updated to the new style of cam chain tensioner?

[Clint]

I'm reading posts from ADVrider many problems fixed with this updated new style of cam chain tensioner. There is a big post on it here is the link to read, I have some of these concerns and looking to do this in the future. Clint.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82209&page=1&pp=15 or main page http://www.advrider.com/

Has anyone done this to there bike from 1100 1150s rt Gs?

[bmwnomad]

Did it a month ago on my 1996 R1100RT. What would you like to know?

 

Steve

[Clint]

Hi Steve could you tell me was there any performance improvements,less pinging if you had some, less noise at any rpms and at start ups?

[bmwnomad]

No change in performance and no pinging before or after, there shouldn't be anyway. The cam tensioner update isn't a cure for a stretched chain only for a left cam tensioner that leaks down too fast when the oil is warm. Although replacing the cam tensioner may PREVENT a stretched chain, but I have no info on that.

 

For many years my RT has had a clack-clack-clack sound when starting up when the engine in warm, always coming from the left side of the engine. The noise lasted for 2-3 seconds tops and only when the oil was warm.

 

The updated cam tensioner (R1200RT one to be exact) costs about $60 and has so far fixed the problem.

 

I've heard of a couple people with broken cam guides (made of plastic!). The only way known so far to replace these is to split the engine case. It's not known if the guide failure is related to weak cam tensioners but I figured for $60 and about 30 mins worth of effort I would rather be safe than sorry.

 

Steve

[sdemeyer]

Is the " Clack, Clack" something to be worried about? Or is it just annoying?

[bmwnomad]

To me it was mostly annoying. But... as I mentioned, there have been a couple reports of broken cam guides. Not just worn out, but physically cracked and broken. I'm wondering if the cam chain smacking against the guide at startup could have cracked and broken it. It certainly can't be good for it.

 

For $60 and 30 mins of time I figured I'd kill two birds with one stone.

 

Steve

[Cali Kid]

The updated cam tensioner (R1200RT one to be exact) costs about $60 and has so far fixed the problem.

 

Whoa, wait! I read the posts on ADV and noone mentioned tensioners from the 1200RT. The parts they listed came as kits for over $200 from Chicago BMW. Where did you get the info to install 1200RT tensioners?

Your parts change sounds much different than the posts at ADV. What gives?

[Clint]

If you read threw till the end posts they explain the new old stock cct and the updated one that comes right from Germany which is the same as the r1200rt, im sure you have to watch it so the dealers don't sell you the nos at the big price. From what I'm understanding you just order it with the # listed it will come up as a cct for r1200rt the same updated one for all r bikes left cct.

[Clint]

Here are the original tensioner part numbers for 1100/1150 motors:

 

11 31 1 341 137 . cylinder tensioner, left. . . $22.00

11 31 1 341 138 . cylinder tensioner, right . . $22.00

07 11 9 963 308 . gasket ring left A18X22-CU. . $ 0.50

07 11 9 963 342 . gasket ring right A20X24-CU . $ 0.50

11 31 1 341 015 . spring left and right . . . . $ 0.50

11 31 1 340 741 . piston left . . . . . . . . . $12.00

11 31 1 340 742 . piston right. . . . . . . . . $10.10

 

 

Then the changes:

 

FIRST - came the updated $ 200.00 part. Yes, first on sale in late 2003. This is the full set that has just become not available.

 

11 31 2 325 563 . left chain tensioner set. . . $204.97

07 11 9 963 308 . gasket ring (A18X22-CU) . . . $ 00.50

 

 

Then, a new tensioner cylinder similar to the original '137'. Essentially same as above cyliinder '137', using the same internals of piston '741' and spring '015'. Nothing really new here.

 

11 31 7 671 723 . cylinder tensioner, left. . . $21.40

 

 

And now the new (and cheaper) $200 flail damper.

 

11 31 7 688 629 . cylinder tensioner, left. . . $19.20

11 31 7 656 922 . piston left . . . . . . . . . $28.40

07 11 9 963 308 . gasket ring left A18X22-CU. . $ 0.50

[Cali Kid]

Thanx for the clarification.