Locking Oil Filler Cap Blown

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LonestaRR
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Locking Oil Filler Cap Blown

Post by LonestaRR »

I've spent the last few hours stranded on a backcountry road in south Texas heat because the oil cap on my bike (locking oil cap) blew off and blew oil all over me and the bike (05 R1150R). (My rescue is a long story)

It's been about 1800-2000- miles since it's last oil change. I've been checking the oil per instructions on the board. i.e. side stand 5 min. then to center stand, wait 20 min, check. The last time I checked it was last Thursday and the oil level was just a hair below the top red line. No riding since then because of bad weather until today. Then after about 20 minutes into the ride, I made a turn onto a back road, accelerated, checked the rear view mirrors and thought I saw smoke behind me a ways. I kept looking trying to figure if it is just haze from the Texas heat or a blur on my visor. Then I started to hear the eninge sound differently (all this in about 200 - 300 yards). So I looked down and the oil cap is gone and oil is spewing out all over my pant leg, my cases and the bike. Reminded me of the stories of Spindletop.

It will be picked up where I left it in the next hour or so and taken to the dealership. I don't have much confidence in the dealership mechanics because of past experiences with my bike and a friend's bike. But I don't have any options other than them. Can anyone give me some advice on what I should ask them to check? Any ideas what would cause that kind of pressure to blow off a locked cap? I did not check the cap today before I rode it, but it is a locking cap and it hasn't been messed with for at least the last 500-600 miles.

I could sure use some advice about what kind of questions to ask the mechanics to maybe point them in the right direction. I have sensed the last couple of times I took it out that something was not quite right, but couldn't really put a finger on what it was I was sensing.

I have my first long trip planned for next Friday (5 days) and I'd really like to get my bike back before then, so any help is very much appreciated.

A few of good things learned from today. 1. There are many interesting and some frightening people you can meet or try to avoid while stranded. 2. I'm glad I was wearing jeans and not some $200-$500 motorcycle pants because there is an incredible amount of oil all over them. 3. I learned where the dead areas in cell phone usage are so I can avoid breaking down there again. 4. I learned to always wear an appropriate shirt under my jacket because it gets very HOT while standing/walking/sitting in a black motorcycle jacket - even the mesh ones. 5. Two bottles of water are not enough. 6. A concealed weapon license accompanied by a concealed weapon is a comfort.

Any help will be much appreciated.
Last edited by LonestaRR on Fri Jun 02, 2006 9:44 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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Post by Eqyn Dad »

...what will not kill us....

I am guessing here but, I would think long before the pressure is high enough to blow off a locking cover that some other component would have given way; like a gasket.

Could the locking cover assembly lost a component and that component have dropped into the cylinder head? This could account for the locking caps letting go and some engine issue.

Glad you made it back safe. Good luck and keep us posted.
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Probably Okay

Post by MikeCam »

Kristi,

First, much credit to you for noticing and doing all the right things.

There was probably an internal adapter into which the locking cap was inserted. It is that adapter, supposedly locked down to the cylinder head cover, that probably gave way. Rather than the cap itself. Unless you did the installation yourself it isn't even something you'd know about.

I suspect the solution from your dealer will be to re-change the oil, install a stock oil cap, test ride and return the bike to you. And I suspect you shut down fast/soon enough to avoid any engine problems.

Dean or CycleRob know a bit more than I, but I'd say breathe easier.

And again, good job getting the bike stopped safely.

M
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Post by LonestaRR »

It was stopped safely for a while. But I couldn't stay where I stopped. I did get back on it and ride it about 1/2 mile slowly to a safer spot where I could store the bike until help arrived.
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Dean Rob?

Post by MikeCam »

Don't tell.

Among the things Dean would tell you if he wasn't off hooligan riding the new R1200S at San Jose, is that the residual oil on all parts from before the blow out was sufficient to protect your engine during the extended shut-down/cool-off phase.
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Post by chris »

Hell Kristi,
That was a scary one! Thank goodness the oil stayed away from your tyres. Hope everything is OK with the bike, sounds like it should be.
You forgot to mention the 7th thing you learned. Carry a spare oil filler cap! :)
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Post by Arbreacames »

Come on, Mike! You really want her to trade her R for that S, is that it? When she says that a lot of oil flew on her jeans, I suspect it wasn't quite four quarts!

