Accidental 100GS rebuild

[Rob Farmer]

Sean,

If you can get to Leicester. I use these guys http://www.surfacefinishers.co.uk/ nice quick turn around and £120. They do a Matt finish that is almost identical to the original BMW finish. Glossy frames just don't look right especially on a GS. I've falen lucky with them in the past and picked the completed frame and parts up the same day I dropped them off but it's usually 3 to 5 day turn around.

I had this done a few weeks ago - main frame, sub frame, main stand, battery tray and all the black cases, switch gear etc

They will also give you a touch up kit in case you chip the frame putting it back together.

I've been trying various cleaners out for aluminium. B&Q do a cheap cleaner that comes in a 2litre container for a few quid. It's called "No nonsense metal cleaner and restorer" it'll bring your crank and other cases up like new.

black engine cases by the guys above. crankcases using the cleaner above.

 

[SeanW]

Brilliant - thanks Rob

I'm only 20 miles from Leicester, so will likely give em a go

Is the less glossy finish a powder coat finish or real paint?

 

[Rob Farmer]

It's powder coat. The same as the black engine covers on my engine. I've been using them for a few years now so they're used to doing BMW frames.

Looks like this on a frame

 

[David Lee]

That looks really good,

Do they do smaller bits too?

Thinking of the main & side stands on my 1200

(sorry to mention 1200 in this section, but I will take the risk)

 

[Rob Farmer]

You will of course be banned for ever from these hallowed halls if Kenny ever wakes up again (you never know at his age)

They'll do small parts as well. Standard colours (blacks, whites etc) aren't an issue but small numbers of special colours can be a problem if they haven't got the colour in.

 

[pete.keys]

Sean,

I've been trying various cleaners out for aluminium. B&Q do a cheap cleaner that comes in a 2litre container for a few quid. It's called "No nonsense metal cleaner and restorer" it'll bring your crank and other cases up like new.

come off it Rob; you're not telling us that this sparkly engine is the result of some cheap B&Q cleaner and some elbow grease are you??

 

[pete.keys]

Can I ask where the £100 blast and powder coating was done?

Mine was done by A&C shotblasting in Newbury. They are pretty good if a little heavy handed on the shotblasting.

Sounds like Robs chaps are a better bet if a little more expensive due to the closer proximity to you.

 

[Rob Farmer]

come off it Rob; you're not telling us that this sparkly engine is the result of some cheap B&Q cleaner and some elbow grease are you??

Crankcases are.

Gearbox, Heads and barrels were all done using my vapour blaster and ultrasonic cleaner.

 

[fayeslane]

Has anyone tried an electric toothbrush for cleaning crankcases etc ? Seem to work OK on teeth

 

[Voyager]

Has anyone tried an electric toothbrush for cleaning crankcases etc ? Seem to work OK on teeth

And the crankcases will smell 'minty fresh' afterwards too


Bob.

 

[SeanW]

Some action at last

not much been happening on this worth posting about recently, but things are coming together now

Used Rob's recommended powder coaters in leicester - picked it all up today. lovely job for £110 (not inc blasting)

So the rebuild can now begin in earnest...

Engine bits are with a vapour blasting bloke over at sutton coldfield - he was kind enough to do the sump for me while I waited today, so I as able to refit that and get the engine back in the frame this afternoon

most exciting

 

[Rob Farmer]

Why didn't they blast it for that price?

Did you go for the Matt finish?

 

[SeanW]

He said their blast cabinet is too small to be able to get at every bit of the frame as it would only just squeeze in. Said he had to do stuff by hand on parts of frames he'd done before...

Wasn't a big deal to get it blasted elsewhere for £40.

Yes, got the semi finish - looks just the original finish.

 

[SeanW]

...now mit gearbox und airbox

 

[SeanW]

was a bit dismayed when decoking pistons today to find evidence of exhaust valve contacting piston on both pistons (at least I can't think of anything else that would create the effect seen below).

But given that this was all hidden underneath a layer of coke, I'm hoping that it is safe to assume that this was a past problem that was fixed at some point? Any thoughts?



There is no visible damage to the exhaust valves that I can detect. Anything else I should check?

also now have engine bits back from blasting - have come up lovely. have tried hammerite spray as mentioned elsewhere on timing cover and starter cover (and shock body) - worked quite well; not quite drip free, but will probably do better next time I try it.



And oh how I laughed when I reached for the spray can and started applying a third coat to the shock, only to find the can I had just reached for was contact cleaner...

 

[(RIP) Proff]

My pistons look the same, as far as I can remember they all have those pockets...

Usually a piston / exhaust valve confrontation looks like this >>

 

[DrFarkoff]

Important to check the valve guide play IF you have movement more than clearance then they need changed cos that is usually the precursor to proff's pictute

 

[flatdog]

Perhaps he's on about the marks on the surface of the indentation? which look strange to me.

 

[Kenny]

Obviously old damage...I think you'd have heard some decent sound effects it they are new damage

 

[SeanW]

Perhaps he's on about the marks on the surface of the indentation? which look strange to me.

Yes, exactly