Water in engine

[Mouse]

I know I'm not the first to have done this, so I thought I'd draw on the collected wisdom of the GSers

Went trail riding over the weekend, and at one point I got pretty submerged, but when I got out, the engine ran fine, albeit with a bit of steam out of the exhaust. When I got home (after about another 20 miles) I checked the oil and there was a bit of emulsion in it.

So I dropped the oil and emptied the filter, but I had to reuse the filter as I didn't have a spare. Added fresh oil and dried out the air filter on a radiator. I also dried out the airbox as well as I could, but all that was in there was a thin film of oil, no water to speak of.

After a short run, there was still a little emulsion on the filler cap. I'm thinking I'll run it for a few days, while new filters are on order, and then change the oil again, probably after I do the Red Kite next weekend.

Should I take any other precautions?

 

[Tarka]

I`d check all electrical connectors...ideally unplug them,spray them with an electrical cleaner then apply Vaseline to all the pins before reconnecting.

It could be worth checking your wheel bearings (unless they`re 2RS type) and lubing all pivots...especially rear suspension.

 

[Shep]

I would go the extra bit and make sure the Oil filter was changed as well, the water oil emulsion will restrict the oil flow through the filter, if the filter/oil system has a bypass it could operate without you knowing? Not worth the risk IMO

Shep

 

[Mouse]

Cleaning the electrical connectors is pretty much standard practice for me after a wet ride, but actually the 1200 has very good waterproof connectors and I've never found water in any of them. I generally clean them off and apply a little rubber grease to the seals.

Hadn't thought of the suspension pivots, that's a good idea. What are 2RS wheel bearings? Although to be honest if the wheel bearings fail eventually on my off road wheels, that's sort of expected and I'll change them. Are BMW wheel bearings stupidly expensive, or pretty standard?

I am definitely going to change the filter as well on the next oil change (in a few days), I just need to wait for it to be delivered.

Thanks chaps

 

[Tarka]

. What are 2RS wheel bearings?

2RS .... as in 6202RS for instance....means the bearing has Two Rubber Seals hence 2RS

ZZ means metal shield.

This is on roller bearings....if you`ve got taper rollers you`ll need to keep them free from shite and freshly greased (and correctly adjusted).


As for prices if you need new ones,note down the number and ask the likes of Wyko in Liverpool or BSL in Ellesmere Port...

 

[Mouse]

Ahh right I know the type you mean.

There's a normal black seal pressed in outside the bearing but as far as I can see, no seal on the bearing itself. I shall try and grease them without removing them from the wheel. As far as I can see they are normal roller bearings, no scope for adjustment (on the front wheel anyway, who knows what's inside the final drive! ).

 

[Clive]

After a short run, there was still a little emulsion on the filler cap.

That may reappear for a while - it may also be worthwhile removing/cleaning the engine breather tube (that runs from the LHS cylinder head to the airbox) - you'll probably find emulsion in there.

 

[Mouse]

Good thought Clive, thanks. That's the big fat black tube, yes?

 

[Mouse]

Good call Clive, the breather tube was full of emulsion. Which at least proves it's doing its job I suppose!

 

[Clive]

Good call Clive, the breather tube was full of emulsion. Which at least proves it's doing its job I suppose!

Same as happened to mine then
It's only fair it should condense the "steam" in the engine since that pipe let the water in, in the first place