Camionjeep

Thanks feetupfun, I'll start playing with oils. Glad I didn't go the ATF which would have been my first choice.

Thanks nh014 for the correct quantity, it's just something I couldn't find anywhere. I've found a few variants on oils being used in Montesa gearboxes, but not sure which way to go for the old 172. Auto trans fluid, 10/30 engine oil, or dedicated light gear oil? I'm not sure the gear oil will handle the clutch well, but I've had a good run with trans fluid in gear boxes and clutches over the years. I'm pretty handy mechanically, and have owned and worked on a Bultaco Frontera 360 for over 30 years, so I've got some idea of weird old Spanish bikes. Certainly not swapping brands, the Frontera stays, but adding is always fun, especially learning all the quirks of a new manufacturer. Maybe once I have the Montesa's under control (yes, they've already multiplied), an Ossa would be in order. feetupfun, I was told at the Mt Baw Baw trial in Victoria that I attended last weekend that there is a good source for clutch plates somewhere on the east coast. Do you know who that is? I couldn't remember who it was, but i'm sure the loud screeching noises coming out of the clutch aren't normal, though it doesn't slip. I was told the bike was a resto project when I bought it, and there was no freeplay at the clutch lever, so I'm assuming it was adjusted too tight, and it's ripped the plates up. I should be able to get the clutch cover off this weekend and take a peek. I'm assuming there is no additional adjustment under the cover? Just the setting of the cable free play.

Hi, Andrew here. Just starting out in trials at the tender age of 56, and with a dodgy right arm. I've previously owned a Honda TL125 which i loved, and stupidly sold in a moment of weakness. Recently got a Montesa Cota 172 project bike to get riding again (been off bikes for 5 years due to a bad accident, not bike, or car), and then bought a basket case Mk111 Montesa Cota 243. I'm going to have lots of questions, but foremost is. How much oil goes in a cota 173? Do you have to lift the engine in the frame to undo the plug? And finally, why did Montesa put the plug in such a stupid place? I sort of get why there is no oil level provision, it's a competition bike, but it would have been nice to be able to check the level before riding it, rather than having to drop the oil, and refill, especially considering the plug location..