out with the engine cold and following the procedure below:

• Place the vehicle on its centre stand and on flat ground.
• Undo cap/dipstick, dry it off with a clean cloth and reinsert it, screwing down completely.
• Remove the cap/dipstick again and check that the level is between the MIN and MAX reference marks; top up if necessary.

The MAX level mark indicates a quantity of around 1220 cm³ of engine oil. If the check is carried out after the vehicle has been used, and therefore with a hot engine, the level will be lower; in order to carry out a correct check, wait at least 10 minutes after the engine has been stopped so as to get the correct level.

Oil top-up

The oil should be topped up after having checked the level and in any case by adding oil without ever exceeding the MAX. level.

Engine oil filter

Change oil and replace filter as indicated in the scheduled maintenance table. Use new oil of the recommended type for topping up and changing purposes.

Make sure the pre-filter and drainage plug O-rings are in good conditions. Lubricate them and refit the mesh filter and the oil drainage plug, screwing them up to the prescribed torque. Refit the new cartridge filter being careful to lubricate the O-ring before fitting it. Change the engine oil.

Recommended products
eni i-Ride PG 5W-40 Synthetic based lubricant for high-performance four-stroke engines.

JASO MA, MA2 - API SL - ACEA A3

Oil pressure warning light

The vehicle is equipped with a telltale light on the dashboard that lights up when the key is turned to the "ON" position. However, this light should switch off once the engine has been started.

If the light turns on during braking, at idling speed or while turning a corner, it is necessary to check the oil level and the lubrication system.

Checking the ignition timing

Position the engine at top dead centre (TDC) in compression. To do this, use the appropriate tools.

Use the holes on the engine crankcase to secure the tool.

Position the specific tool in the window between the flywheel pick-up references as illustrated in the figure.

The arrows stamped respectively on the valve frame and sprocket must coincide.

N.B.

IF THE TIMING UNIT IS NOT IN PHASE CHECK THE CORRECT FITTING OF COMPONENTS.

• As a further verification of the correct distribution timing, insert a pin into the hole on the gear of the camshaft and check that it coincides with the special blind hole on the frame of the head.

Checking the valve clearance

To remove the head cover:

• Remove the rear shock absorber.
• Remove the helmet compartment.
• Lift the body.
• Remove the clamp of the H.V. wire

To check valve clearance, centre the reference marks of the timing system.

Use a feeler gauge to check that the clearance between the valve and the set screw corresponds with the indicated values. When the valve clearance values, intake and exhaust respectively, are different from the ones indicated below, adjust them by loosening the lock nut and operating on the corresponding set screw, as shown in the figure.

Characteristic

Valve clearance (when cold)
intake: 0.08 mm exhaust: 0.08 mm

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