Oil filler cap

[klrstix]

I have a 2004 1150r I purchased 6 weeks ago. I purchased it with about 2100 miles on it and have been completely happy. I have put about 900 miles on it since the purchase.

Yesterday I noticed the oil filler cap had oil that was pooling up when I was traveling at highway speeds. When I stop at a light the oil would seep back through the cap. Interestingly enough, no oil was being "blown" onto either my clothes or the motorcycle.

Is this a common thing for this model?

I was also wondering if there were other options available for a more secure oil filler cap. I would appreciate any input.

[dwayne]

I have a 2004 1150r I purchased 6 weeks ago. I purchased it with about 2100 miles on it and have been completely happy. I have put about 900 miles on it since the purchase.

Yesterday I noticed the oil filler cap had oil that was pooling up when I was traveling at highway speeds. When I stop at a light the oil would seep back through the cap. Interestingly enough, no oil was being "blown" onto either my clothes or the motorcycle.

Is this a common thing for this model?

I was also wondering if there were other options available for a more secure oil filler cap. I would appreciate any input.

I have the same problem, and my bike was just out of its crate a month ago.

[Variance]

Yes, there are aftermarket oil plugs.

I had a similar experience, but with the more massive oil blow through, splattering all along to the back wheel.

The first step is to ensure the oil ring, oil plug and engine seat is good n' dry before reinserting anything. If that doesn't help, it may be the seat to engine seal causing your leak. That was my problem. sorry, I don't know how to fix that, dealer fixed mine.

I'm not sure if an aftermarket oil plug will cure the seat/engine leak issue or not.

Good Luck!

[MIXR]

There are two O rings. One is under the cap itself, and is easily fixed by replacing the O ring. Unfortunately, weeping caps are not normally caused by the cap O ring.

The second O ring is on the cap sleeve that fits into the head. You normally need to have the valve cover off to be able to push out the filler sleeve from the inside. Then it's a simple O ring replacement and push the sleeve back in.

Some have had success in prising the sleeve out, but I don't recommend this shortcut as there is some potential to damage the sleeve seat.

All in all, there is about $10 in parts to replace the sleeve, cap and two O rings if you want to really make sure it won't leak for a while.

Sometimes, the sleeve can be stopped from weeping by giving it a slight turn anticlockwise, but only half a mm or so. It reseats the sleeve O ring.

How do I know all this? Mine leaked (weeped) for 30,000 kms because I kept forgetting to tell my service guys about it. They replaced both O rings before my round Aus ride and it has been fine.

[challey]

My understanding is that the operating oil pressure in the R is very high and can cause weeping from the filler plug if the seal is less than perfect. As others have indicated, replacing the o-rings usually fixes the problem. Keeping them clean also seems to be important.

[wncbmw]

Lots of expensive and PITA suggestions made and perhaps you may need to look into them.

But first, try this:

1- Remove oil filler cap

2 - clean and dry o-ring on cap and gasket on cylinder with clean dry cloth

3 - reinstall cap

That's what worked for me with the same issue. Can't hurt to try that first!

It is also one of the first, of many, things about my bike I picked up from this board! Good luck.

[rdsmith3]

Some have had success in prising the sleeve out, but I don't recommend this shortcut as there is some potential to damage the sleeve seat.

All in all, there is about $10 in parts to replace the sleeve, cap and two O rings if you want to really make sure it won't leak for a while.

I am not sure what the first statement means. The sleeve on my bike came out easily when I stuck my little finger in and pulled it up. When you re-insert it, you have to be careful not to break the plastic sleeve.

The second statement is very true. For $10 in parts, you will have a tight fitting sleeve and cap. I did this, and it stopped the leaking. It is a cheap and easy fix for a very poor design, IMO.

[dnorrell]

I have also had this problem since my last oil change (during which someone must have snuck in my garage and overfilled her with oil...yeah...that's it). After draining the oil and filling the bike with the proper amount (darn hoodlum) I have noticed that the weeping has been much reduced. I just ran to the local BMW dealership here (Colorado Springs) and picked up 2 each of the o-rings for the cap and sleeve. Spend around $3 in all, and I have backups! I'll give it a try tonight and post some results.

adam

[Xray28]

I carry a spare oil filler cap in my very limited "spares" kit. It came with the "O" ring installed. It's one of those cheap little things that could ruin an otherwise nice trip.

[dnorrell]

hmmm...Xray28...you may be on to something. I just might have to run out and snag one of those before my trip next week. Great idea...