Hi there - first time post. I am working on an Ercole, unseized the engine and getting it roadworthy. I noticed a lot of play on the inlet rocker spindle. On inspection the outer brass bush is shot and the rocker spindle looks a bit worn but maybe servicable. Any idea where I can get parts for this - would even buy a whole rocker box assembly. I’ll try to add pictures tomorrow if that helps. Steve
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I might be able to help. I think all those top ends (bacon slicers) are pretty much the same. I assume its an overhead valve engine? The bits are available form Italy but I’ve just had a mare getting 2 orders from there: waiting weeks for them to even send them and then getting stuffed for import tax and VAT. Let me know a few dimensions and I’ll check what I have.
Chris
Thanks Chris, will do. It is OHV but the rocker box differs from what I have seen on the Airone - I’ll take some pics and measurements tonight.
ok. I’ll message you my email
Just looked on thisoldtractor.com, he has a 1956 parts list and yes, I’m afraid the rockers are totally different. Sorry about that
could you get a machine shop to mill them out and put inserts in ?
most other parts are likely clapped out as well
There’s a couple of places to try for Ercole bits … ebay.it, ebay.at (quite a few Ercoles made it over the border to Austria) or subito.it whether they will ship to the UK after Brexit is another challenge. Also check Documentazione tecnica as they have Ercole manuals for all series of them from 1948 (there are 10 variants!)
Thanks, I’ll look around where you suggest, and look to see if I can get the old bush sleeved. The rocker arm is a bit distressed but I think serviceable. I need to get the bike dated first, meant to do this a while ago but never got round to it. I took some pictures- will try to upload. Steve
Yes I have those parts. Send me dimensions, they are bound to be the same
Chris
Chris, the rocker shafts are 15mm dia, 46mm long. The bush OD is 26mm. The bush is goosed, think the rocker could be ok but probably better replacing that too. I can send more pics to you e mail . Thanks, Steve
Hi Chris and Steve, I think you are correct in that it looks very similar, if not identical to the Super Alce motor which Chris knows well. There is a slight discrepancy in power outputs in that the Ercole is given as 17.8hp and the Super Alce as 18.5hp. I cant find anything explaining where the extra 0.7hp came from. According the the book on the Moto Guzzi Three Wheelers the Ercole was built from 1945 through to 1980 and it went through many updates during that time. Steve, does your motor have the cast iron head with external hairspring valve springs? If so, I guess it is the Super Alce motor. If it has the aluminium head with fully enclosed valve gear it is a later model from that came out in 1950. the Super Alce was built from 1946 to 1957 so the build dates overlap. If Chris is unable to help then i would suggest getting hold of Marco at Guzziretro. He knows a lot about the three wheelers and has been able to supply countless spares for my various single cylinder Moto Guzzis. For my sins I have restored the Ercoles smaller cousin, the Ercolino.
Hope this helps, all the best Phil
Hi Phil, yes its the cast iron head with hair spring valve springs. Chris may have something, but if not I’ll try the sites you recommend. I must date this bike! Steve
Another + for GuzziRetro. Contact there is Arianna @ info@guzziretro.com
She replies in perfect English. Payment via card or PayPal. My goods arrived within a week after payment - no hidden customs charges.
Regards, Richard
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Thanks everyone, Chris was able to supply me with rocker + bush. Will try to get it running over the festive period. Steve
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