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Everything you ever wanted to know about the 1200 8V engine tappet failure but were afraid to ask.

I also wrote about that! Even posted pictures of other components.

DLC coating is a high-end process. It wasn’t required. It was specified by Moto Guzzi as a high-end component. The 8V engine is a very high output motor (105hp from 1151cc {93 RWHP})

When done correctly, DLC is extremely durable and provides exceptional wear characteristics.

The vendor, took shortcuts.

Plain and simple.
 
Well bit the bullet and patiently waiting for my roller kit “C”, no delivery date yet. Suppose winter’s around the corner and plenty of rainy days, so not all that bad. Now thinking of getting the wheels re spoked, as they’re the only thing left that spoil the look. Going for stainless replacement.


201B6BA8-ED5B-4516-B528-CA283672D51E.webp
 
Could I just confirm something for my 08 Stelvio.

It had a 'dealer conversion' at 9k miles, for which I have the receipt ,and now has 19k miles on the clock.

If I remove a rocker cover and look at the holes where the tappets actuate the rockers it will look like one of the two pictures in the first post: in other words it will be really clear if I do have rollers?

I hope it's that simple to check 🙂

Cheers,

Simon
 
Open it up. Take photo of the head and the valve cover insides, and post here. Let me see what you have.

Also, it helps if you actually READ the entire thread. What you are looking for is right there at post # 90.

Everything you ever wanted to know about the 1200 8V engine tappet failure but were afraid to ask.

UPDATED 10/12/202I am attaching 2 TSB (Technical Service Bulletins) - merged into 1 PDF file - regarding Moto Guzzi's Official Position on this issue.PLEASE READ THEM COMPLETELY BEFORE JUST SHOOTING OFF QUESTIONS! IT ANSWERS EVERYTHING ABOUT THEIR POSITION, WHICH KIT TO USE, ETC. THANKS! - Scott
www.guzzitech.com www.guzzitech.com
 
scottmastrocinque said:
I wrote specifically about what the problem was. It was right there. Did you read?
Click to expand...
Will do. I have actually read all the posts from number 1 onwards in lots of detail, and more than once! They are exactly what I wanted to know but No 90 I really couldn't figure out. Not to worry - I'll pop off a cover, photograph the insides, post the pics on here and hope it's all good!
 
The dealer conversion may have been another set of flat lifters made to spin better than originals. Shop I worked at swapped out all new & bikes sold at the very beginning in 09. Look for the fork & wheel otherwise it'll be a rod. Good Luck.
 
So I am in the process of buying a Griso, but confused about the engine numbers, mine is, A8 014364. It has an extra digit. Anyone able to help, I would be very grateful. If it helps it’s on a 2014 bike.
 
Shadowblaster said:
So I am in the process of buying a Griso, but confused about the engine numbers, mine is, A8 014364. It has an extra digit. Anyone able to help, I would be very grateful. If it helps it’s on a 2014 bike.
Click to expand...
You should have nothing to worry about, ALL 14 models are rollered, the issue is they did not switch over on the serial # they say they did in 12-13 models. I have changed motors after their # change over. So has other techs doing roller conversions, a grey area.
All you have to do is look, you can see the fork & roller at TDC.
 
If I'm honest I'm not sure if it's had the upgrade. It's done around 15k and hasn't been on the road since 2019. I heard it running before I bought it and it was very tappey sounding so I've just reset the tappets clearance. I can't start it at the moment as I have the tank off as the paint has blistered.
Is there a way of telling if it's been upgraded when the Rocker cover is off? Also, where do you source your parts from? Cheers Rob.
 
Rob71 said:
Is there a way of telling if it's been upgraded when the Rocker cover is off? Also, where do you source your parts from?
Click to expand...
Moved to this thread, always use the search feature. This site is a self help site. Read the first post here.
Parts can be found on the STORE tab at the top of the page above, and they help support this private website. Enjoy.
 
I bought a Stelvio 2011, km 83500 last February, €5000,-. No detailed history available. I thought if this bike came to this km’s the upgrade is done once. Stupid. A Dutch Guzzi-specialist took a look: no rollers plus some bad maintenance: €3000,-. Luckily I’m very happy with this Stelvio.
 
I'm interested in an '08 1200 Sport about 6 hours away from me. I take it that it also suffers from this and if the owner hasn't had this repaired it will need it soon. Has mid 30's for mileage.
Thanks !
 
FJFOOL said:
I'm interested in an '08 1200 Sport about 6 hours away from me. I take it that it also suffers from this and if the owner hasn't had this repaired it will need it soon. Has mid 30's for mileage.
Thanks !
Click to expand...
If it hasn't been previously done, by the mid 30s the engine would have been trashed. Do confirm it has been rollerized before you buy it.
 
FJFOOL said:
Ha ! Just found out it’s a 4V engine, it’s good to go ! Thanks for all the replies👍🏻
Click to expand...

You are very mistaken.

The 4V engine, is the 8V referenced in this post. 4 valves per cylinder, 2 cylinders, 8 valves total.

Otherwise, you would be looking at a 2V engine. These are always called 2 valve engines.

motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/moto-guzzi/1200-sport/2008/

"Author:MCN Staff
Published: 08 January 2009
Updated: 21 November 2014

After just two years in production the Moto Guzzi 1200 Sport gets a new engine. So it’s out with the old two-valver and in with a new 105bhp four-valve head motor, taken from the Stelvio adventure bike and the Griso 8v cruiser (yes, Guzzi call the Griso an ‘8v’ and all the other bikes in their range with the same engine ‘4v’. Don’t you just love the Italians?). "


FWIW: 2008 is the first year of the production of the 4V engine in the 1200 Sport. It would be prudent to look under the valve cover to ascertain if the rollerization was completed because it is almost certain that it will have the defective DLC coated flat tappets otherwise, and the engine could have suffered damage.

You need to read scott_m's explanation at the beginning of the thread to fully understand why this is so important.

Also, you should read the TSB he posted. The 2008 1200 Sport is listed in the TSB.
 
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I stand to be corrected, but I do not think the 8 Valve 1200 Sport with the 4 valve heads was ever sold in North America??
Europe and Oz, maybe others, we only got the 2 valve heads.
 
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