R65 Camshaft Replacement

[MrRiden]

Timing cover removal tool  

[Danie]

During the past weekend I managed to remove the timing cover, without applying any heat to the bearing area.
In daylight, I discovered that three hexagon hollow nuts (which I thought was part of the timing cover casting), were still holding the cover in place.

By having a closer look at the damaged cam lube, it is clear that the damaged lifter only touched the cam lube at about 80% of the contact area.
- I have had a proper look at the lifter guide, and it still seems to be in perfect condition.
- By looking at the camshaft via the lifter guides - spesially the front (damaged) cam lube seems to be
  out of line with the shifter guide.

Is this normal ?

Regards
Danie

[Danie]

Pic of damaged cam and lifter.

<a href="http://s259.photobucket.com/albums/hh288/DaniesR65/?action=view&current=DSCF31351.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh288/DaniesR65/DSCF31351.jpg" border="0" alt="Cam and lifter"></a>

[Bob_Roller]

I wonder if you would of had any metallic debris in the folds of the oil filter from a failure like this?

I've gotten into the habit of cutting the metal ends off of the oil filter, and taking a close look at the paper filtering media, for accumulations of metal.

Wonder how long this took to get this bad ?

[Danie]

The valves started getting slightly noisy about 30 - 40 thousand kilometers ago, and the noise just got worse by time.

As said before, the old chap who used to work on the bike before, assured me at least twice that the valve clearances were 100% correct.

I am no expert, but I am quite convinced that the damaged cam and lifter caused the "valve noise".

I usually change oil and oil filters every 5000 km, but unfortunately I have never had a proper look at the paper filtering media.

I wonder if the front lube and lifter are not subject to more wear by time - the contact area seems to be smaller.

[Justin B.]

I think I have heard this type of damage referred to as "spalling" and some theorys indicate a manufacturing defect and blame it on poor/improper heat treating - who knows.  As long as lubrication is proper I don't think the area you are referring to would be a big cause.  I can't remember if the R100 lifter pic I posted was front or rear but just remember it was on the R/H side...

[Danie]

I started shopping for a cam , one lifter, and timing cover gasket locally- can get a second hand cam "in perfect condition" for SAR1000.00 ( about  125.00 US$) , second hand lifter "perfect condition" for SAR380.00 (48.00 US$), and new gasket for SAR57.00 (7.00 US$).

Hopefully the bike will be back on the road soon.

[Justin B.]

You might want to mail-order a new lifter.  I think they are $20 something brand new...

[Danie]

I have ordered the second hand camshaft, second hand lifter, and new timing cover gasket from a dealer in Johannesburg, and received this items today. I hoped to assemble the bike during this upcoming weekend, but unfortunately I was a bit too optimistic :

1. Due to unforseen circumstances I will have to fly to Johannesburg tomorrow evening, to train a few
   of our staff members (Johannesburg branch) on Friday - will only be back late Saturday evening.

2. The dealer has sent me an incorrect lifter (different length and diameter)

3. I am very concerned about the "new" camshaft - although I can not find any reason why it should not fit,
    the valve "lift" will definately differ :

    - while the intake and exhaust cam lubes on the "new" cam are almost in line with each other,
      these lubes seem to be at least 15 Degrees off line on the "old" camshaft.

    - Different numbers have been casted on the two camshafts:
      "Old"   camshaft -   394     335  267     248    
      "New"  camshaft -     75     250  249     247


I will definately contact the supplier tomorrow in this regard, but in the meanwhile I will really appreciate any related information / advice from anyone on this forum.

Many thanks

Danie

      

    

[billygoat]

http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/timingchain.htm


5.  Besides a bearing, seal(s), cover gasket, tensioner/follower, and perhaps spring, and of course the chain, you will need to replace two (2) small round gaskets at the top of the case cover.  These MUST be the same thickness as the new main gasket. MEASURE THEM.   Select them at your BMW dealer's when you go pick up these parts, that is, MEASURE them to be sure the two small gaskets are the same thickness to each other, and the SAME as the large gasket.    Failure to heed this advice will result in leaks.  You can MAKE these washers, if you want to, from old gasket or other material.


jmtc

[Danie]

Thanks for the advice Billygoat.

The bearing, tentioner, chain and spring is still in very good condition - has been changed by an old chap who worked on the bike before.

I received the two small gaskets from the dealer, although I forgot to order them - will make sure the thickness is the same as the new main gasket.

I visited the dealer on Saturday - both the camshaft and lifter which I originally received from them have been swopped for the correct ones.

They have made a mistake by sending me a complete wrong lifter, and the sparepart salesman told me that the camshaft which has been forwarded to me, probably came from an earlier LS model . I did not ask questions in this regard, but I suppose there is a difference between camshafts on some of the different R65 models.

Anyway, I am quite happy with the dealers service - despite of the initial confusion. They are very friendly and helpful, and they still seem to have many parts available for R65's.

Regards

Danie