2004 RT Valve Cover Bolts.

[Green Indian]

I'm not sure if this is a stupid question but can the four bolts that secure the valve cover to a 2004 R 1150 RT be reused when a new valve cover is installed? The PO of my bike dropped it on the right side and damaged the valve cover, I've just ordered a new one but did not order the 4 long valve cover bolts, I figured because they could be reused. Should they? Or do I need a new set of them too.

[Traveler]

I have been reusing mine for a while now. Really low torque items and don't really get stretched since you are just crushing the gasket with them anyway.

 

So, feel comfortable in reusing them.

[AndyS]

...the 4 long valve cover bolts, I figured because they could be reused. Should they? ...

Yes, but when refitting them the torque value is VERY low.

 

 

Only 8Nm.

 

Andy

[dan cata]

...the 4 long valve cover bolts, I figured because they could be reused. Should they? ...

Yes, but when refitting them the torque value is VERY low.

 

 

Only 8Nm.

 

Andy

 

+1

 

When I was a noob in beemer boxers, the mechanic that I went to for adjusting the valves [censored]ed the threads by over-torqueing and oil started to come out.

 

Expensive repair fix after that

[boatzo]

Should work just fine, but as the others have said VERY LOW TORQUE when replacing the bolts. If you torque them too much they will strip the aluminum threads and you will be installing Heli-Coils. It is not an expensive process but is aggravating and avoidable.

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

Should work just fine, but as the others have said VERY LOW TORQUE when replacing the bolts. If you torque them too much they will strip the aluminum threads and you will be installing Heli-Coils. It is not an expensive process but is aggravating and avoidable.

 

Just to be clear (for the OP), it is the aluminum threads in the cylinder head that get wrecked when this happens. The steel bolts are fine and can be reused even after this.

 

The bolts on my RT endured at least 22 off-on cycles during the 6K maintenance events over the time that I owned it. Never replaced once.

[flars]

If you can get them out...Some people don't seem to be able to bring themselves to using enough force to get the bolts out of the old valve cover. The collar on the bolts will shove the washer out but it doesn't happen easy.

[philbytx]

8Nm is the magic torque number for the head bolts.

And, just to make sure, I would also replace the 4 rubber seals that go under the metal washers for the bolts !

[tallman]

You can, but I'd take them to dinner and a movie first.

[Green Indian]

Thanks everyone for the quick reply and suggestions. I'll give it a go this weekend.

[Bigfish]

can the four bolts that secure the valve cover to a 2004 R 1150 RT be reused when a new valve cover is installed?

 

Not a stupid question at all. The hardest part is pushing out the existing rubber grommets without tearing them. Spray some WD40 on them first and be gentle... pushing from the outside in. Once the rubber is out of the cylinder cover, spray it again with WD40 and push it over the shoulder of the bolt. Reverse the process to reinstall. Don't worry if you rip/tear a grommet. You can buy the rubber grommet from BMW. No need to buy the entire bolt.

 

Hope this was helpful. Good Luck!

[dan cata]

WD40 is one option, but if there isn't any available, I found that water is a very good lube for metal vs. rubber

[Jim VonBaden]

If you can get them out...Some people don't seem to be able to bring themselves to using enough force to get the bolts out of the old valve cover. The collar on the bolts will shove the washer out but it doesn't happen easy.

 

Generally, when I replace a valve cover that is damaged, I replace the four rubber grommets. The bolts are fine, as are the other gaskets.

 

Jim

[Kouros]

Lower than 8. Go 7Nm.

Learned this the very hard way.

 

-K