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TECHNICAL MOTOBRICK WRENCHING In Remembrance of Inge K. => Project Classic Motobricks => Topic started by: Nailhead on March 03, 2018, 10:12:36 AM

Title: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 03, 2018, 10:12:36 AM
As mentioned in my intro thread, I became the lucky beneficiary of a work-for-bike trade in the form of a blue '85 K100RS with 64K-ish miles.  It was last registered in '01.


After considerable thought, I've come up with what I consider a fiscally sensible plan of attack, given how low the values of these bikes seem to be.  First, I'm going to remove the final drive per Chris Harris's colorful guidance, and check the splines.  If they're in good shape, then they'll get buttered with some moly paste, and the rehab will begin.  All rubber hoses will be replaced, a mirror somehow procured (the PO has no idea where the missing one went [insert grumpy smiley here]), and I'll treat myself to the Bosch fuel pump replacement kit I saw offered somewhere online (I realize cheaper alternatives are available, but I intend ride this bike in Wyoming quite a bit, and reliability and peace of mind in such a rural setting is imperative).


If the final drive splines are roached, then some hard choices need to be made in light of other expensive parts (mirror, shock, all those hoses, battery, MC's, etc.) that need to be procured.  The final drive splines will probably be the failure criterion I have to go by.  Here's hoping.


Pix to follow in next post.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 03, 2018, 10:15:14 AM
The reveal:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180303/03f9e4b423a5d0bfa957a33ebc90a504.jpg)

Back at our shop with a roof over its head: (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180303/41aa5aa5fc2266c5cf02bb95feaa3af7.jpg)

More pix will follow as work progresses.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on March 03, 2018, 10:34:50 AM
$.02 here.  If you are on a tight budget, defer the mirror.  Get a set of LED turn signals and bar mounted mirrors.  The bike will look better(in some eyes but not all), and you can get mirrors and turn signals on eBay for under $30 total.  Then you can ride while you look for another mirror to show up for a reasonable price if you still want one.

Before you go full replace on the rubber bits, disassemble the bike and do a careful inspection of them.  I bought a '91 RS a couple years ago that had sat for several years, and found that the only rubber bits that had perished were the fuel lines. 

Check with the local auto parts store for a fuel pump.  The Ford Mustang is reported to use a similar pump and they can be had for about $60.  Chinese parts are getting better now.  I have an $11 rear master cylinder on my touring bike that has 8,000 miles on it and works better than the OEM unit ever did.  I think Martin has a Chinese pump on his bike and has had good service from it.  The prices are low enough that you can buy two and carry one as a spare(I do that when I'm out West in Montana and Wyoming).

eBay is a good source of used parts as there are a number of bike breakers selling there.  These are large outfits who do a lot of business and sell good quality parts.  You are especially fortunate in that there are at least two that I know of in Colorado that I have bought parts from.  They are close enough that you can save on shipping costs.

Good luck and enjoy the project!
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on March 03, 2018, 10:53:11 AM
Further thought on rubber bits.  Rubber bits for BMW bikes are stupid expensive.  Seems to be a lot of competetion for rubber in German industry.  The less you have to buy the more cost effective your rebuild will be.

The big enemy of rubber is Ozone and UV both of which are more plentiful outdoors so if the bike was stored indoors you may not have a lot of damage.  Also, judging from the look of the seat, it appears that the rubber may indeed be in usable shape.   

Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 03, 2018, 11:49:39 AM
$.02 here.  If you are on a tight budget, defer the mirror.  Get a set of LED turn signals and bar mounted mirrors.  The bike will look better(in some eyes but not all), and you can get mirrors and turn signals on eBay for under $30 total.  Then you can ride while you look for another mirror to show up for a reasonable price if you still want one.

Before you go full replace on the rubber bits, disassemble the bike and do a careful inspection of them.  I bought a '91 RS a couple years ago that had sat for several years, and found that the only rubber bits that had perished were the fuel lines. 

Check with the local auto parts store for a fuel pump.  The Ford Mustang is reported to use a similar pump and they can be had for about $60.  Chinese parts are getting better now.  I have an $11 rear master cylinder on my touring bike that has 8,000 miles on it and works better than the OEM unit ever did.  I think Martin has a Chinese pump on his bike and has had good service from it.  The prices are low enough that you can buy two and carry one as a spare(I do that when I'm out West in Montana and Wyoming).

eBay is a good source of used parts as there are a number of bike breakers selling there.  These are large outfits who do a lot of business and sell good quality parts.  You are especially fortunate in that there are at least two that I know of in Colorado that I have bought parts from.  They are close enough that you can save on shipping costs.

Good luck and enjoy the project!


I love the integrated approach designers of '80's & '90's faired bikes took (hence the R100RS & 900SS in my sig line), and one aspect of this integrated design that I see as crucial to the whole is the design of the turn signals.  I love those of the two above-mentioned bikes, and how they're bespoke, conforming to the lines of the surface in which they're mounted-- much like those of the K100RS.  I hate the way modern designers design a fairing and then just tack on parts-bin turn signals, so I'll be patient.  Good things come to those who don't get in too much of a hurry.


After reading rehab info on at least three forums (fora?), I've come to the conclusion that one should at the very least replace all fuel & vacuum hoses.  There's a good chance the coolant hoses are ok, but my need for peace-of-mind will prevail over thrift when dealing with such critical components (or mirrors...): any doubt, change it out.  Same goes for fork seals: I remember the big oil stain on the driveway after my dad's Rickman blew its fork seals, and that's not something I want to see in a driveway in Wheatland, WY on a Sunday afternoon.


