When we last left our hero...

jbcollier · Post by **jbcollier** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 8:22 am

Remember when I said that you had to be careful about hopping up D/LD engines because something else will break? Well, something else broke.

I decided to take it to work. It fired up fine and idled well as it warmed up. Popped it into gear and headed out into traffic. Down the hill -- just taking it easy and 40 mph, no problem :-) -- and half way across the Groat Rd bridge when it happens, no drive. The engine revs, the gears shift but no power to the wheels!

During my pleasant walk back home, half way across the Groat Rd bridge on the road and then back across the bridge and UP, I decided it was either the pencil thin driveshaft (Yea, I have one) or the rear axle (uh oh, nada). Will keep you posted.

Angelo · Post by **Angelo** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 9:18 am

Damn. If there is anything I can do besides pray let me know, pushing sucks, especially up hill...

jbcollier · Post by **jbcollier** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 12:24 pm

Sheared rear axle.

At least it is easy to get at. Unfortunately, I don't have a spare.

jaelee · Post by **jaelee** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 12:55 pm

lol...just weld it

jbcollier · Post by **jbcollier** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 12:55 pm

I have got enquiries in to Jet200/CasaLambretta and made an offer on a used one on ebay. Cross my fingers, touch wood and it may be ready for the poker run.

jbcollier · Post by **jbcollier** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 1:08 pm

Weld? I was thinking super glue.

Angelo · Post by **Angelo** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 6:34 pm

Is that age old question " why did I ever get into a Lambretta ?" question crossed you mind?

jbcollier · Post by **jbcollier** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 9:40 pm

It sure did, about 2/3 of the way up Groat Rd hill!

coyoteran · Post by **coyoteran** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 12:18 am

Abject silence from the guy who lives down south. You can probably fill in the silent spots.

Despite that, sorry to hear about the breakdown. Of course, if I had to pick somebody who would get that rig back on the road you are 1 of 2.

Keep em shin....uhhmmm...running. How about running.

Trevor

jbcollier · Post by **jbcollier** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 7:00 am

I am pretty lucky that the whole kit and caboodle didn't lock solid and fling me down the road. So I am very grateful it's still shiny. Of all the things that could snap, crackle or pop, it is also pretty much the easiest to get at.

(Good lord, I am now starting to sound like a Lambretta owner!)

david · Post by **david** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 8:45 am

Yep! Owner and club member. I think your initiation is has is complete John. May you have easy, problem free riding, now that you have paid your dues.

david · Post by **david** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 11:50 am

John, you may be asking the D to do too much, as it may not have been designed to pull your "third wheel trailer"

jbcollier wrote:Sheared rear axle.

At least it is easy to get at. Unfortunately, I don't have a spare.

jbcollier · Post by **jbcollier** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 12:24 pm

Good point but I actually haven't towed with anything in the trailer yet. The trailer itself is actually very light.

Wish I could say the same about myself. I just fixed Nancy's Derbi and she repaid me double in cookies and jam. I fear my silhouette will never be the same.

The axle failure looks to be a stress fracture do to previous abuse/injury. Bit of a ticking time bomb and I'm glad it went off close to home. One evidence of the abuse was the fact that the crown wheel was out-of-round which is why I had the cyclical whining noise when trundling down the road. I have a new gear set and this looks like the time to fit it.

Still hoping to bring the D to Calgary's poker run.

david · Post by **david** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 10:07 pm

Yes of coarse, you know I'm only teasing you. I have no doubt about the D's capacity to haul your pav trailer-even loaded to the gunnels