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Author Topic: Metal shavings in gear oil  (Read 1605 times)

Offline moto1337

  • Motobrick Curious
  • Posts: 18
Metal shavings in gear oil
« on: October 18, 2021, 02:21:48 PM »
https://imgur.com/a/STkZU3D

Large quantity of metal shavings from gear oil drain plug magnet. Any ideas what could cause this? Most of the metal looks like it is in a circular/spiral shape.
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  • Concord, MA
  • 1986 K100

Offline Chaos

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Re: Metal shavings in gear oil
« Reply #1 on: October 18, 2021, 02:56:40 PM »
that looks like some jewelry chain to me.  Anyone working on the bike wear lots of bling?
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  • sw ohio
1987 K75S    VIN 0231
Original owner, Original litter
200,000 miles (plus or minus) and 5 paint jobs
sold 6/23
2023 Ural 2WD sidecar (BMW's bastard step child)

Offline moto1337

  • Motobrick Curious
  • Posts: 18
Re: Metal shavings in gear oil
« Reply #2 on: October 18, 2021, 03:37:20 PM »
Interesting idea! The metal is more of a "coil" than a "chain" but either way, doesn't look like something that should be in the gear box. On the advice of my local mechanic, I will keep riding it (now w fresh oil) and drain again after a few hundred miles. With any luck there won't be anything next time...
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  • Concord, MA
  • 1986 K100

Offline Laitch

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Re: Metal shavings in gear oil
« Reply #3 on: October 18, 2021, 03:57:04 PM »
Those look like pieces of a storm door return spring. Owners have repeatedly been warned by BMW not to use the motorcycle as a workbench for household tasks while doing gear or engine oil changes. This is what can happen.  :nono2:
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  • Along the Ridley in Vermont.
  • 1995 K75 89,000 miles

Offline The Mighty Gryphon

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Re: Metal shavings in gear oil
« Reply #4 on: October 18, 2021, 04:55:37 PM »
It's hard to tell what the size is with no reference in the photo, but that could be the remains of an oil seal spring.  Is there any history of a transmission oil leak?
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  • In my garage in Marilla, NY
  • '91K100RS White/Blue
Current:
'91 K100RS16V "Moby Brick Too"

Past:
'94 K75RT "Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS"
'92 K100RS16V "Moby Brick" (RIP, deceased in a vehicular assault)
'94 K75S Special Edition Dakar Yellow "Cheetos"
'89 K100RS Special Edition "Special Ed"

Offline moto1337

  • Motobrick Curious
  • Posts: 18
Re: Metal shavings in gear oil
« Reply #5 on: October 18, 2021, 07:02:54 PM »
Apologies, I’m new to the site and still figuring out how to best post photos — if you click the “imgut” link above there is a quarter for scale.
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  • Concord, MA
  • 1986 K100

Offline The Mighty Gryphon

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Re: Metal shavings in gear oil
« Reply #6 on: October 18, 2021, 07:32:05 PM »
Got it! 

My money is on the metal being from an oil seal.  So, is there any leakage or oil seal replacement in this bike's past?
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  • In my garage in Marilla, NY
  • '91K100RS White/Blue
Current:
'91 K100RS16V "Moby Brick Too"

Past:
'94 K75RT "Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS"
'92 K100RS16V "Moby Brick" (RIP, deceased in a vehicular assault)
'94 K75S Special Edition Dakar Yellow "Cheetos"
'89 K100RS Special Edition "Special Ed"

Offline moto1337

  • Motobrick Curious
  • Posts: 18
Re: Metal shavings in gear oil
« Reply #7 on: October 18, 2021, 10:47:24 PM »
It's possible that the previous owner replaced the oil seal if that was required during re-installation of the grub screw in the shift lever. That's the one repair I'm aware of.
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  • Concord, MA
  • 1986 K100

Offline moto1337

  • Motobrick Curious
  • Posts: 18
Re: Metal shavings in gear oil
« Reply #8 on: October 19, 2021, 07:23:10 PM »
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  • Concord, MA
  • 1986 K100
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