I've read multiple fuel pump threads here and on the K100 forum, and have become aware of several alternative fuel pumps (as I mentioned above), but changing a fuel pump 20 miles south of Chugwater holds no appeal to me, no matter how cheap I bought both pumps. When my old Chevy S10 was rear-ended, I took the opportunity to change out the in-tank fuel pump before we mounted the replacement bed. I bought the factory pump at triple the price of the cheapest alternative, and never regretted the money spent.  It seems the older I get, the more valuable peace-of-mind becomes.


As for eBay, I scrolled through RS parts the other night until I got cross-eyed.  Found some good stuff (a few final drives, an engine spoiler, and some side panels to replace the sloppily repaired left one I have), but no mirrors that weren't beat up from the feet up.  I'll keep looking.


We have a motorcycle salvage yard here in town, but his hours are like caddy day at Bushwood: open for like 15 minutes on Sunday afternoon.  I'm not even sure he opens at all these days. Consequently, I haven't stopped in, even though my Benelli needs several pieces.   Could you pass along the names of those salvage outfits you mention?  It might be worth stopping in.


Thank you very much for your input, and please don't misinterpret my responses as out-of-hand dismissals: I've rehabbed everything from Fiat 500C's to Jeep M715's to Cub Cadets, and maybe have become set in my ways.  I do appreciate the input, though: I'm just getting my K100 knowledge base started.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 03, 2018, 11:51:12 AM
Further thought on rubber bits.  Rubber bits for BMW bikes are stupid expensive.  Seems to be a lot of competetion for rubber in German industry.  The less you have to buy the more cost effective your rebuild will be.

The big enemy of rubber is Ozone and UV both of which are more plentiful outdoors so if the bike was stored indoors you may not have a lot of damage.  Also, judging from the look of the seat, it appears that the rubber may indeed be in usable shape.


The seat looks great, but the grips & switchgear look like they sat out in the Arizona desert.  I honestly don't know what to expect from the rest of the rubber parts.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Laitch on March 03, 2018, 12:12:41 PM
The seat looks great, but the grips & switchgear look like they sat out in the Arizona desert.  I honestly don't know what to expect from the rest of the rubber parts.
Grips are easily replaced cheaply. As for the switch gear, I'll refer you to this post from prakash's project. (http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,9495.msg85505.html#msg85505)
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 03, 2018, 12:19:44 PM
Grips are easily replaced cheaply. As for the switch gear, I'll refer you to this post from prakash's project. (http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,9495.msg85505.html#msg85505)


Thanks Laitch-- I'm just using those components as an indicator of the possible condition of other components.  The switchgear looks ugly but usable, and the grips will suffice for a time.  Their replacement would be the sprinkles on the cake, anyway.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on March 03, 2018, 12:44:36 PM
Guys I have done business with through eBay that are in Colorado: 

TD motorcycles, Denver (Ebay Odlidle)

Steeles Cycles, Englewood (eBay Steelescycle)

These guys have good parts, fair prices and seem to have a decent inventory of K-bike stuff.

There's another, but I can't recall who or where.  Pretty much all the breakers on eBay are good to deal with.  But the guys above are brick and mortar and within an hour or so of you.

Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: mophead on March 03, 2018, 12:46:27 PM
If you decide its a keeper I have a Supertrapp header and muffler I could part with.  I recently bought a K1100RS and it won't fit because of the bodywork.  Got lucky and found a new Remus and installed it.

Picked up the Supertrapp thinking I would find another K100RS but came across the K1100RS that was really nice so no longer needed.

Regardless hope you get the beast up and running.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 03, 2018, 01:06:56 PM
Guys I have done business with through eBay that are in Colorado: 

TD motorcycles, Denver (Ebay Odlidle)

Steeles Cycles, Englewood (eBay Steelescycle)

These guys have good parts, fair prices and seem to have a decent inventory of K-bike stuff.

There's another, but I can't recall who or where.  Pretty much all the breakers on eBay are good to deal with.  But the guys above are brick and mortar and within an hour or so of you.

Sweet— thank you!
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 03, 2018, 01:09:37 PM
If you decide its a keeper I have a Supertrapp header and muffler I could part with.  I recently bought a K1100RS and it won't fit because of the bodywork.  Got lucky and found a new Remus and installed it.

Picked up the Supertrapp thinking I would find another K100RS but came across the K1100RS that was really nice so no longer needed.

Regardless hope you get the beast up and running.


Thank you!

What would be the benefit of such a system? Less weight & restriction is what I’m assuming.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Martin on March 03, 2018, 02:36:00 PM
Generally more noise at the expense of performance. Previous dyno comparisons have shown virtually no improvement between aftermarket and OEM exhausts. Any improvement in the low mid or top end is countered by a loss elsewhere.
Regards Martin.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Laitch on March 03, 2018, 03:28:43 PM
Generally more noise at the expense of performance.
Loud pipes save lives!  :sip:
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: mophead on March 03, 2018, 10:49:34 PM

Thank you!

What would be the benefit of such a system? Less weight & restriction is what I’m assuming.

Definitely saves weight.  I would say no performance gain.  I like the sound of them.  Stock is too tame for my tastes.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Chaos on March 03, 2018, 11:20:08 PM
Definitely saves weight.  I would say no performance gain.  I like the sound of them.  Stock is too tame for my tastes.

