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Valve cover repair
Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 7:30 pm
by Airman
I have a crack in my right valve cover that's causing a serious oil leak. It's right inside the cover bolt hole, a fairly good sized crack, but does not show on the outside. I tried to get a used cover from Beemer BoneYard but they seem to be out right now. Do you think I could make a workable J-B Weld repair. I hate to leave the bike sit this time of year, and I don't know when I'll be able to get a cover. The OEM price seems unreasonable to me.
Re: Valve cover repair
Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 8:30 pm
by DaveF
A good welder should be able to take care of the crack from the inside
Re: Valve cover repair
Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 10:39 pm
by zbodan
Yes, I believe a J-B Weld repair will stand up to the job, and it will most likely last you until the end of the bike or until you bugger up that cover further (whichever comes first).
It can withstand a constant temperature of up to 500F.
http://jbweld.net/faq.php If you have anymore questions about it.
Re: Valve cover repair
Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 11:35 pm
by Airman
I had a disagreement with a steel post. It did bugger up the grommet on the bolt, so I'll have to replace that. If I knew a good TIG welder, I might go that route, but it's hardly worth it when a used one will be available at some point for $40-45. I suspect less qualified (less expensive) welders would not do a piece that says "Magnesium" on the outside.Or they would try and I'd be sorry. I think I'll try the J-B Weld.
Re: Valve cover repair
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 12:36 am
by owldaddy
A&S BMW used to carry used valve covers, you might give them a try.
Re: Valve cover repair
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 2:16 am
by Airman
owldaddy wrote:A&S BMW used to carry used valve covers, you might give them a try.
I looked at the A&S site and did not see any used ones. I may not be able to repair this one. Today after cleaning the oli off the inside I found the center spark plug boss is cracked nearly all the way around. Beemer Boneyard has not come up with a used one and I haven;t seen any ads for a cover. I guess I hit it harder than I thought.
Re: Valve cover repair
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:46 am
by owldaddy
That is a shame Airman. I had a low speed, low side a few years ago. A&S came to the rescue. The cover they sold me looked like new for half the cost. I did have to paint it, since I have the blacked out engine. Other then that It was perfect.
Re: Valve cover repair
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 8:26 pm
by GypsyRR
Hey Airman. I have a 'spare' right side valve cover for my '05 1150R. I'd be happy to help you out if it will work for you. Let me know.
Re: Valve cover repair
Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2011 11:07 pm
by Airman
GypsyRR wrote:Hey Airman. I have a 'spare' right side valve cover for my '05 1150R. I'd be happy to help you out if it will work for you. Let me know.
It will work for me. PM me with details.
Oops. I just took a look at your bike pic. It's a dual spark. My '03 is a single spark. I appreciate the offer though.