Re: Oil leak

[robert.silas@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

Even at 150,000 km my clutch was not slipping but the softened up clutch spring was noticible on the clutch handle. As the handle being pulled first it needs a light force, then it comes to a harder part and when it pulled further this hard point, the remaining force needed for full handle in-position is less again. It is a very fine difference and it can be felt really if one pays attention to it.  
 With me the center hardness of the lever was gone, meaning, the pressure between clutch plates reduced. Another reason presented a good chance to change the clutch, I change the whole works. It was a preventive measure. 
Cluch springs in these engines are similar to a car's clutch-spring.
Bob Silas
'94 R1100RS 170,000 km

----- Original Message -----
From: robert.silas@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Friday, October 19, 2007 6:05 pm
Subject: Re: Oil leak
To: robert.silas@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Cc: "Panichas, George E" <panichag@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, oilheads@xxxxxxxxx

> By the way you may not need new clutch, a wash with laquer 
> thinner would do the job. However once the whole thing is open.....
> Bob Silas
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: robert.silas@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Friday, October 19, 2007 6:00 pm
> Subject: Re: Oil leak
> To: "Panichas, George E" 
> Cc: oilheads@xxxxxxxxx
> 
> > I do not have an RT. I have an RS, I had no problem like that 
> > but when I changed clutch at 150,000 km I was told that the RT 
> > has this problem . Oil runs back on the clutch rod. BMW 
> changed 
> > the rod with having a seal on it. I installed the same new rod.
> > Bob Silas
> > 
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Panichas, George E" 
> > Date: Friday, October 19, 2007 4:31 pm
> > Subject: Oil leak
> > To: oilheads@xxxxxxxxx (oilheads-digest)
> > 
> > > Subject: Oil Leak
> > > 
> > > While having the 36k service done on my 2001 R1100RL (a 
> > pampered 
> > > bike that has 
> > > been scrupulously maintained), I was informed of an oil leak 
> > > between the motor 
> > > and transmission. I was a bit surprised because I've never 
> > seen 
> > > any oil, never 
> > > experienced any clutch slipage, and oil use is pretty much 
> > what 
> > > it has always 
> > > been. Also, I think 36k is more than a little bit young for 
> > this 
> > > sort of 
> > > problem. So I have some questions for the group:
> > > 
> > > 1. The service guys say this is a serious repair that will 
> > > require some 10 
> > > hours of work and, if the clutch needs to be replaced, the 
> > whole 
> > > package will 
> > > be around $1200. Does this strike you as reasonable?
> > > 
> > > 2. Given the relatively low mileage, should I be raising 
> hell 
> > > with BMW and ask 
> > > them to chip-in on this? Of course, years-wise, the bike is 
> > long 
> > > out of 
> > > warranty. But I certainly think that rear seals should be 
> good 
> > > for more than 
> > > 36k.
> > > 
> > > 3. As noted, I've experienced no clutch slipage to date, and 
> > > want to continue 
> > > to ride the bike putting off the repair for now. Is it safe 
> to 
> > > do this? I 
> > > assume oil leaks of this type worsen over time. Does anyone 
> > know 
> > > how much, how 
> > > fast, etc.?
> > > 
> > > All advice is appreciated.
> > > 
> > > George Panichas
> > > Easton, PA