R1200GS R/H Cylinder failure

[littleredrooster]

When the bike's at a standstill, the oil will drain the the left hand side of the engine. Even with the oil pump pumping, there will be more oil in the left.

So where does that leave my car engine with vertical cylinders above the oil? It should seize every time I start it. Does yours?

When you are riding, the centrifugal effect, should keep the oil level level. Same amount of oil in both sides of the engine.

A bit like when you was a kid, and filled a bucket of water, then span it up and over, and the water stayed in.
The above is only my opinion, and based on nothing more than pure conjecture, guess work, and common sense......

Look up 'centrifugal' in the dictionary and then have another go, perhaps? Pure guess work and conjecture indeed. Have another guess - free of charge.

 

[Timolgra]

When the bike's at a standstill, the oil will drain the the left hand side of the engine. Even with the oil pump pumping, there will be more oil in the left.

When you are riding, the centrifugal effect, should keep the oil level level. Same amount of oil in both sides of the engine.

A bit like when you was a kid, and filled a bucket of water, then span it up and over, and the water stayed in.


The above is only my opinion, and based on nothing more than pure conjecture, guess work, and common sense.


OR, there's simply a problem with the No2 pot.... A bit like ZZR1100s problem with No3 cylinder.....

Like I said, it's not just the spelling....just remind me which was the common sense bit

 

[MattW]

My pet theory is that it's a cooling issue and nothing to do with lack of lubrication per se. Valve stems run in oil seals to specifically to stop oil - lubrication comes from fuel additives (lead in the old days) and valve guide material.

The oilhead engines have two oil circulation systems - one high pressure for bearing lubrication etc and one lower pressure but higher volume for cooling. The cooling circuit is directed through large oilways around the exhaust port (if you ever had an oilhead cylinder head off, you'll have seen this). I wonder if due to internal design or flow dynamics (or indeed both), that the cooling flow to the right cylinder is either reduced or is capable of being challenged under certain conditions. This, in combination with the very lean running 1200 engines (due to emissions regs), could lead to local overheating of the cylinder head in the exhaust port (and hence valve) area. If the valve material / design isn't all it could be (welded stems, lack of sodium cooling, cheap materials etc), this overheating could exceed the heat tolerance of the valve.

As I said, complete speculation, but while we are throwing theories around, there's mine

 

[Capt Over-reaction]

Just to let you all know, that a few of the R1200RTP police bikes are having the RH cylinder failing. When they attend a scene that needs lights left on, they are supposed to switch off, and the extra battery does the lights and radio, but some are opting to leave the motor running on the side stand, only main difference is that they do have a small fan over the oil cooler.

You can see why the SEG still use the R1100RS

 

[Smarty]

Think you may be on to something Matt. My local mechanic (BMW trained) informs me it's definitely the exhaust valve that's gone, however it seems i've been lucky as the piston and liner seem to be ok. Head will be stripped tomorrow to see if we can get away with new valves plus appropriate seating/head work etc. Just for the record, my bike has never been started on or left idling on the side stand. also, it is completely standard.

 

[Smarty]

Wonder if anyone has had a repaired right hand cylinder problem re-occur?? I hope to keep my bike once the work has been completed, but wonder if there's a chance of new exhaust valve going bang again. Hope not, can't find an alternative machine I'd love as much.

 

[Wrinkly]

Hi Smarty,
I am presuming that Smarty is also Kev,sorry to go off topic a tad but i am looking for an independent mechanic to service my 1150 and wondered what the situation is with your mechanic,i.e does he just do it as a favour for friends or does he run his own workshop.
I meant to ask you on Saturday when i dropped Joanne off at the school but i forgot.

Steve

 

[Smarty]

Hi Steve, yes 'tis me whingin' about me bike!! The guy that's doing my bike doesn't have his own workshop, he's just doing me a favour as I know him. He works for the cops as their mechanic. If I hear of anyone I'll give you a buzz.