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high pitch noise from the tank
Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 8:03 pm
by Labrat21136
Hello All,
I am the proud owner of a '97 R850R. The bike is great except for a high pitch noise that seems to be coming from the tank. I just purchased it and it has 15K miles. It does not seem to affect the performance, but is loud enough to hear under 25 mph (over my D&D can). I can really hear it if I put my ear to the tank. The noise is independent of engine speed and does not change in pitch when the throttle is opened.
Thanks for any help!
Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 8:14 pm
by Oilhead
My 1995 K75 used to do that just before running out of gas. It would make a clearly audible high pitch sound when the fuel was ready to run out. I have never experienced this with the R1150R however.
You have this noise regardless of the fuel level?
Re: high pitch noise from the tank
Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 8:37 pm
by dwayne
Labrat21136 wrote:Hello All,
I am the proud owner of a '97 R850R. The bike is great except for a high pitch noise that seems to be coming from the tank. I just purchased it and it has 15K miles. It does not seem to affect the performance, but is loud enough to hear under 25 mph (over my D&D can). I can really hear it if I put my ear to the tank. The noise is independent of engine speed and does not change in pitch when the throttle is opened.
Thanks for any help!
I had the same problem, only, I discovered it was me screaming

No, I can't help.
Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 8:44 pm
by Labrat21136
The noise is present regardless of the fuel level. I have ridden it for about 200 miles and refilled the tank since. Maybe an obstruction or dirty fuel filter would cause the same symptoms?
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 3:55 am
by bimrluvr
How about a pinched pressure relief hose or valve. As the fuel level goes down, the tank space has to be allowed to refill with air. Could be the air inlet is pinched, clogged, whatever?
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 12:23 pm
by GeoffJ
If you can hear the noise when the bike is idling turn off the motor. Then place the bike on the centerstand, open the fuel filler cap and start the motor. If the noise goes away, the tank has a venting problem. I'm not sure if R11 tanks have a vent hose (or vent thru the filler cap), but you might ckeck for one and make sure it's not obstructed. A&S BMW has a nice parts illustration feature on their web site. Check out the venting system for your bike. It will help you understand what to check.
On the other hand, since you're new to the bike, the noise might simply be the electric fuel pump. If you live near a BMW dealer, stop by and ask them to take a quick look/listen.
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 3:24 pm
by HILLBILLIEBIKER
I use ear plugs with I ride so I dont have to worry about which or what noise is coming from it today.
Posted: Sun Jun 18, 2006 12:08 pm
by Labrat21136
So I bit the bullet. Replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, and inlet sock. No more noise and no fires (always a plus). The service guys at Bob's BMW just south of Baltimore were very helpful.
total cost of parts : $300
satisfaction of completing the job: priceless
Next project on the list: removing the charcoal canister.
Thanks to all for the assistance.