help in the rain 1999 RT

[weiden]

Every time I ride in the rain after 20 or so miles the bike quit's.. 1999 Rt. if I park it for a couple of hours/days inside/out of the weather, it starts right up? Help!! No water in air box, no water in fuse box. I'm afraid to ride through a sprinkler!!! Or spit!!!

William

[1aretea]

The word on the street is the Hall sensor or wires leading to them get fried.

[beckgr]

From experience and other's stories it is likely the bundle of wires running down into the Hall (or ignition) sensor. This vintage is know for this issue. No gte of course, but i'd say very likely. This issue is often attributed to Hall sensor failure, but more likely its the wiring harness of the Hall sensor.

The sensors wires have plastic/rubber insulation on that model that gets weak over time and when hot. It runs along the front of the engine behind the alternator belt cover plate so it will be hot all the time. When the insulation decays moisture can and will cause it to short. Then when dry it can run again. Thus, you running in rain may cause the problem, no rain then no issue. So, whether it's the small wire harness or the actual sensor both come as one unit. $200 at beemerboneyard or $283 at other BMW shops online.

This is not hard to change, but takes time and a bit of knowledge. Clymers manual does a nice job explaining how to do this. Several other posts on this in the oilhead section.

Now, all that said, start with easy things first like sidestand short? other loose wires anywhere? Battery okay? etc and etc.

You can tell I've had the same exact issue! Whether or not it is the Hall sensor, IMO I would change it out anyway as I believe it's a matter of when they have problems, not if.

Good luck.

[flars]

Replacing the HES is so simple, even an RT rider can do it.
The write up on HES:
http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/oilhead_hall_sensors.pdf
You can buy a new unit from Beemerboneyard, or try to replace the wires.
BMWMICK used to sell the wire for a buck, and at one time made replacement wiring:
bmwmick@comcast.net

Either way you will need to make the pin for locking the flywheel at TDC:
http://users.rcn.com/dehager/service/oilhead_tdc_mandrel.pdf

[bmwmick]

Replacing the HES is so simple, even an RT rider can do it.
The write up on HES:
http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/oilhead_hall_sensors.pdf
You can buy a new unit from Beemerboneyard, or try to replace the wires.
BMWMICK used to sell the wire for a buck, and at one time made replacement wiring:


Either way you will need to make the pin for locking the flywheel at TDC:
http://users.rcn.com/dehager/service/oilhead_tdc_mandrel.pdf

Flars,
That was Charlie Coons who had the wire for a buck. Now, Tom Wade in Indiana has the wire. This was his latest msg on the big list:

From: "Tom Wade" <tom@wade.name>

Charlie has exhausted his supply of Teflon wire for the HES sensors.

He asked to take over as the US distributor of HES sensor wiring, and I have just placed an order for a huge supply of wire.

So, if you need wire for your HES, give me a shout.

Unfortunately, I have been forced to raise the price. An 18" supply of all four colors is now $2, plus a SASE.

Give me a holler if you need any.


Tom Wade
Hope, Indiana




Mick