Head Stud pulled out off Block

[(RIP) Mark H]

I am servicing my 03/05 1200rt and have found a post on head bolts pulling out, please see images of mine, left / nearside first, right / offside second

As you can see the nearside rear lower stud is out considerbly more than any of the others, sugestions welcome !
? question, are the studs going into a "blind" hole in the block.
Are they "treadlocked" in.
I,m considering double nutting the protruding stud and trying to get it futher into the block,, I know 1 person has done it, anybody else ?

 

[Roy]

If the stud is pulling out of the thread in the cases, these are a very effective and relatively inexpensive option, worked really well on my T160 head to block pillar bolts.
http://www.fwb.co.uk/mall/productpage.cfm/FWBGroup/044MTC/63696

HTH
Roy

 

[RickG]

I've not read the other thread you refer to but is it just the extra length on top of the nut that makes you think it's pulling out? I must admit it does stick out lots further than the other. To do that though either the threads have stripped the threads in the block due to overtightening or it was not properly screwed in fully to start with. Is the nut tight? If it is then it's hard to see how how the stud could have worked itself out AND simultaneously the nut wound itself in and tightened itself up.

If the stud has stripped then the nut will never torque-up and you'll just rip the stud out. If it has knackered the thread you may get away with a helicoil as Roy suggested but clearly your looking at taking the cylinder off to get at it. You'll need to drill and tap the hole to take the helicoil and you may find the other studs get in the way..

Putting another nut on top of the other to form a locknut will work unless the stud is really jammed hard in which case the nuts will eventually begin to rotate on the stud. The stud may be stiff to turn if it's been threadlocked in the factory, but it will also be stiff-ish if it has stripped.

Were you to unscrew the stud and remove it completely you would almost certainly be able to tell if it had stripped the block as there would be alloy filling some of the threads

I believe the head nuts are supposed to be re-torqued at the first service, now then...


Good luck

 

[MiGSel]

Don't worry, worst thing that can happen is this

 

[(RIP) Mark H]

Heres the original post from the bmw sport touring site,

Urgent: R12RT Head Bolt / Stud Failure.....Advice Needed.
#869594 - Sat Jun 02 2007 04:15 PM Reply Quote



I attempted to get my hands wet with DIY maintenance today and went to tackle my 6K service. All was going well until I removed the left side cover. As soon as I took it off, it was glaringly apparent that something was not right. The bottom head bolt / stud was backed out almost 1/2" more that it should be and the nut was at the end of the stud (the cover stopped it from backing all the way off:

I called the dealer who was VERY responsive and sent a trailer to pick her up at my house within 2 hours.



I just got a call and they said the head bolt stripped the block and that metal shavings came out when they pulled the stud. (Note: bike is at the dealer who performed the 600 mile service) Per the tech, the plan of attack is a time-sert (which he described as an upgrade and said the factory would have them on every bike if money was no object). He said if its too stripped, I'll need a new block.

My questions:

1) Is the time-sert an acceptable fix or should I call BMW and fight for a new block?

2) If they tear it down and replace the block, what are the risks to be aware of besides relying on them to rebuild and torque everything to spec?

3) Should I be concerned about the metal shavings? How many ended up in my engine when they pulled the stud.....

4) What would cause this to happen???

5) What other advice do you have?

Today was rather disappointing.....I'm rather bummed.

A later poster said


Quote,

"There is a dealer bulletin out that cautions that this is not a defect on the hexheads."

This is from a US based site and probaly refers to US dealers, I,ll check it out with my local UK dealer and post up their answer

This is refering to the longer stud i assumue, not finding the nut unscrewed as in the first post

 

[D6]

If the stud is pulling out of the thread in the cases, these are a very effective and relatively inexpensive option, worked really well on my T160 head to block pillar bolts.
http://www.fwb.co.uk/mall/productpage.cfm/FWBGroup/044MTC/63696

, timeserts are the thing, a 1 piece boss, recoils are,nt really for this, i use these things every day, a time sert wont pull out, and does a blind hole better,,,a lot better for alloy,,,the dogs danglys, never had 1 fail

 

[SilverBobGS]

That was my bike that the head bolt pulled out on its 6000 mile service, result new short motor, paid for by BMW and replaced at North Oxford, who turned it round in 3 days and could not have been more helpfull. Was told that it was a rare problem that BMW were aware of. What about talking to your local dealer and asking if this would be covered under goodwill as it is a known problem.
Just about to take mine back to have its 600 mile "running in" service, which has taken me 6 months due to having been off the road after knee surgery.