Kristi: you did the right thing by taking the bike further to a safe place. Also, I assure you that there will be no damage to your engine from that misadventure. Sorry bad about the frightening people that you had to encounter.
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Post by LonestaRR »

I don't know how much oil came out. I know when I left this morning it was a hair or so below the top red line. After I finally got it to a safer spot I did the oil check routine. The oil level then was below the center mark - more than half way below the center mark to the lowest red line.
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Tolerance

Post by MikeCam »

That bike can handle much tolerance between the top and bottom of the circle/hot or cold, etc. So I wouldn't expect it was oil over pressure that did the deed. I'd still think it was the adapter finally letting go. Who can check that anyhow. It's installed and it stays put.

Carlos,

My personal opinion is that Kristi get the bike she wants whether it's a Roadster or a Speedster. I just need to avoid the temptation for myself.

Yellow bike, yellow bike. Please don't talk to biker Mike.
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Post by LonestaRR »

Well, heck. My new Givi top box just arrived via UPS along with a rack from Tony and I have no bike to put it on right now.
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Post by Deans BMW »

Kristi,

First, much credit to you for noticing and doing all the right things.

There was probably an internal adapter into which the locking cap was inserted. It is that adapter, supposedly locked down to the cylinder head cover, that probably gave way. Rather than the cap itself. Unless you did the installation yourself it isn't even something you'd know about.

I suspect the solution from your dealer will be to re-change the oil, install a stock oil cap, test ride and return the bike to you. And I suspect you shut down fast/soon enough to avoid any engine problems.

Dean or CycleRob know a bit more than I, but I'd say breathe easier.

And again, good job getting the bike stopped safely.
Kristi, I concur 100% with what Mike posted.
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FWIW - Improvised roadside repairs...

Post by Gordium7 »

Your story brings back memories.

Here is a little "For What Its Worth" type of post.

Last fall I had just bought a used V-Star and was on a short outing a few days later. About 20 miles from home I was cruising along when I noticed a mist of "something" collecting on the headlight housing, etc. Well, it turns out I had lost the oil filler cap. Even though I had picked up the bike from a "dealer", I was a dumbA** and had NOT done a very thorough check of it myself. :roll:

You do notice this problem pretty quickly, especially at slower speeds.

Fortunately, I had just gotten through the 10 mi of twisty, turny road leading up through the foothills to the moutains, and had just entered the environs of a fairly decent sized town.

I pull off into the nearest parking lot, and assessed the messy situation. Left pants leg below the knee - Oil covered. Left sock - oil soaked. Left shoe - not so bad. I turn around and see that I am in the parking lot for a set of shops that includes a Motorcycle Repair shop (harley-esque) -- but its Sunday. CLOSED. :cry:

So what to do now....

Well it was 3 blocks to the nearest gas-station/convienence store. I bought the following items...

- 3 quarts of oil
- duct tape
- roll of paper towel
- 409 cleaner (or wet wipes)
- and the magic (and free) Thrifty Nickel ads newspaper

Roadside Procedure:

- Clean off all excess oil as well as possible with paper towel. Use bag from purchases to hold mess.

- Roll newspaper into a *very tight* roll that is somewhat oversize to the intended oil filler hole. Tear off excess newspaper as needed to get correct size. The length of the newspaper plug depends on your specific application.

- Refill oil to proper level.

NOTE: Even though it appeared to be a lot of oil everywhere, I only needed a little over a quart to top it off. The V-Star normally has ~ 3 quarts when doing a change. One could safely skip this step if oil were not available, i.e., you are in the middle of nowhere.

- Screw makeshift plug into oil filler hole. Use duct tape to stabilize the plug. For the V-Star, I left the paper long because the clutch cable passed nearby and I could tape the "length" of the makeshift plug to it to make sure it wouldn't go anywhere (mainly wind effects on exposed part of newspaper plug). For a BMW, I would make the plug shorter, fold over the exposed part, and use the duct tape wrapped around the cylinder to keep it from going anywhere. Any location where you intend to use the tape, make sure you clean it thoroughly, even using the 409 to degrease.

- Use paper towels to get more of the oil that you missed the first time. Trust me, its everywhere.

- Use paper towels and 409 to clean your hands. 409 also does a great job of pre-treating the clothes and shoes that are oil soaked.

