Hexhead head bolt length

[ricoshay]

I'm in the process of retorqueing the headbolts on an 05' R1200RT and I've run into a curious problem, I think. Seven of the headbolts have 2 to 3 threads showing above the existing nuts. The eighth bolt has 9 threads showing above the existing nut. It's the left side lower rear head bolt, which I'd expected to be shorter than the other three on that side, just like the lower rear bolt (stud) on the right side head.

It appears as though they were out of short studs and used a standard length one instead. Or, if it's a short one, they didn't screw it in all the way.

The bike came this way, it has never been serviced before. Has anyone else seen a case like this where it appears that a long stud was installed where a shorter one would have been more appropriate? Or is this just the way they're done normally.

Thanks,
John A

[kbasa]

I'm in the process of retorqueing the headbolts on an 05' R1200RT and I've run into a curious problem, I think. Seven of the headbolts have 2 to 3 threads showing above the existing nuts. The eighth bolt has 9 threads showing above the existing nut. It's the left side lower rear head bolt, which I'd expected to be shorter than the other three on that side, just like the lower rear bolt (stud) on the right side head.

It appears as though they were out of short studs and used a standard length one instead. Or, if it's a short one, they didn't screw it in all the way.

The bike came this way, it has never been serviced before. Has anyone else seen a case like this where it appears that a long stud was installed where a shorter one would have been more appropriate? Or is this just the way they're done normally.

Thanks,
John A

8 headbolts? Are you sure you're counting those right?

[ricoshay]

8 headbolts? Are you sure you're counting those right?

Four on each head Dave. Should there be more? ;^)

Actually they're threaded studs where I grew up. Either way, the one on the bottom rear corner of the left side cylinder head appears to be longer than necessary or improperly installed.

My first oilhead/hexhead of any kind, so I'm just trying to find out if this is "normal".

Thanks,

JohnA

[kbasa]

Four on each head Dave. Should there be more? ;^)

Actually they're threaded studs where I grew up. Either way, the one on the bottom rear corner of the left side cylinder head appears to be longer than necessary or improperly installed.

My first oilhead/hexhead of any kind, so I'm just trying to find out if this is "normal".

Thanks,

JohnA

Ahhh. Dawn over Marble head here.

[planepaul]

The lower rear stud on the left cylinder does protrude farther than the rest. IT IS NORMAL. Leave it the way you found it. There is a BMW service bulletin that only says not to torque it in further.
Paul in CA
'05 R1200RT

[ricoshay]

The lower rear stud on the left cylinder does protrude farther than the rest. IT IS NORMAL. Leave it the way you found it. There is a BMW service bulletin that only says not to torque it in further.
Paul in CA
'05 R1200RT

Thanks Paul, that's good to know. I'll proceed with the re-torque knowing I'm not alone.........:o) :brad

John A