Ditto.  I've run stock, Luftmeister, MAC, and Supertrapp.  The S-trap was by far the worst, horrid raspy sound and it covered the rear wheel with soot because it is short and the discs force the exhaust out sideways.  T?he MAC is the nicest sounding and looks good, but none of them increased  hp
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Martin on March 03, 2018, 11:25:44 PM
All the dyno tests I've seen over the years actually show a decrease in performance. Some a small decrease others larger.
Regards Martin.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 04, 2018, 12:25:26 PM
Probably just stick with the stock pipe, then. For some reason, the bike came with an extra one.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Martin on March 04, 2018, 01:38:37 PM
Due to the thickness and the quality of the stainless used in the manufacture of the OEM exhausts, they can be brought back to a better than new
condition with work. Wet and dry, scotch pads, brass brush, buffing wheels, cutting compound and copious amounts of elbow grease.
Regards Martin.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 04, 2018, 02:17:32 PM
Due to the thickness and the quality of the stainless used in the manufacture of the OEM exhausts, they can be brought back to a better than new
condition with work. Wet and dry, scotch pads, brass brush, buffing wheels, cutting compound and copious amounts of elbow grease.
Regards Martin.

Thanks Martin. That’ll be way down the list of things I can now do because...
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 04, 2018, 02:22:06 PM
...all seems well here:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180304/fce86ec89c63fd9cde0b40e8784886a8.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180304/2f78fdf4374f31647ac38dc290edf0d2.jpg)

I found a bit of oil inside (1/4 tsp maybe), and I thought I was going to lose the fight with lower inside bolt, but otherwise all went well with the removal.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 04, 2018, 02:27:39 PM
Blurbed up:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180304/da9395c315c25303d2cc3f38a074d439.jpg)

My oilfield pack of anti-seize stood me in good stead because there’s no moly-fortified paste available in this burg.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Martin on March 04, 2018, 02:38:16 PM
You can get the Honda M77 assembly paste from Honda car and motorcycle dealer parts department. And I have been told Subaru either use it or their own version.
Regards Martin.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 04, 2018, 02:52:57 PM
Took the opportunity to hit these connections with electronic cleaner & dielectric grease while I was in the neighborhood:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180304/b434632d1139273a4d5d4fe3821b6bd3.jpg)

On an unrelated note, I also noticed that the steering head bearings seem to be binding up, so servicing them gets added to the list.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 04, 2018, 02:59:00 PM
You can get the Honda M77 assembly paste from Honda car and motorcycle dealer parts department. And I have been told Subaru either use it or their own version.
Regards Martin.

Not at our local Honda car dealer: they quit carrying it, and there isn’t a Honda motorcycle dealer within miles. The Subaru option I was not aware of.

Thanks Martin.

Happen to know the torque specs for the final drive & caliper bolts offhand?  I forgot that info at home.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 04, 2018, 03:21:52 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180304/c347157fa60ac067e4e47e0e0a09a48e.jpg)

Kind of a shame: this tire is barely used.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 04, 2018, 03:24:06 PM
I just noticed this:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180304/c3b2ef881c7b4c1bd7111f0812262ff8.jpg)

That kind of obsessiveness gives me good feelings.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Martin on March 04, 2018, 03:29:02 PM
They will have to order it in. Workshop manuals are available on site http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,2252.0.html and heaps of other information http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,666.msg2009.html#msg2009 Rear caliper bolts 23.5 Ft/Lb + or - 1.5
Regards Martin.
 [ Invalid Attachment ]
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on March 04, 2018, 03:54:25 PM
Wow!  Those splines look like they're brand new! 

Those rear wheel bolts... Here I thought I had OCD.

On the exhaust, I polished mine by wet sanding with 2500 paper and soapy water.  The header pipes are all that needs to be done.  Anything you do to the muffler will just make it hazy.  I did mine in about 2 hours.

That's going to be a sweet ride.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Martin on March 04, 2018, 04:29:22 PM
I had what I think was dried bitumen and rubber over my muffler with little bits of gravel imbedded in it. Whatever it was for some reason the headers had escaped. Hence the need for extreme cleaning and buffing. I had to carefully use a brass brush to get the thick stuff off ( none of the chemicals I tried did much) then wet and dry. The haziness was taking out with buffing wheels on a 6" bench grinder and stainless buffing compound. For the hard to get to bits used an air grinder with cotton mops and compound.
Regards Martin.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 04, 2018, 04:34:17 PM
They will have to order it in. Workshop manuals are available on site http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,2252.0.html and heaps of other information http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,666.msg2009.html#msg2009 Rear caliper bolts 23.5 Ft/Lb + or - 1.5
Regards Martin.

* torque specs.jpg (29.82 kB . 768x385 - viewed 573 times)


Thanks Martin!  I gotta get me a Clymer.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 04, 2018, 04:41:18 PM
Wow!  Those splines look like they're brand new! 

Those rear wheel bolts... Here I thought I had OCD.

On the exhaust, I polished mine by wet sanding with 2500 paper and soapy water.  The header pipes are all that needs to be done.  Anything you do to the muffler will just make it hazy.  I did mine in about 2 hours.

That's going to be a sweet ride.

Yeah, the splines showed no trace of wear, even though they were absolutely dry and slightly rusty.  The seal leakage concerns me a little, though.

My only current plan for the exhaust is to freshen up the heat shield: it’s pretty dull.

Thanks— pretty good for $625, right?
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Timbox on March 05, 2018, 10:06:01 AM
Nice find!  I know it was a work trade, but still nice....Looking forward to see pics of the tank ;) 

I am in the same place with the mirrors, I am going with the LED signals and bar mounted mirrors.  I do have two OEM mirrors one is missing the actual mirror.  I just don't like how they mount and how they get "bumped" off.  Lots of posts of how people tether them to the bike in case the fall off while riding.

Best of luck and keep the pics and posts coming.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 05, 2018, 10:32:01 AM
Nice find!  I know it was a work trade, but still nice....Looking forward to see pics of the tank ;) 

I am in the same place with the mirrors, I am going with the LED signals and bar mounted mirrors.  I do have two OEM mirrors one is missing the actual mirror.  I just don't like how they mount and how they get "bumped" off.  Lots of posts of how people tether them to the bike in case the fall off while riding.

