airhead parts - the dark secrets revealed

[datchew]

Originally Posted by TheDirtyKnacker

prices are cheaper than OEM BMW stuff http://www.realgaskets.com/files/motorcycle.htm

Yup, that makes it count.

[rowansride]

Originally Posted by TheDirtyKnacker

Real Gaskets makes Nitrile float bowl gaskets (and many other gaskets) for Airheads... prices are cheaper than OEM BMW stuff and it'll last nearly forever. You can order direct from: http://www.realgaskets.com/files/motorcycle.htm

I have tried several of these gaskets....with terrible results. The torque values needed to properly seat these gaskets to where they won't leak will warp valve covers and oilpans. Haven't used the floatbowl gaskets, but I always have a ton of those because I rebuild my carbs pretty frequently. I'm all for cutting costs by using cheaper parts, but not if it's gonna fuck the bike up. My understanding is that Real Gaskets started making seals for Lycoming and Continental aircraft motors.... How would you like to be at 12,000 ft and have all your oil piss out a valve cover? I'm spooked just thinking about it. Good seals are cheap insurance.

[RandyB]

I've had good results with Real Gasket's stuff. No problems at all. They aren't cheaper from the manufacturer, but then again one is all you need.

[datchew]

Originally Posted by rowansride

The torque values needed to properly seat these gaskets to where they won't leak will warp valve covers and oilpans.

You can warp valve covers? I figured the fasteners would strip too easy to allow that.

[RocketJ]

Originally Posted by datchew

You can warp valve covers? I figured the fasteners would strip too easy to allow that.

I wonder if maybe they deform with too much torque. Maybe they require less.

[ROSKO]

I've only used the float bowl gasket. Good result and (in my opinion) WAY better than the cork. I have not used any of the other gaskets so I can't give you any feedback.

Warping a valve cover is pretty crazy.

[rowansride]

Tell me about it... The fucker just would'nt seal without three times the torque. I still have a oilpan gasket that I keep on the bike as a spare... I figure it's better than a broken/distorted one if I'm broken down in the middle of nowhere. It packs down pretty small at that.
Still not a fan though.

[StephenB]

NAPA Oil Pressure Switch OP6065 (C$16) is a direct replacement and works fine.

[jazzer]

Opps... I broke the shift lever on my 86 R80. Does anything else work?


Ken

[Wirespokes]

My concern using a silicone pan gasket is the bolts falling out. There's no way the bolt will bind in the hole with the gasket being soft and squishy. Do you use loctite? Those suckers fall out easy enough with the stock hard one.

[RandyB]

Originally Posted by lkchris

Any old o-ring is gasoline proof, right?

Harbor Freight is selling 225 pack of Nitrile orings (Gas AND alcohol proof, if you insist on burning your corn instead of drinking it, the way it was meant to be....). $3.99 Get out and support the global economy.

1 5/8 hose makes a pretty good carb to intake fix for $3.49. So far, so good, on 32mm carbs.

[Boojum]

Is the Master Cylinder (under tank) "Rebuildable" on the R90/6?
Mine is leaking out of the back side, underneath the rubber boot. It's the pump-? shaft thingy that is connected to the cable, running to the handlebar.
Is it just some "O-Rings"? I priced one from BMW,...........$400 OK, really $397.00. Any help would be appreciated!


Boojum!

[Wirespokes]

It is rebuildable and the kit is around $35. Make sure the cylinder isn't pitted too badly before getting the kit, though. You'll need snap ring pliers to open it up, and then to hone I've used some wet or dry sand paper wrapped around a dowl chucked into my drill. Look in there real close and feel with a pick to make sure there isn't any pitting.

[RandyB]

I bought the rear MC kit for my RT from Max BMW. Around $40. Follow tvrla's instructions. Piece of cake.

[rtw02]

I have used Real Gaskets valve cover gaskets for about 150,000kms now.
They have been on and off the bike 15-20 times,are still sealing fine, and have never leaked.

The torque needed to seat them is minimal. If you need more torque to seat them that the specs, chances are your valve covers are warped.
To check your valve covers simply place them on a sheet of glass and see if they rock.
Cheers