Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
Gearbox oil-inlet-screw totally messed on r1200gs 2011 Gearbox oil-inlet-screw totally messed on r1200gs 2011
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Sean Howman, The Pamir highway in an unseasonably cold late October, Tajikistan

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Sean Howman,
The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



Like Tree2Likes
  • 1 Post By Toyark
  • 1 Post By *Touring Ted*

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 26 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: earth
Posts: 35
Gearbox oil-inlet-screw totally messed on r1200gs 2011
Hi Folks,
are these the right english words for the screw you have to open when you change oil in the gearbox? gearbox oil inlet screw ?
BMW r1200gs model 2011
The one on my bike is totally messed, no key will fit anymore to open, and way too tight. To try it with any pliers only scratches off the very very soft metal the screw is made of. Just simple iron? Aluminum?
I dont know anymore how thick/deep the screw is, so I am hesitating to drill holes inside.
Did anyone have had this problem and solved it by welding any screw, nut or tool on it?

Waiting for the right hint ...,
Thomas
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Mar 2014
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,676
Hi.

Do you mean the gearbox (at the front) or are you talking about the Final Drive ??

If it is the gearbox , do you mean the 'Drain' (To empty) or the Fill hole ??


If the bolt is destroyed you can drift it lose with a hammer and chisel or large screwdriver. You need to replace the bolt though. It will be hard to put back in tight.

Ted
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Mar 2014
javkap's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Buenos Aires - Argentina
Posts: 520
A good photo will help a lot to help you!!!
__________________
Javier...
Dakar Motos “ ”
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: earth
Posts: 35
Hi Folks,
Gearbox front, filling screw.
Thomas
Attached Thumbnails
Gearbox oil-inlet-screw totally messed on r1200gs 2011-dsc_0045.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Mar 2014
javkap's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Buenos Aires - Argentina
Posts: 520
Thomas
That screw it’s made in very soft aluminum and could get very tide on the transmission case. The right tool to use it's (if I remember well) a 10mm Allen key (also known as Hex or Inbus) and better if you use a socket. Sometimes happen than someone who isn’t paying attention try to use a Torks key and they strip the hex shape. I have manage to take off some of this screws using a 11mm Allen socket made by myself (isn’t a normal size)with just a piece of 11mm hex bar bought in a metal shop and a normal 11mm hex socket.
Stop to scratch it and don’t drill holes inside!!! Is better to warm it like with a heat-gun and smash it few times with a plastic hammer.
Then use a new screw and don’t forget the cooper washer…
Regards
__________________
Javier...
Dakar Motos “ ”
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: earth
Posts: 35
Hi Javkap,
heating it, ok, but smashing it with a plastic hammer? Do you mean breaking it in pieces? To loosen it with a few beats and then using the 11mm allen? Will not work, since no allen or whatever tool will fit in the messed female anymore, its round now.
But ok, now I know its aluminum ... .

Thomas
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Mar 2014
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,676
Hammer and chisel.... Drift it round. Done it many times on these bolts. Or find someone who can tig weld an aluminium nut onto it.

Its an 8mm hex.. Well, it was !!!

Sent from my XT1032 using Tapatalk
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 21 Apr 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: earth
Posts: 35
sorry for the late final "report" of the solution ...
chisel and hammer didnt work, I dont know why, and I had to file it down on two sides, (and a millimeter of the gearbox ...) to liberate the pressure. But thanks guys for the advice. Next time soft aluminum bolts start to give up they will be replaced right away, (if there is a spare one ...).
T.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Apr 2014
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,350
Smile
You are not alone Thomas! I just had to deal with that same problem but in the sump which added a level of awkwardness.
I used a mini chisel, small screwdriver, lots of patience, many cups of tea and lot of tap-tap-tapping- It works. Patience is the key as are the focussed repetitive You've got to love aluminium.

A small tip- I have been successful in the past by drilling two opposite holes in the plug( as shown on your image edited) This would have given you purchase and the ability to apply an opposite force simultaneously using long nosed needle pliers.
A freeze spray can also help.
Last edited by Bertrand; 2 Mar 2016 at 17:16.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 21 Apr 2014
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,676
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bertrand View Post
You are not alone Thomas! I just had to deal with that same problem but in the sump which added a level of awkwardness.
I used a mini chisel, small screwdriver, lots of patience, many cups of tea and lot of tap-tap-tapping- It works. Patience is the key as are the focussed repetitive You've got to love aluminium.

A small tip- I have been successful in the past by drilling two opposite holes in the plug( as shown on your image edited) This would have given you purchase and the ability to apply an opposite force simultaneously using long nosed needle pliers.
A freeze spray can also help.

Or having an AC Tig welder.....
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 21 Apr 2014
-
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,350
Wink
No room in my tool tube for one of those Ted!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 21 Apr 2014
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,676
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bertrand View Post
No room in my tool tube for one of those Ted!
Mine only weighs 50kg... Where's your sense of adventure.

Okay, the 70kg gas bottle might get in the way if you're going to start splitting hairs.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 21 Apr 2014
g6snl's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Home in Essex GB
Posts: 564
I hate when that happens
I had the same thing on another bike a while back(not bmw).
Spoilt an otherwise good day !

Hammer and chisel and lots a swear words (mainly beginning with the letter "F") was my weapon of choice.

I replaced it with a brass sump plug from halfords ( UK motor shop) They sell several sizes, lucky one was the same(ish). I was not 100% sure what the long term implications would be changing an aluminium for brass plug. A further 35K miles and all was good.
__________________
Regards Tim

Learning my craft for the big stuff, it won't be long now and it's not that far anyway
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 26 Apr 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 6
Brass Plug?
I suspect the reason an aluminum plug is OEM is due to the thermal expansion qualities of aluminum. An aluminum plug will expand to a greater degree than brass when subjected to heat. Thereby, increasing the sealing qualities of the plug to motor and thereby helping to reduce seepage and/or leaks. Brass will not provide the same thermal dynamic qualities. Best to stay with the OEM aluminum style plug(s) and be mindful of the torque value for the plug. Always best to start with the minimum recommended torque. Drain plugs are not plugs one wants to be guessing "this is about tight enough" torque value. Or "its tight, but I'm going to snug it a little tighter for because tighter is better, right?" Nope! Over-tighten an aluminum plug and the thermal dynamic qualities come into play again and it will be impossible to remove the plug before stripping the 8mm hex key slot; as seen above.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
gearbox oil inlet screw

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
XT600e oil leak bm150875 Yamaha Tech 6 18 Sep 2013 08:28
XT600E 2002 Engine Oil Trichelia Yamaha Tech 17 17 Nov 2011 15:25

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:04.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top