The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: craig@pmpress.org on November 25, 2011, 06:01:36 PM

Title: Ground connection at the transmission stripped
Post by: craig@pmpress.org on November 25, 2011, 06:01:36 PM

Hi fellas,
My ground connection from the negative on the battery to a bolt at the transmission is stripped. Any second best location with the standard length wire?

thanks, Craig

Title: Re: Ground connection at the transmission stripped
Post by: tvrla on November 25, 2011, 08:07:40 PM

Does the bolt stay in well enough to retain the speedo cable?

The next best location is a transmission rear cover bolt just ahead of the normal spot. You'll need to source a longer bolt and either some washers, or a spacer, to fill the counter-sunk hole in the cover.

This is actually a better location for the ground than that silly breather bolt.

I've also heard that helicoils work well in that location if you want to try repairing the threads.

Title: Re: Ground connection at the transmission stripped
Post by: Teo on November 26, 2011, 12:31:22 PM

Check with your local motorcycle dealer to see if he has an extra battery post sleeve (they come with new batterys to give variaous mounting options).  
The cylindrical sleeve is just the right inside and outside diameter to fit in the countersunk hole for the 6mm transmission bolt.  Trim it to stand very slightly proud of the hole and use a longer bolt.  Your ground cable will never be happier.
As for the transmission vent bolt, with the ground wire and washer off it might have enough thread left to grab and hold firm for speedo cable.  Tightening it only secures the bolt from backing out.  The bolt threads through a cutout on the speedo cable collar; that's what holds it in.