Best of luck and keep the pics and posts coming.


You mean the tank interior, right?  I'll get some when I pump it out & replace the fuel pump.


Interesting...that tendency of the mirrors to fall off must be the reason they're so flippin' scarce & pricey.


Thank you-- I'll post as many pix as I have the presence of mind to snap.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: jay1622 on March 08, 2018, 08:21:24 PM
Re: Reply #21, the pic of the final drive splines... OMG, those things look awesome for the mileage. Heck, they look awesome - Period. As far as the "rust" goes on those splines, the OE lubricant was Staburags NBU 30 PTM. Goes on white, pasty and sweet smelling (don't smell it btw), but in time it turns brown. It's my guess that is what you were seeing. Bike looks really good man. What's the tank look like? I hope for your case, the conditions of the splines serve as a good representation of the rest of the bike's innards.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 09, 2018, 08:21:22 AM
Re: Reply #21, the pic of the final drive splines... OMG, those things look awesome for the mileage. Heck, they look awesome - Period. As far as the "rust" goes on those splines, the OE lubricant was Staburags NBU 30 PTM. Goes on white, pasty and sweet smelling (don't smell it btw), but in time it turns brown. It's my guess that is what you were seeing. Bike looks really good man. What's the tank look like? I hope for your case, the conditions of the splines serve as a good representation of the rest of the bike's innards.


The tank was the second biggest pleasant surprise on the bike: despite the fact it is half full of 16 year-old liquid varnish, it is almost completely clean.  I'll post some pix when I get to work on the fuel pump/filter.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on March 09, 2018, 08:44:59 AM
16 year old fuel is probably moonshine-free, saving you from the destructive effects of corn likker.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 09, 2018, 09:24:29 AM
16 year old fuel is probably moonshine-free, saving you from the destructive effects of corn likker.


I hadn't thought of that.


Whatever the cause, I was astonished when I looked in that fuel filler.  I expected hardened gnarl like I've found in old trucks I've worked on.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nine80seven on March 09, 2018, 11:29:36 PM
That muffler should polish out.  This is a forty buck unit I'm working on now for my '85RS.  Splines tell much.  Prolly the 64K miles is correct.  281 gears are good too.  gently takes you down the road.  Mostly early Ks are pretty used up.  you got what appears a very nice one.  almost as nice as mine.  Joke. 
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 23, 2018, 01:49:27 PM
Now the fun can begin!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180323/2e8029cd228be32b14d41b3815e7b584.jpg)
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 23, 2018, 01:56:59 PM
Looking at my remaining mirror the other day, I noticed this:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180323/a711c69fd5ea146ba5b6bbf9214fcc50.jpg)

That’s one part I forgot to order: a Motorrad drywall screw. [emoji35]
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Laitch on March 23, 2018, 08:15:04 PM
Looking at my remaining mirror the other day, I noticed this:
I'm surprised ants aren't swarming the apricot fruit leather used for anti-vibration in that housing.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 24, 2018, 03:50:18 PM
I'm surprised ants aren't swarming the apricot fruit leather used for anti-vibration in that housing.


Just backlighting from what looks to be a gutted turn signal housing, I'm guessing.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Laitch on March 24, 2018, 04:22:31 PM

Just backlighting from what looks to be a gutted turn signal housing, I'm guessing.
That's disappointing. I'm interested in innovation wherever I can find it, especially if it's edible.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 25, 2018, 12:44:04 PM
That's disappointing. I'm interested in innovation wherever I can find it, especially if it's edible.


The inedible innovation in the choice of a drywall screw was both disappointing and amusing.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 27, 2018, 11:22:13 PM
New development:

This is what I found today looking at the label under the seat:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180328/3d9971c3cf8fd43be9bd21a5689eda44.jpg)

Looking at the VIN label again produced more suspicion:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180328/acbcbc5bd28f820c05aaa58fb964aaed.jpg)

A little too tidily “damaged”.

The PO is a kind and decent man and a war veteran, so I can’t conclude he pulled the wool over my eyes.

Then I see more clearly what looks like ghosting through a respray on the tail section:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180328/121a43a06bb631c4dbc999f690238e0b.jpg)

Still trying to sort out what this is telling me.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on March 28, 2018, 12:26:39 AM
Did you look at the VIN stamped in the frame?  That sticker is really just for tire inflation information. 

If you don't have an iconic 22 top case the frame on the tail cowl is useless and I know I removed mine and plugged the mounting holes.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 28, 2018, 09:22:36 AM
Did you look at the VIN stamped in the frame?  That sticker is really just for tire inflation information. 

If you don't have an iconic 22 top case the frame on the tail cowl is useless and I know I removed mine and plugged the mounting holes.


The VIN on the sticker wasn't what caught my eye: it's the way the build date was so neatly obscured.  Combine that with the '87 MY info under the seats and a couple Stellas, and I got suspicious, maybe excessively so.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on March 28, 2018, 01:33:04 PM
Put the last 7 of the VIN here to get the build date:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select

On a bike as old as ours are, I wouldn't be surprised if the original tail cowl was replaced after it was damaged in a mishap.  That would explain the paint job and the filled in holes.  I think I noticed there was no paint code sticker.  That may have been removed when the replacement cowl was painted to avoid a conflicting paint code.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on March 28, 2018, 01:40:43 PM
You say your bike is an '85, is that correct?  If that is true, the reason for the different tail cowl is probably that someone wanted to put on a later model seat that wouldn't work with the original cowl. 

