R60/6 oil level

[Royboy52919]

Hello from a newbie

Hi guys I have recently acquired a show condition R60/6.

I have not had a boxer before, but did have a R26 for quite some years in the past.

Whilst the bike is in show condition, it was restored to a very high standard by the previous owner, who sadly passed away just before completion, I have no documentation detailing the rebuild.

He clearly did a remarkable job and the engine is remarkable both in its appearance and just the sound of it tells me everything is done as it should be.

I do however have a perplexing problem/issue.

When I first dipped the oil I noticed it was very high, about the distance again up the dipstick as the difference between the 2 marks, ie the max mark is approx mid way up the oil trace.

I thought someone must have over filled it, before I took some out I decided to drain it all and measure the volume. Well it was exactly 2 litres?? That is the correct amount.

So I thought it must be the wrong dipstick? Nope it’s the correct one - measured and checked with Motorworks who are also puzzled by this inconsistency.

It is the regular sump, not extended.

Does anyone have any suggestions? before I take the sump off to see if there is a (large!)foreign object in there forcing the level to read ridiculously high.

If it’s not that I’m stumped.

Thanks in advance

Roy

[Zombie Master]

So you don't screw the dip stick in. You measure it by inserting it but not screwing it in.

[Rob Frankham]

1) +1 to Zombie Master. The dipstick should rest on the threads but not be screwed in for the correct level reading.

2) Had the engine been run after refilling and before you dipped it... If not, then the level will be high? it will go down as the various cavities, the oil filter, the oil pump and the galleries are filled. Has it dropped at all after the engine was run?

3) If you're still having doubts, it is a simple matter to drop the sump. This is a matter of 14 small (6mm) bolts and it can be done without removing the engine or disturbing any of the other parts of the bike... although it is a big benefit to have some sort of ramp or else you'll be grovelling about on the ground under the engine. Another approach is to remove the tank and l;ay the bike opver on one of it's cylinder heads (supported on a block of wood) to get better access. If the gasket has been fitted recently without sealant it will probably be re-usable but otherwise you may need to replace it.

Rob

[Royboy52919]

That is the way I have been checking it. Not screwing it in

[Royboy52919]

The engine had been run.... but only for a few minutes. As the uk weather improves I will take it for a run and dip again.

I am a collector and have quite a few bikes. I have a full workshop with hydraulic bike lift so removal of the sump is not a problem.

Thank you for your reply.

The oil level is up 10 - 12mm on the dipstic, yet only 2 litres of oil comes out?

It's just a bit odd?

[barryh]

The oil level you are observing doesn't seem physically possible for 2 litres of oil so something is wrong.

For a 2nd opinion on the correct dipstick length, check here:

http://largiader.com/tech/oilpan/

[Royboy52919]

I have checked all seems correct

Confused I am

[Royboy52919]

Barry

Where do you live

I’m near Macclesfield

[Royboy52919]

Finally a eureka moment!

Thank you Barry for the link above, which has enabled me to find the answer…..

I measured my dipstick to be 277mm in length and reported this to Motorworks…. They confirmed it was the correct dipstick for a 1975 R60/6. So far so good.

However the link given by Barry goes further to say

Part number 11 43 1 252 661, which I believe is the correct dipstick, does indeed measure 277mm, however the distance to the max mark from the underside of the threads is 247mm, this is new info to me.

I measured the distance to my max mark and found it to be 256mm!

Hence the difference!

I put a temporary mark at 247 and the reading was spot on!

As I do not want a plastic handled dipstick, part number 11 43 1 337 543, which would work, I will be marking a new max mark on my existing dipstick.

Thank you to all who helped, I wonder what else I will find as I move forward….

A little about me and the bike.

I am a recently retired engineer and spend most of my time, when in the uk, on my Narrowboat, it is powered by a vintage lister diesel that has offered me hours, if not days, of entertainment since the boat was built to my spec in the late 90’s

My wife and I spend about 5 months of the year away in our carthago motorhome, travelling as far as Greece at some point each year.

I have not been without a motorbike since my father brought one home for me when I was 9. It arrived in 2 wooden crates and he said “when we have put this together, together, son, I will teach you how to ride it ”

That was the beginning of a life long passion, I usually have between 5 and 8 bikes in my workshop ranging from 70 years old to very new. We have a modern Honda scooter which travels with us in the garage of the motorhome and enables us to explore the wonderful places we are lucky enough to visit.

As arthritis advances in my hands and knees I find myself riding the bikes less, but enjoying the maintenance and issues like the one above more!

The BMW is in outstanding condition

The previous owner was clearly meticulous in his restoration, I feel quite sad that he didn’t quite finish it before he passed. There was really only the handlebar area left for me to complete. The /6 switch gear on the handle bars has been unavailable for some time, however I have managed to source NOS items from USA at huge cost, but it completes the bike, so was worth it.

If I knew how to upload photos to this forum I would post some.

Thanks again chaps

Roy

[barryh]

If I knew how to upload photos to this forum I would post some.

Roy

Roy sent me a few photos so here they are. Doesn't it look fabulous.