BMW R1100RS Timing Plug Replacement
(the $5 solution)
Review
Pictures were taken with an Apple QuickTake 200 (click on image to view full-sized).
When I check the valve adjustment on my '94 BMW R1100RS, it seems the hardest, or at least the most frustrating part is dinking with the timing hole plug. The rubber plug is hard to remove and is tedious to install.
I thought I had the problem solved when I started using a long curved hemostat (a recycled surgical instrument) to remove and replace the cover. However, even using the hemostat, I managed to lose the plug into the timing hole.
I figured the plug would drop to the bottom of the flywheel casing, or if it did manage to fall into something, the soft rubber wouldn't offer much resistance and it would be quickly ground into itty-bitty pieces.
After 24,000 miles, the plug hasn't caused any problem with the starter, or clutch on my bike. (Update 02/2002: It still hasn't been a problem after 80,000 miles.) If you have dropped the plug into the timing hole and it caused some mechanical problem, please send me a note and I'll post the message here.
The hemostat helped, but it still wasn't a good solution. I went to a Pep Boys and found some rubber bumpers (part #45392, $5) in the "Help!" section. They looked like they might work.
I cut the top off of the smaller bumper. The bumper needs to have enough "thread" to screw in, but not enough that it would contact the flywheel.
How does it work? In a word — GREAT! Now I can remove and install the plug with a 3/4" socket and there is no way that plug is going to fall into the hole.
Page Creation: July 1, 2000
Last Updated: May 3, 2006