The seat in the photo you posted with your intro shows a later model seat.
Title: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 30, 2018, 01:16:58 AM
Thanks Gryph. I got to thinking later it was probably much ado about nothing, but I’ve seen some underhanded things done to various vehicles in my experience.

I got some good things done, though— good progress was made today.

First, after reviewing the factory manual (downloaded at this very site!), I got enough of the plastics removed to get the tank off & drained, most of it not on me:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180330/f68319fdd315ef102ace6a2027e56233.jpg)

Gawd, old gas stinks.

Is this evidence of leakage worrying to you all?

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180330/85e88481731d6c6ac1de5b33a58a0159.jpg)

Knowing what I’ve learned about keeping things sealed up, some designs are chronically bad that way, and I hope this area isn’t.

I then moved on to the injectors with the intention of sending them off to Mr Injector for servicing:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180330/56c41b5d4ce538c8f7b0721b1aa280ab.jpg)

The second from the left seems to have been leaking a while from its seat in the rail.  The far right one damn near needed a porta-power to dislodge it from the head.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180330/9ce5f4c0f62b5dd19b72155a1eaa3359.jpg)

I guess I’ll have to fab up a fitting for my shop vac to clean around those injector seats— they are really dirty, and I don’t dare touch that area with anything that doesn’t involve suction in some form. I’m letting them dry out for a while, though, let that old fuel evaporate to the extent it’s going to.

So, do I need to replace these?

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180330/bbaec5a7ad7fa69140aac1e2ed937332.jpg)

They look pretty spent.

Found this, also:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180330/79f7079e0da1e8f00a54f54ea58877a8.jpg)

Rats.

On to tank disassembly and, well, everything else.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Laitch on March 30, 2018, 03:26:34 AM
The second from the left seems to have been leaking a while from its seat in the rail.  The far right one damn near needed a porta-power to dislodge it from the head.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180330/9ce5f4c0f62b5dd19b72155a1eaa3359.jpg)


Things could be worse. :giggles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK8MqxEeMJY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK8MqxEeMJY)
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on March 30, 2018, 08:34:17 AM
That fairing damage isn't very bad.  Some CA glue in the crack and a little fiberglass on the backside and it will be as strong as new.  Then open up the front and put some filler in it.

http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,10859.msg94018.html#msg94018

I had another thread with a bit more information, but the search engine here can't find it. :dunno2:
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: rbm on March 30, 2018, 02:07:38 PM
This?? http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,9018.msg71174.html#msg71174
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on March 30, 2018, 02:11:20 PM
That's the one.  Thanks!
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on March 31, 2018, 10:42:43 AM
Thanks guys!
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nine80seven on April 03, 2018, 03:58:32 PM
That's an early tank for sure.  The single screw rear mount and big plastic electric thingee.  What I'm curious of is how late seat pan fits the frame?  Love to see either the frame mount or the seat pan.  Tranx.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 04, 2018, 05:52:11 AM
That's an early tank for sure.  The single screw rear mount and big plastic electric thingee.  What I'm curious of is how late seat pan fits the frame?  Love to see either the frame mount or the seat pan.  Tranx.


When I get back from Fla, I'll certainly oblige.  That should give the old gas aroma time to clear from the shop.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nine80seven on April 04, 2018, 12:39:10 PM
Thanx, nailhead.  I got an '87 seat and rear fairing which I want to mount but not sure if I should cut the old mount, cut the seat pan or whatever.  Or?  Have a look at yer engine number when you get back.  The year and the week engine produced is in that number.  Mine says, 2884, which is the twenty eighth week of 1984, which coincides with the date of the bikes manufacture!  Unless I'm mistaken? AFAIK.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Laitch on April 04, 2018, 01:20:13 PM
Thanx, nailhead.  I got an '87 seat and rear fairing which I want to mount but not sure if I should cut the old mount, cut the seat pan or whatever.  Or? 
It would seem necessary to remove what BMW calls the rear tail part (if that is what is meant by rear fairing—I use the term rear cowl) then determine if your '87 replacement will mount to it. If it will, then you'll need to determine if the '87 replacement seat will align with the brackets and still fit acceptably within the space between the tank and the cowl.

If you need to relocate rear cowl mounting brackets, here is a useful post (http://www.k100-forum.com/t13553-lfb-goes-to-the-garage#160054). It's easier for me to use a small MIG welder for filling holes but stick will do it.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 10, 2018, 09:00:37 PM
Thanx, nailhead.  I got an '87 seat and rear fairing which I want to mount but not sure if I should cut the old mount, cut the seat pan or whatever.  Or?  Have a look at yer engine number when you get back.  The year and the week engine produced is in that number.  Mine says, 2884, which is the twenty eighth week of 1984, which coincides with the date of the bikes manufacture!  Unless I'm mistaken? AFAIK.

Here are some pix— hopefully, they tell you what you want to know:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180411/5fc758530ac4764247a8e6b1a5a22bf3.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180411/217bb261ee3b28dda43c7ef147a5e440.jpg)

If not, give me some guidance, and I’ll get more.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 10, 2018, 09:21:20 PM
Today’s progress involved the tank and the disgustingness within.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180411/376d5533a92c53127237291baa8b527c.jpg)

I thought I was done before I really got started, because that filler assembly wouldn’t budge, so I tried this:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180411/bff603c67b3047b74da8f67ef43e1a04.jpg)

It worked great! 

The view inside was kind of ugly due the fact that the pump had come loose from its mount when I turned it over to empty it, and there are fragments of rotten rubber all over the place.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180411/ae7e7aaa8e8d4f0a1bd33d53842e30a0.jpg)

The pic doesn’t really show it, it turns out.

