Workshop · Three-wheelers 1928–1972
Workshop guide Italian three-wheelers
Maintaining the classic motocarri of Moto Guzzi, Aermacchi, MV Agusta, Ducati and Lambretta.
Which three-wheeler do you have?
| Heavy four-strokes | Moto Guzzi ER, U, Ercole, Mulo Meccanico; Aermacchi MB1; Ducati Muletto; MV Trasporto Tevere. |
|---|---|
| Light two-strokes | Moto Guzzi Ercolino, Aiace, Dingotre and Furghino; MV 98 and 125; Lambretta FB, FC, FD, Li 175 and Lambro. |
| For the Vespa Ape | see the separate workshop guide Vespa Ape. |
Few reliable maintenance values are publicly available for these makes. That is why no valve clearances or settings are given as figures here. Always use the workshop manual for your model for values, or ask the club. A wrong value costs you an engine.
Maintenance schedule in brief
| Every drive | oil level, tyre pressures, lights |
|---|---|
| Every spring | change oil, check spark plugs, check brakes and cables |
| Per the handbook | valve clearance, contact points or ignition, carburettor(s), gearbox and shaft drive oil |
| Every two years | replace brake fluid (with hydraulic brakes) |
Two-strokes
- Always fill up with premix in the ratio from the instruction booklet. Too little oil causes a seizure.
- Change the oil in the gearbox; it is separate from the fuel.
- Clean the exhaust and exhaust port now and then; two-strokes build up carbon.
- Check the compression: low compression points to wear of piston or cylinder.
Four-strokes
- Change the engine oil on time; a three-wheeler often runs for long periods at low revs with a heavy load.
- Check the valve clearance according to the workshop manual for your model.
What makes three-wheelers different
Watch out for this
- A motocarro has often done years of heavy work. Check the chassis for cracks and welds, especially at the load bed mountings.
- Many models have a differential and a reverse gear. Change the oil in it and test reverse before you need it.
- The brakes must be able to hold a full load bed. Replace old brake cables, shoes and (with hydraulic brakes) the lines and cylinders.
- Three-wheeler tyres are sometimes special sizes. Look at their age: an old tyre can look fine and still be dangerous.
- Take corners carefully: a three-wheeler does not lean like a motorcycle and can tip over at too high a speed.
- Parts are rare. Work with the make’s club.
SourcesWikipedia: Moto Guzzi Triporteurs (English)The Lambro: history (English)