2012 BMW R1200 RT Valve Clearance Check

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2012 BMW R1200 RT Valve Clearance Check

Рет қаралды 54,920

Күн бұрын

Watch along as I remove the valve covers and do a valve clearance check on my 2012 R1200 RT. I bought this bike used, so I wasn't sure if the first scheduled valve check was ever done. so, with 10,700 miles on the clock, I opted to do this check early. I also changed the spark plugs while I was there. You'll need standard feeler gauges, and perhaps a micrometer if new shims are needed. A special tool to remove the coil on the spark plug is also helpful.
In my case the clearances were okay, but if the gap is too big or small, you can remove the "e" clip from the cam follower and pull the follower off the engine. The shim is contained in a little dished area on the follower. Measure the shim and pick a different one (available from BMW) to bring the gap within spec.

Пікірлер: 25

@staffordvideoproductions5788 2 ай бұрын

Like “whatever the hell it’s called”. Thanks for taking the extra time to make sure that we actually can see what you’re doing with lighting and camera position. Just purchased my first RT. 2012 model.

@tinderboxarts 2 ай бұрын

You picked a great model generation, the 2010-2013 are widely considered some of the best RTs made, with few problems.

@richardmills485 4 жыл бұрын

Great video,as I've just replaced my very old 1100rt with a newer 1200rt 2011,I might add I never replaced the gaskets on my old one and the never leaked.Another tip I'll give you is don't tighten the cover bolts with a torque wrench,just tighten by hand until they are tight but no more.The aluminium threads are easy to strip!

@petermiller8634 3 ай бұрын

Very informative & natural explanations.Liked & subscribed.

@mac22011964 3 жыл бұрын

Having checked the valve clearances on probably over 150 twin cams I have only had to adjust one at about 140k miles. All those I checked were at the higher end of the range suggesting they are set that way at the factory. Only replaced the rubber gasket once at the request of the owner. ALWAYS replace e clips. Also, if you have oil leaking after replacing the valve covers NEVER be tempted to tighten past the torque values. Re seat the cover and try again.

@tinderboxarts 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, that's a good point about leaks. I often see people recommend "just a little tighter" but getting greedy like that can be a disaster. For the rubber gaskets it's important to put everything together dry and clean, and to recognize that the gaskets can't be reused forever.

@edge1307 5 жыл бұрын

I see a similar video on a "heritage" boxer engine, where the tech stresses the importance of replacing the E clips, and not reusing them; if you removed them.

@bluemask32 4 жыл бұрын

Nice video, you sound like Leo Getts from lethal weapon. I hope you do more videos like this, all very natural, well done.

@tinderboxarts 4 жыл бұрын

That's the actor Joe Pesci--also a Jersey boy. I get that all the time! I'll be making more, for sure.

@Accurize2 2 жыл бұрын

@@tinderboxarts Uh oh now because that comment put it in my head…I can’t I hear it!

@1200sbeemer 2 жыл бұрын

The only way to adjust the valves are with shims? My old one I just adjusted with some wrenches. Haven’t done this yet but glad to find this out before I attempt.

@tinderboxarts 2 жыл бұрын

Different model years have had different adjustment methods. At least one model has a locknut style with an adjustable bolt. Others have shims. I made a more concise video on this subject which may put your mind at ease. Replacing the shims is not difficult: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rMCTf8lp1billY0.html

@peterdewaele5698 3 жыл бұрын

why make the germans the vealves systeem differend, y love the old systems from the boxer

@mattcero1 4 жыл бұрын

Very nice video and not too long. Did you replace the seals? If so, may I ask where you sourced them and how much you paid? Thanks again sir!

@tinderboxarts 4 жыл бұрын

You mean on the valve cover? I actually tried to get the valve cover gasket but the one that was sent was incorrect. The plug seal I think I did replace. You can source these things as third party BMW vendors like beemerboneyard.

@mambonumberfive2206 4 жыл бұрын

Good explained, tank you. You did the clearance check at around 20 Celsius?

@tinderboxarts 4 жыл бұрын

Don't get too hung up on temperature. The check should be done with a "cold" engine and if the ambient temps are comfortable enough for you to work in then you are fine. There is a range of acceptable clearance, after all.

@jesuefeokagbare 4 жыл бұрын

Great video as always. We have no BMW dealership in my state and I have to do my own service. I mentally agreed to this when I was purchasing the motorcycle. I'm putting together a list of tools to do a 12k mile service on my 2017 RT. Do you have any recommendations? do I get a 1/2" or 3/8" set? are there any specialty tools i'll need?

@tinderboxarts 4 жыл бұрын

I haven't needed anything special by way of tools. Now, I've been a mechanic for almost 4 decades, so I already had anything you could need. One inexpensive purchase I would recommend is a variety of torx drivers, both short ones and extended ones. Many of the sets come with a combination of 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch socket sizes. It's just really handy to have the extended ones for easier reach. To remove the front wheel you may need a homemade tool or a specialty tool for the axle. I think the 2017 model is similar to my 2012 in that regard. It's nice to have a cheap scissor jack (you may have one in your car anyway) to lift the front end up. Put the bike on the center stand and put the scissor jack under the engine with a small piece of plywood. You can lift the engine area and the bike will pivot on the center stand. And, of course, if you don't have a multimeter you should get one of those. An inexpensive model is fine.

@jesuefeokagbare 4 жыл бұрын

@@tinderboxarts Many thanks for this. Much appreciated

@gilplasencia8638 4 жыл бұрын

How do you do the shims on the intake side thank you

@blakethornsbrough1528 3 жыл бұрын

Calls the side fairings Tupperware several times. Calls literal Tupperware a pan.

@tinderboxarts 3 жыл бұрын

Ha! I don't want my wife to know where the "pan" went!

@wol9ver6ine 5 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't replace the gaskets. I've done my 10 yr old 08R1200GS valve checks 6 times and reused the same gaskets, no issue. Wasting money if they don't leak.