This is what came out— a hardwired mess:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180411/eaf3e71a2b187e56f9308a25b33639e3.jpg)

And I fished this out:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180411/e879744547f35a1905e1bba3fbf47668.jpg)

Now I gotta figure out how to get the residual fuel, varnish, and rubber chunks out of there given how the filler mounting flange protrudes inward. Filling it with vinegar, mineral spirits, etc., and shaking it interminably doesn’t sound very thorough, or appealing, and you can’t just pour it all out.

How did you all deal with this problem?
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on April 10, 2018, 10:58:17 PM
If it is dry inside use a chip brush to sweep up the chunks so they can be easily vacuumed out.  A stiff brush like a tooth brush and a chunk of ScotchBrite can be used to loosen things up.

With the chunks out, go in with the vinegar.  After it's done it's thing dump out what you can and rinse with a lot of water, sloshing and dumping.  The remaining water can be gotten out with a siphon made from a couple feet of 3/8" vinyl hose.  Whatever chunks are left can be mopped up with paper towels.  Anything left can be vacuumed up a second time after the tank dries out.

I don't think you need to get it spotless as far as varnish.  Once you start running the bike, the fuel and occasional Techron doses will continue removing whatever varnish remained.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: johnny on April 10, 2018, 11:04:35 PM
putts some clean smooth river rocks in there with the vinegar and induce agitation...
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Martin on April 11, 2018, 02:48:23 AM
Until you have done an initial rinse out with vinegar do not use a vacuum cleaner. Acetone, mineral turps, metho and petrol fumes sucked into a vacuum cleaner can explode.  :nono If you do decide to do this without getting rid of any explosive fumes please video the process. :popcorm
Regards Martin.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 11, 2018, 03:53:42 PM
Thanks guys!

Though I can’t imagine that old fuel having as many aromatics as my morning coffee, I won’t be vacuuming it out of there; I wouldn’t subject any vacuum I valued to that filth.  I do have a drill pump, however, so I’ll use that, then rinse it with liberal amounts of water.

Question: will hot water harm that rubber thing from which exits the fuel pump wiring?
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Timbox on April 14, 2018, 05:17:09 AM
That rubber gasket might need to be checked anyway.  It is a good place for leaking to take place.  After soaking my (really nasty tank) for a week with vinegar, removing all the fluid and junk that was left over.  I pulled the fuel level sensor arm out and took compressed air and then a vacuum to it.  Worked really well in getting all the little stuck stuff out.

I had to replace my fuel level unit as it was past its prime.  Someone on here told me the rubber gasket is $8...so worth checking to make sure it is not dry rotted.

Good luck and keep up the good work.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 14, 2018, 10:03:02 AM
I pulled the fuel level sensor arm out...


Good luck and keep up the good work.


Hmmm-- didn't see anything like that. :eek:   No arm, no nothing.  Optional equipment mine didn't come with, perhaps?


Thank you for the encouragement!
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nine80seven on April 14, 2018, 11:59:13 AM
You've got an early tank, no internal float for fuel level.  Fuel level was monitored by fuel strips, which didn't work well.  The leaking gasket as per yer pictures of tank bottom is in that big plastic fitting/nut at the left front bottom.  And the fitting is NLA.  The fuel strips are in that plastic pipe held inside the tank by the fitting/nut through which the pump wires pass.  Have a look.  Take yer time/care.  That plastic nut may have threads that have been striped by an overzealous wrench/mechanic.  Problem.  All of this is, if I remember correctly. 


The rubber gasket may be available, as it's a rubber gasket.  That's all I think I know about the topic, could be wrong except I got an early tank and someone pointed this out to me.  Also, that fitting may be very fragile.  Take care.  Mine was leaking too.  These are old bikes.  BTW, the plastic nut on my tank was almost loose, like finger tight?  I'm getting a new washer too, but being very careful with that plastic nut whilest trying to eleiminate a leaking fitting.  Details, details.  So much to monitor with a motorbike.


Here we got plenty of time, after eight inches last Tuesday, today another 12-15 inches are coming down today and tomorrow.  And someone said we're getting more snow next week.  So, I'm taking my time fooling around on my old KRS.  Al is coming over to help shovel.


Check Clymer pages 266-267. 
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 14, 2018, 06:37:19 PM
You've got an early tank, no internal float for fuel level.  Fuel level was monitored by fuel strips, which didn't work well.  The leaking gasket as per yer pictures of tank bottom is in that big plastic fitting/nut at the left front bottom.  And the fitting is NLA.  The fuel strips are in that plastic pipe held inside the tank by the fitting/nut through which the pump wires pass.  Have a look.  Take yer time/care.  That plastic nut may have threads that have been striped by an overzealous wrench/mechanic.  Problem.  All of this is, if I remember correctly. 


The rubber gasket may be available, as it's a rubber gasket.  That's all I think I know about the topic, could be wrong except I got an early tank and someone pointed this out to me.  Also, that fitting may be very fragile.  Take care.  Mine was leaking too.  These are old bikes.  BTW, the plastic nut on my tank was almost loose, like finger tight?  I'm getting a new washer too, but being very careful with that plastic nut whilest trying to eleiminate a leaking fitting.  Details, details.  So much to monitor with a motorbike.


Here we got plenty of time, after eight inches last Tuesday, today another 12-15 inches are coming down today and tomorrow.  And someone said we're getting more snow next week.  So, I'm taking my time fooling around on my old KRS.  Al is coming over to help shovel.


Check Clymer pages 266-267.

Thank you for the help. I got that fitting out relatively easily thanks to this:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180414/782d00071562e31bef93a7b81464b3d2.jpg)

No stripped flats, or anything. Good thing I treated it gently if it’s NLA.

