R1100RS cam chain tensioner upgrade snag

[wust588]

I've recently bought a nice 1996 R1100RS, and am in the process of doing the LH
cam chain tensioner upgrade.
I've done 3 before, a '97 R1100r, a '97 R1100RS and a '02 R1150R without any trouble.

For some reason I can't fathom there doesn't seem to be enough clearance for the old one to come out. It unscrewed easily, and I can see the spring.
I can't imagine that the bike would be any different from all the other thousands of BMW's out there, or the other 3 bikes I had success with.
I haven't tried to force it at all, and can screw it back in if I have too.
Any ideas gratefully received.
Thanks.

 

[dave perry]

Hi Bud, I also have an R1100RS to - great aren't they !

I did this mod, and IIRC the old one comes out in two halves - try and gently lift off the top half while giving a tap to dislodge the bottom which can then be lifted out with tweezers.

I had a bit of a faff getting the new one to seat - but got there in the end !

Have you got the Accelerator module and updated injectors yet ?

 

[dave perry]

BTW - 588, any connection to Rotary Nortons ?

 

[sykospain]

Yes, lifting out the 17mm c-c tensioner bolt, piston and spring can be a real PITA, even with the essential magnet tool. I struggled for more than half-an-hour trying to get it all out. There is very little access for sure and you have to try every possible angle and keep your temper. The new one - 15mm nut - went in a dream though.
Does anybody know when the knotheads at the factory started fitting the 15mm jobbie - what year ?

 

[wust588]

Thanks everybody for the advice.
I managed at the time to dislodge the piston, so that sits lower in the hole, so all I have to get out is the top piece and the spring.
I still couldn't get the bugger out this morning, but I'll have another go tomorrow.
I suppose if I get desperate I could cut the spring, but not yet.

Dave, yes, I have a connection with the rotaries.
I have a 1981 air cooled prototype, and a F1 engined Commander special.
I worked at Norton from 1982 'til 2000.
Oh happy days!

 

[dave perry]

Great Bikes, I had a lovely Classic look-alike, from Startrights, a Commander which took us on many European tours, and finally a dog of an IP2 that would never run right. Say hello to DC for me next time you meet up - he runs a great owners club !!

 

[Smug]

I took out the front shock and lifted the front wheel to give more clearance underneath the suspension wishbone.

 

[wust588]

Great to hear you have had some rotaries!
I love mine, though like most things, they're not perfect. I don't do so many miles these
days, but ride when I can.
I first rode one Dec 1982 and was blown away. Not fast by the standards of fast bikes of the times, but bloody fast enough for me. Just so different.

I've managed to fit the upgraded tensioner, after levering the old one out, and farting about getting the new one in.

Great bike the 1100RS, though am on the look out for some panniers with city lids.