1100gs Oil Leak

[pmaiken]

My 1100gs leaks oil at the front engine cover(black). The alternater seal is now being replaced for the third time. I am told that if this doesnt work the alternater shaft will have to be replaced. Ouch!! Does anyone have a better answer? I dont know why I am so irritated by the leak after riding an old Triumph for years.

[gsinmaine]

Welcome to the BMW clan :wave have your tec. look at bearings?(more than 0.005" play will make seals leak or a bent shaft) better to do it in the down time than riding time

[PGlaves]

I'm confused.

We are talking an Oilhead, right.

The alternator contains no oil, and unlike the K bikes there is no alternator shaft seal. It is mounted high and dry above the engine case.

The front pulley that drives the belt that drives the alternator has a hall sensor set and a seal behind it. And that seal can leak. But the shaft which passes through that seal is the crankshaft.

So your mechanic is saying if he can't keep a seal in it he is going to replace the crankshaft?

I'm confused.

[gsinmaine]

I think he is talking about the Alt. on top of the Eng. if not he is in the wrong forum Oh well

[PGlaves]

I think he is talking about the Alt. on top of the Eng. if not he is in the wrong forum Oh well

He said R1100GS. But there is no oil in the alternator! And no real oil seal. An alternator bearing could fail but this would not put oil inside the front cover. The only seal I know of behind the front cover is the cranshaft front main seal behind the pulley. I'm still confused.