Rocker cover gasget

[divanmostert]

Hi all,

My rocker cover gasget is leaking slightly. I'm not a grease monkey, but I can service the bike myself and do the basic stuff.

Is it easy enough to replace the gasket or should I rather hand it over to a BMW monkey?

 

[Timolgra]

2 out of 3 'gasgets' ...probably best to leave alone

 

[Smythson]

I had this problem a little while ago however i was in warranty so it went to dealership.

Pending there being some mechanical jiggery pokery that meant it was somehow my fault and they wouldn't do it for free i did some research. It doesn't look that hard.

The engine remains in the frame, which for me was a big plus and it's only two out five spanners difficulty rating in Haynes. I also found a simple guide with lots of pictures on ADV but can't for the life of me find it now

Best of luck whichever you go for,

S

 

[Smug]

Very easy to do. You can get away with cleaning it up and applying a tidy thin smear of silicon. If you have time allow the silicon to go off before refitting the rocker cover.

 

[Micky]

If you have to ask then you shouldn't be doing it

 

[Greggers]

It's just a pain in the ass to do, but simple enough ...

You just need to be aware of the battery disconnection thing - well documented, some get the 'service' warning, some don't.

It's a bit tight in between the top frame rails, and you'll need to disconnect the clutch and throttle cables, and displace the wiring loom to give yourself room to remove the cover. Be generous with the sealant, use a decent silicon, concentrating on the areas around the 'half moons'. Replacing the cover with sealant on it can be fiddly but with the loom and cables out of the way you should be ok.

Best of luck

Greg

 

[Timolgra]

Rather than use a silicon sealer, I suggest you use 'Threebond' which is a much better product.
Like this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THREEBOND...cycle_Parts&hash=item23173c1709#ht_1410wt_948

 

[Micky]

If you have to ask then you shouldn't be doing it

Out of order Micky .... apologies

 

[NI Phil]

Out of order Micky .... apologies

 

[divanmostert]

Thanks all, I'll give that Threebond a try and report back.

 

[Dave Ett]

BMW have modified that gasket now, so you might want to fit a newer one if you're going to the trouble of removing it...

 

[divanmostert]

BMW have modified that gasket now, so you might want to fit a newer one if you're going to the trouble of removing it...

good idea

 

[Barty]

BMW shd fix this under warranty. The fact they have brought out a modified gasket rather confirms the original had a design fault.
If you are out of warranty and the leak is only slight and you can put up with the piss being taken out of you by mates who run old Triumphs and Nortons then leave it until you are due a tappet adjustment service and BMW will have to change the gasket at that point anyway. Keep checking the oil level but you will find it will hardly go down if the leak is small but be warned they can become "gushers" and then you'll know because the oil drains down the cylinders and onto your boots!