Stop Those Leaks!
Symptoms:
One of my main annoyances on any old machine is dripping oil. I have owned many old scooters. All have had the tendency to leak a bit. Heinkels are no different. However, their problem areas differ from a Vespa or Lambretta.
Typical Leak Areas:
- Top end gaskets
- Mushroom seal
- Clutch cover and studs
- Flywheel cover stud
- Swingarm pivot area
- Swingarm chaing cover
- Swingarm plugs
- Case halves
- Oil drain plug
- Fork drain plugs
Repairs:
Top End
Top end gaskets. The top end is composed of:
- Valve cover gasket
- Head gasket
- Base gasket
I've seen each of the three fail and leak. Although, a failing head gasket will likely prevent your scooter from running. I keep all three on hand for an emergency (so should you). You can replace these gaskets without removing the engine.
Clutch Cover
Mushroom seal. This seal will fail with age. If you have no idea how old your mushroom seal is, you should plan on replacing this soon. You can replace the mushroom seal without removing the engine.
Clutch cover and studs. There is a gasket here that typically prevents the leaks. When I replace the clutch cover gasket, I apply gasket sealant on all the studs that hold the cover in place. If you don't, it is likely that they will weep tiny amounts of oil.
Flywheel Cover
Flywheel cover stud.The flywheel cover is held on by three 8mm nuts, and two 6mm nuts. The lower left 6mm stud, and the mating surfaces must be covered in sealant prior to installing the flywheel cover. If not, oil will pour out. This stud is at the lowest point of the engine, and most of the oil gathers there! On 103A1 and 103A2 models, you must remove the engine to fix this leak. On earlier models, you can make the repair without removing the engine.
Swingarm
Swingarm pivot area. The swingarm is held in place by two brass bushings. To get to these bushings, you must remove the flywheel cover. The brass bushings have three 6mm nuts on each side (inside and out). Four are actually two bolts and two nuts. Once you clean the gunk off the area, you'll agree with me. I've seen oil ooze out of the bolts that hold the swing arm in place. I use gasket sealant on both sides of them. On 103A1 and 103A2 models, you must remove the engine to fix this leak. On earlier models, you can make the repair without removing the engine.
Swingarm chain cover. Heinkels came with several types of chain covers. The metal types are great, the plastic type is terrible. I would recommend replacing the plastic type with a metal version. When you are in there, replace the gasket and apply gasket sealant to the 6mm nuts. You can replace chain cover without removing the engine.
Swingarm plugs. Some Heinkels have a filler plug, some do not. Some have drain plugs, some do not. If you have either of these, they tend to weep. I use gasket sealant on them. You can fix these leaks without removing the engine.
Central core
Case halves. Heinkel case halves do not use a gasket. Instead they rely on gasket sealant. Thus, if your case leaks, you need to remove the engine and split the cases. Not for the faint of heart!
Drain plugs. The drain plug tends to weep. I use gasket sealant it. You can fix these leaks without removing the engine.
Forks
Fork drain plugs. At the bottom of each fork, is an 8mm bolt. These tend to weep oil. I use gasket sealant on them. You can fix these leaks without removing the engine.