The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: quixotic on June 06, 2013, 01:26:58 PM

Title: Vent on top of engine
Post by: quixotic on June 06, 2013, 01:26:58 PM

I'm referring to the large rearward facing vent that's just a few inches in front of the air filter clamshell.  Mine is wide open to the elements, except for whatever protection the gas tank provides.  Is this normal?  

(I've just installed a Boyer ignition system and I thought I'd pass the wiring up through the vent)

Thanks in advance.

Title: Re: Vent on top of engine
Post by: Bob_Roller on June 06, 2013, 01:41:43 PM

Most likely a drain hole for the starter area .

Title: Re: Vent on top of engine
Post by: Barry on June 06, 2013, 01:50:29 PM

It's normal if as I'm thinking you mean the air intake on top of the starter cover ?

Title: Re: Vent on top of engine
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on June 06, 2013, 10:12:54 PM

At one time on the earlier bikes there was a rubber "grate" in there.  It was dropped by the time the R65's started production.

Title: Re: Vent on top of engine
Post by: marcmax on June 06, 2013, 10:24:23 PM

I went to a lot of trouble to track down a cover with that snorkle and a matching airbox to replace the flat versions I had.

Title: Re: Vent on top of engine
Post by: quixotic on June 06, 2013, 10:43:35 PM

Quote

Re: Vent on top of engine
 
It's normal if as I'm thinking you mean the air intake on top of the starter cover ?

That's it.  Thanks Barry.  As long as it's OK being open like that, I feel better.  

Title: Re: Vent on top of engine
Post by: Barry on June 07, 2013, 05:06:57 AM

Now you know it's normal I'll throw in a bit of complication by questioning if it really is still an air intake.

The camshell air box should be drilled with a substantial set of holes at the rear facing the battery so why does the starter cover still need that rear facing intake ?

Could it be that cooling air for the alternator and diode board enters through the lower vents on the front cover and then exits through the starter cover. Can't  remember how much of a path there is if any for air to flow though the timing chain cover into the starter cavity.