The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: clouseau on August 09, 2010, 12:30:31 PM
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It's leaking. Before it was just a seep.
So my question is it better to replace it (dealer has it for $15) to stop the leak or can I effectively stop the leak by not replacing it?
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My oil pressure switch just started leaking after the rally in Vermont last week - ordered a new switch from Bob's BMW here in NH on Saturday, got it in the mail today.
For such a relatively low cost item, you may as well replace the switch (and the copper washer that it should come with) -sometimes these switches slightly seep where it is threaded into the engine case, but when they start actually leaking drops of oil, it often means that there is a crack in the plastic body, and it will only get worse. Plus, you may lose the functionality/usefulness of the switch (telling you when there isn't enough oil circulation). If I were on the road, many miles from home I might try to RTV it up to get by until I bought a new switch, but once I got home (or anywhere I'd plan to stay for a little while), I'd replace the switch.
My switch cost $10.66 at Max's, plus $3.00 postage .
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Replace it. It's fairly inexpensive, fast and an easy job. It definitely fixed the leak I had from there.
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Thanks. I will replace it. When a part is that cheap, it's what I usually do, but I've been trying to be more frugal lately. :)
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...I've been trying to be more frugal lately. :)
In my book, frugal and frustrated are pretty much synonymous. [smiley=furious3.gif]
Monte
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Rats!! I thought I had the proper size thin wall deep socket for the oil pressure switch, but I don't!! Anyone who has done this recently - is it 23mm or 24mm ? My collection of normal increment sockets ends at 22mm, and then I have a 26mm and a 27mm...
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It's a 24 mm .
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Do you have any SAE sockets to try?
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Do you have any SAE sockets to try?
[smiley=thumbup.gif] An SAE will likely fit. That's what I used on the Air Injection head fittings.
Monte
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I'll stop at Sears today then - my SAE sockets also stop just a bit short of the proper size, and then I've got a couple odd ball ones that are much too big.
Thanks!
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Oh Boy!
An actual valid reason to go buy tools. I may have to try your tool time tip pretty soon. [smiley=thumbup.gif]
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I can't believe it - some days I have such incredible luck.. I went to Sears to get a deep 24mm socket - guess what was the ONLY one that they did not have in stock? Of course, they DID have one packaged with a set of 9 deep metric socket for $50 (who knows, I may yet go back later). FORTUNATELY, they did have a deep 15/16" 12-point SAE socket, which for the purposes of installing the oil pressure switch, was close enough for government work and it removed the old and installed the new one fine - though I wouldn't want to use it for high-torque situations with a 24mm nut.
Now, probably a bunch of you already know about this tool I'm about to sing the praises of, but in case you haven't - I think this is a pretty cool tool/idea:
The COOL tool that I did find nearby I also bought - and I am bringing it up here for the benefit of Monte and others who want to stretch their tool dollars as best they can. If you are like me - you have at least 1 drawer's worth of sockets in your toolbox. Sometimes you have the sockets in more than one drive (1/4", 3/8" 1/2") size. Of course, this means having to buy more extensions and drives/ratchets in the corresponding sizes. BUT WAIT, with the CAL-VAN TOOL Twin Spin Drive Converter, one can go from 3/8" drive to 1/2" socket, or from 1/2" drive to 3/8" socket with a simple push on the captive drive end. They also have a 1/4" to 3/8" converter.
I bought the 3/8" to 1/2" converter and tried it with the oil pressure switch install, and it worked fine. It wasn't super cheap ($20) but it could save you some $$ over the long run in that you can reduce the sheer number of socket sets you need to keep around to go with your ratchets/drive sizes. Or, buy the socket sets that are on sale and use this tool to adapt them to fit the drive you already have. I found a link to the website.
http://www.cal-vantools.com/p-8-twin-spin-drive-converter-38-12.aspx
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I too have a sockets ratchets and extensions in all 3 sizes. What I really needed a set of converters for was so to use my 3/8" drive torque wrench with the whole range of sockets. Picked a set up at one of the local classic bike shows.
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...BUT WAIT, with the CAL-VAN TOOL Twin Spin Drive Converter, one can go from 3/8" drive to 1/2" socket, or from 1/2" drive to 3/8" socket with a simple push on the captive drive end...
[smiley=ROTFLMAO.gif] Haven't I seen you on TV? Half a mo'... aren't you supposed to be, like, dead?
OK. Send my Converter right away but only if it comes with a set of Ginsu Steak Knives.
Monte
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Sometimes I've been known to channel the spirits of the deceased.
No steak knives, but if you call within the next 60 seconds I might throw in a box of "Mighty Putty"! :D
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Go ahead and replace it now as the leak will only worsen and you are going to have to replace it eventually. 10 minute job...