It does have an area of concern, however:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180414/52d4b6b5f6935e159ccdc89146226756.jpg)

It seems to be coming unglued, so I’m just going to treat it gently, and let it dry out after today’s activities.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 14, 2018, 06:51:05 PM
As you can see, I performed some fuel tank hygiene today.  I started by removing the last of the gnarly fuel:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180414/d5c35bb83c0125e64722943f10278bfe.jpg)

I then removed the electrical fitting, thinking it should be kept away from cleaners & water. I abandoned that idea pretty quickly for lack of a suitable cap/stopper, and reinstalled it.

This was followed by some hot water & purple degreaser, aided by some vigorous sloshing, and several rinses.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180414/fb74ed5106d68846e178d1b3586f7916.jpg)

I removed the electrical fitting after the first rinse so I could flush the rubber fragments out. Even with these efforts and wiping the inside with dry rags, the above is as good as I could get it. I’m going to dry it in the sun tomorrow, and see if I can’t vacuum the remaining rubber chunks out of the fuel pump suction well.  Then I think I’m going to have to call it good, unless you all have some additional ideas.

Thanks for the continuing assistance, and think springtime.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 14, 2018, 06:53:44 PM
Almost forgot— look what came in the mail today!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180414/d2a4835d4321f6de02f57bb4dafd0fce.jpg)

Woohoo!!

Now I just gotta figure out a way to keep from losing them while riding.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nine80seven on April 14, 2018, 07:35:41 PM
Almost anything can be fixed.  Take yer time.  As you go along you'll come across what others may have cobbled together, neglected or never serviced.  Just ordered a new gasket for that fuel strip nut connection.  Buck fifty.


 I got my RS four years ago and still taking care each winter.  This winter it was the fueling system.  The K bike is famous for just riding the heck out it.  And many were ridden very hard and long, and then pushed in a shed, for the next owner to iron out.  They need regular and good attention like anything mechanical. 


Lucky to get those mirrors.  The signal lens is unobtanium.  Just sayin, FWIW. 
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Filmcamera on April 14, 2018, 07:45:37 PM
I have two sets of tethers on mine, one for the pod and one for the glass itself, both have been pressed into service more than once on the bumpy roads of Costa Rica.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: johnny on April 14, 2018, 10:10:46 PM
greetings...

stainless fish leaders...

j o
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Laitch on April 14, 2018, 10:45:37 PM


(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180414/fb74ed5106d68846e178d1b3586f7916.jpg)

 Then I think I’m going to have to call it good, unless you all have some additional ideas.
If that were my bike, it would need more cleaning—vinegar soak with agitation a few times. Degreaser isn't the choice. Many threads explain what has been done successfully. Your photo doesn't depict success.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on April 15, 2018, 08:26:48 AM
+1 on Laitch's response.  The degreaser didn't get the job done.  Vinegar and possibly some scrubbing with a ScotchBrite pad are required.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 15, 2018, 10:13:41 AM
I have two sets of tethers on mine, one for the pod and one for the glass itself, both have been pressed into service more than once on the bumpy roads of Costa Rica.


Would you be willing to post up some pix of those tethers?  I could use some ideas.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 15, 2018, 10:22:47 AM
Almost anything can be fixed.  Take yer time.  As you go along you'll come across what others may have cobbled together, neglected or never serviced.  Just ordered a new gasket for that fuel strip nut connection.  Buck fifty.


 I got my RS four years ago and still taking care each winter.  This winter it was the fueling system.  The K bike is famous for just riding the heck out it.  And many were ridden very hard and long, and then pushed in a shed, for the next owner to iron out.  They need regular and good attention like anything mechanical. 


Lucky to get those mirrors.  The signal lens is unobtanium.  Just sayin, FWIW.


On the subject of "cobbled"-- you saw my pic of the mirror with the drywall screw in it, right?   :yow    That was the moment I realized that particular mirror would be best left on a shelf.  I never have figured out what purpose that screw serves, other than the amazement of people like us.


It does, however, have a serviceable signal lens.  Thanks for the tip on that, BTW.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 15, 2018, 10:24:34 AM
greetings...

stainless fish leaders...

j o


Thanks Johnny, but I'm not sure what you mean.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 15, 2018, 10:32:27 AM
If that were my bike, it would need more cleaning—vinegar soak with agitation a few times. Degreaser isn't the choice. Many threads explain what has been done successfully. Your photo doesn't depict success.


After spending years in the oilfield, I am innately resistant to the notion that a primary component of salad dressing can be a more effective cleaner than the powerful degreasers I came to know, love, & trust.  Call it prejudice or habit, but embracing this idea hasn't come easy.


Sam's has vinegar in quantity, cheap.   I'll get enough to fill the tank, and do so after plugging the pump discharge fitting.  Then it can sit while I tackle the head bearings.


Thanks for the reminder.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 15, 2018, 10:41:57 AM
+1 on Laitch's response.  The degreaser didn't get the job done.  Vinegar and possibly some scrubbing with a ScotchBrite pad are required.


Vinegar for sure, but I can't get my meathooks into most of that tank, including the nooks and crannies below the pump plate that are still caked with shmutz/rotten rubber. 
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Laitch on April 15, 2018, 12:22:49 PM
Vinegar for sure, but I can't get my meathooks into most of that tank . . .
Chimpanzees made a tool for getting at termites in their mounds. They use a stick. Maybe you could adapt something like that although not necessarily as rustic. :giggles
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 15, 2018, 12:32:31 PM
Chimpanzees made a tool for getting at termites in their mounds. They use a stick. Maybe you could adapt something like that although not necessarily as rustic. :giggles


This chimp is going to let the vinegar do its thing, and then evaluate his options.  The inside of that tank is complicated enough-- what with that fuel pump plate & all the hard lines running this way and that-- that I could dedicate my life to scrubbing it out and still not do not thoroughly.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Laitch on April 15, 2018, 12:35:10 PM
. . .  I could dedicate my life to scrubbing it out and still not do not thoroughly.
Don't do that.  :yes
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on April 15, 2018, 02:10:28 PM
Vinegar is an amazing grease cutter.  Use the distilled white variety, it's the cheapest for what you need. 

