2002 K1200RS oil leak?

[42570]

After a recent major service (36K) I discovered oil on the left front lower fairing and belly pan following an extended ride (see photo). I took it back to the dealership and they explained that the mechanic had neglected to put in a seal of some kind. It may have had to do with where the rocker cover had been removed for valve check. At any rate, the problem was fixed...at least partially. While I'm not seeing oil on the fairing and belly pan like before, after extended riding oily grunge collects around the edge of the hole in the lower front of the fairing where you can see the leading corner of the rocker cover. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Any idea what is going on? Thanks.
Mike

[R184]

56,000+ miles on my RS, which looks a whole lot like yours and it haven't leaked so much as a drop of oil. (Oh course having said this, I'll most likely find a large puddle of fluids when I walk into the garage now).

Only thing I've had to replace (besides regular oil changes) are tires and brake pads.

[freedom45]

K bike valve covers require patience and care in cleaning, using the right amount of sealant and installation. If the seepage has been fixed, there may still remain oil residue to attract grunge. Degrease the area thoroughly (I prefer electrical contact cleaner for such a task) and reinspect. If the grunge continues, return to the dealer and have the valve cover seal properly reinstalled.

[GregFeeler]

K bike valve covers require patience and care in cleaning, using the right amount of sealant and installation. If the seepage has been fixed, there may still remain oil residue to attract grunge. Degrease the area thoroughly (I prefer electrical contact cleaner for such a task) and reinspect. If the grunge continues, return to the dealer and have the valve cover seal properly reinstalled.

What he said. In particular, the front of the valve cover has to seal against two different surfaces: the head and the machined end of the cam chain cover. All surfaces have to be very clean, and then carefully sealed and allowed to set up. Not hard, but does take some care and patience. I've had it happen after a valve check on my '03 K1200RS under warranty (I do it myself now) and the mechanic was very apologetic, and get it perfect the second time.

[42570]

K bike valve covers require patience and care in cleaning, using the right amount of sealant and installation. If the seepage has been fixed, there may still remain oil residue to attract grunge. Degrease the area thoroughly (I prefer electrical contact cleaner for such a task) and reinspect. If the grunge continues, return to the dealer and have the valve cover seal properly reinstalled.

Thanks. This makes me feel better. :thumb

[42570]

What he said. In particular, the front of the valve cover has to seal against two different surfaces: the head and the machined end of the cam chain cover. All surfaces have to be very clean, and then carefully sealed and allowed to set up. Not hard, but does take some care and patience. I've had it happen after a valve check on my '03 K1200RS under warranty (I do it myself now) and the mechanic was very apologetic, and get it perfect the second time.

...and this makes me feel even better. The shop guy mentioned the seam you must be referring to. Actually he called it a "crack" to which I replied CRACK!?!?!? He then corrected himself and called it a seam where different parts come together. Thanks for the reply:D

[PHMarvin]

Hi,
The shop should make it so it doesn't leak. However, you can do it yourself, too. I first assume the K1200 valve cover gasket is the same as or very similar to the K1100, since I've done it on a K1100 but not on a K1200. The valve cover and the block need to be clean and free of oil where the gasket goes. All traces of sealant need to be removed. Then smear a light coating of grey sealant (Dreibond, Hondabond, Yamabond, Grey Ultra Seal, etc.) at the half moons and at the joints where the timing cover and the block casting meet. Then bolt the valve cover onto the head, being careful to make the shouldered bolts snug, NOT tight. If you strip the hole and can't helicoil it, it's new head time, as the caps are line bored and not available separately.
Ride Safe,

[davidg126]

I just had a dealer adjust my valves at 65,000 miles and the cover is leaking oil. Now they tell me that my valve cover is warped and I need a new one, at my expense. It was not leaking when I took it to them so I figure if it is warped they warped it. Anyone had a WARPED Valve COVER? I have not been able to find an reference to valve covers warping.

David Grose
Charlotte NC
2003 K1200LT
2007 R1200GS

[PHMarvin]

Hi, David,
K-bike valve cover warped?? That's a new one on me. If it's warped, who dropped it or maybe stepped on it? Of course, I've only had valve covers off 2 K1100LT's and 3 K75's and have only been reading the IBMWR list for a few years and the Compuservs Motorcycle Forum before that and a few other motorcycle and BMW lists, too, and have NEVER heard of a "warped K-bike valve cover". That doesn't mean it couldn't have happened. though. Of course, I'm SURE your dealer is telling you the absolute truth, too. (PSSST: You wanna buy some beachfront property in El Paso, TX - cheap???)

[GregFeeler]

I just had a dealer adjust my valves at 65,000 miles and the cover is leaking oil. Now they tell me that my valve cover is warped and I need a new one, at my expense. It was not leaking when I took it to them so I figure if it is warped they warped it. Anyone had a WARPED Valve COVER? I have not been able to find an reference to valve covers warping.

David Grose
Charlotte NC
2003 K1200LT
2007 R1200GS

I would have to see that to believe it. First off, the engine wouldn't ever get so hot as to warp a cover, and secondly the attachment bolts have shoulders on them which bottom against the head and protect the cover from over torquing. They just didn't seal it right at the front of the cover and are trying to cover their tracks. Make them a bet: they pull the cover and put it on a sheet of plate glass to check their "warped" claim. If it is, you buy a new cover. If it's not, they give you a year of free service for lying to you. :evil

[lostboy]

It sounds to me like you are using a shop (or mechanic) with inadequate classic K experience. While the older K's (pre-K1200) can be a pain to seal, the K1200s are the easiest of the bunch.