Vinegar has been used for many, many years for things like cleaning windows and stainless steel food processing equipment.  Gets the job done and doesn't leave anything nasty behind.  The guys who make expensive degreasers aren't going to tell you that.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Martin on April 15, 2018, 02:39:46 PM
Every time I use vinegar to clean something I get flashbacks to my youth. And get an overwhelming urge to go and buy fish and chips. But very hard to get good Flake (Shark) the fish of choice for Victorians in Queensland. Going down to Victoria at the end of the year on the way to Tasmania and I will be hitting the still there fish and chip shop. :lets-eat:
Regards Martin.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 17, 2018, 03:47:03 PM
Vinegar is an amazing grease cutter.  Use the distilled white variety, it's the cheapest for what you need. 

Vinegar has been used for many, many years for things like cleaning windows and stainless steel food processing equipment.  Gets the job done and doesn't leave anything nasty behind.  The guys who make expensive degreasers aren't going to tell you that.

I’m familiar with its window-cleaning qualities & I’m sure it has other cleaning attributes, but when it comes to cleaning the oil-base drilling mud out of a blowout preventer stack, vinegar loses out to the most effective cleaners I ever saw. Anyway...

2 1/2 gallons of Sam’s finest & two rubber plugs/stoppers later, this is where we are:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180417/1d3e7187211e83af49f3995edf7efd44.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180417/0fabcc21afcbe6bb37f15780b37cd5f9.jpg)

Marinating, as it were.

The aroma of white vinegar reminds me of nothing but window cleaning. Make it red or white wine vinegar, however, and the good memories begin...
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 20, 2018, 05:26:57 PM
Eureka! After racking my brain for a way to clean up those injector seats & the surrounding area, I hit upon this idea:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180420/bdaae88591dabbd84836225556b3d2cf.jpg)

It seemed to work really well, with the hard plastic tip of the funnel used as scraper, all the coarse-grained debris is gone, and I can now use swabs & solvent for final cleanup.

Before (please excuse the lack of focus):

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180420/e6f57867ec46845a1180c4ebf9313b13.jpg)

After the FunnelVac:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180420/fc0c117617e4149db9c6584411362e3a.jpg)

A little swabbing & I’ll be ready for my rehabbed injectors.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on April 20, 2018, 05:33:43 PM
Brilliant!!!  Have to put that funnel idea in the (mostly empty) mental toolbox.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 21, 2018, 12:04:39 PM
Brilliant!!!  Have to put that funnel idea in the (mostly empty) mental toolbox.


Thanks for the compliment, Gryph.  Brilliance is overstating it though; think "blind squirrel finds tapered blue plastic acorn".
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 22, 2018, 10:32:45 PM
Any pointers from the assembled on repair of the steering head bearings? I’ll be following the procedure outlined in the BMW factory manual.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 27, 2018, 10:00:36 AM
Woo hoo, Jolly Ranchers!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180427/75385e63feeeae20d9ea1fc2ff3d5c30.jpg)

Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on April 27, 2018, 11:31:59 AM
Jolly Ranchers!   And now Max BMW doesn't pack M&M's anymore.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on April 27, 2018, 04:23:08 PM
Jolly Ranchers!   And now Max BMW doesn't pack M&M's anymore.


Probably a dental liability thing...
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on May 03, 2018, 10:36:03 AM
Success!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180503/3c7bb1efc6b166d46eb053dcae654a60.jpg)

Now to remove the air filter cover and the remaining hardened fuel hoses.

The fuel tank, by contrast, hasn’t progressed noticeably.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180503/c56bbc7aedbede9caba008435463ed05.jpg)

The only change I can see after two weeks is a fuzzy quality taken on by the rubber cap on the fuel discharge line. I’m going to give it the time required by the above hose replacement, and then I’m going to bail on it, rinse it out, & let it dry. Not the level of success I was hoping for, but the one I’m going to have to accept, seemingly.  I’m in the So-be-it Union on this one; I’ll just keep a spare fuel filter with me.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on May 04, 2018, 09:55:47 AM
Alright-- I stand corrected: I'm used to cleaners that dissolve the residue I'm trying to remove, put it into solution..  Vinegar doesn't do that, apparently; it just loosens dirt's grip on the surface to be cleaned.  I shook it around a few times, taking on a pungent odor myself, and the dirt visible simply came off the tank.  A clumsy go-around with a parts cleaning brush completed the task, to the extent possible given the complicated interior of this tank.  Pic to follow.


Weird stuff, vinegar.  You learn something every day, if you're lucky.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on June 01, 2018, 10:16:52 AM
I now have a deadline for getting the BluBrick on the road: the BMW 100,000-Foot Ride.  It's a ride around western CO over passes whose aggregate elevation totals 100K ft, and this year I'm going to ride an actual BMW.  August 4 seems just around the corner.
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Supershooter on June 06, 2018, 09:27:49 PM
Good Luck, the 100000 ft rides sounds great, we love riding the mountains.


I used Muratic acid and water to clean my tank, it was a quick, effective product to use. Although it's not a popular option it's quick and effective.


Supershooter
Title: Re: '85 RS Porch Ornament Gets New Home
Post by: Nailhead on June 08, 2018, 09:30:11 AM
It's ready to go: I just have to regain my focus and get back to work.