- Crank bike back up and make sure improvided repair is secure.

- Ride off

- Stop periodically and recheck the plug on way home.

As an alternate to the rolled up newspaper, a stick whittled down to the proper size could be used, but it takes longer and may not make a good a seal as the paper does. You also have to have a pocket knife on you. And a stick. :wink:

While this may sound like a bit of a kludge, it worked rather well, and could of been used for hundrends of miles if need be. It could be a life saver (or trip saver) if the proper replacement parts are not readily available.

So, just be prepared to think a bit outside the box and improvise. And check any "new" purchase for potential problems yourself (and when it gets back from the dealer).

This little incident prompted a more thorough inspection of the V-Star that also turned a significant number of loose spokes on the rear wheel. So all for the good , huh?

You can bet that when I got the new R1150R home from the dealer, I gave it a thorough once over. Never assume anything.

Oh yeah, always carry duct tape with you. 8)
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Post by DJ Downunder »

What a bugger Kristi.

Was the locking oil cap a genuine BMW cap (with the little rubber flap) or an aftermarket type?...just wondering.

I think your bike will be OK.

I once returned to my bike after work..it was parked right near the front door of a large..busy..Hospital's main entrance....people everywhere.

It was about 10pm..I started my bike and let it idle while I put my helmet and gloves on.

I was about to ride off and the exhaust sounded a bit hissy...I gave it a few blips of the throttle and it sounded odd.

I got off and checked around the exhaust..and headers for an exhaust leak..all seemed OK.

I was about to ride off...looked down to my left and saw oil spitting out around the oil filler cap...I turned the engine off.

The oil filler cap was loose and wobbly...I took it out and found no rubber O ring.

I walked around cursing and kicking leaves on the ground...and there it was...about 10 feet away...laying on the ground......how lucky is that.

I replaced the O ring and cap...started it up and rode home....and soon after bought a BMW locking oil cap.......that was 3-4 yrs ago...no probs since.

Some #hole must have thought he was funny and removed my cap and thrown the O ring away...and thought..hehe...that BMW rider will find a big mess on his leg when he gets home..hehe..(yeah..real funny)

I wonder if some one could have done this to yours..(even with a locking cap)...it's very odd for a cap to blow out....but..I have heard of an oil sight glass bowing out so you never know.

Your bike and pants should clean up ok...and you'll be back on your bike soon...thanks for letting us know about your drama.

DJ
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Post by LonestaRR »

DJ:

It was the BMW locking cap. I haven't been in a situation where someone could have gotten that close to the bike without me knowing it in the last month, or in a situation where there were people around when I left it. So I don't think it was tampered with.

I too thought it strange that the cap could come off like that. But I read this ad at Sierra BMW:

Moto-Techniques Leakproof Oil Filler Kit (Clear Anodized)

Billet replacement for theft, BLOW OUT & leak-prone stock plastic oil filler assembly. Valve cover insert is nickel plated brass & threaded plug is anodized aluminum. Insert is secured by "trapped" set screws. Insert & plug are sealed by O-rings."

So apparently it can happen, but it sure seems strange it would happen with a locking one. The key is locked in the seat, so I don't know how anyone could have messsed with it. I never heard from the service department today, so I don't know yet what they think.
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Post by CycleRob »

Kristi,

Even though the set screws are captive, they still may have loosened up enough (from normal vibration) for the cap housing to come apart.
It's a good thing you didn't take any sharp left corners with all the oil blown out that side. Sounds like you only lost about 14 ounces. No harm to the motor, there's still over 3 qts in it. Maybe a tiny amount of road dirt may have been sucked in as the crankcase pressure pulsated violently thru the opening as both pistons reach both TDC and BDC at the same time.


BTW:

"6. A concealed weapon license accompanied by a concealed weapon is a comfort."

- - - - speaking for us all . . . that got a little grin and approval from a lot of us out here and we're pleased you can "dish-it-out" in your own defense, if necessary.
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Post by socalrob »

Has anyone here actually had a failure of the stock oil filler cap? I know they tend to weep a bit of oil, but seems to me that the failures that pop up on this board are from the after market caps. I find the stock cap works well as long as I replace the o-ring once in a while & keep it clean.

BTW, I never add oil until the level is down at least to half way below the center dot, & never add it to more than the center dot. I recall one dealer in FLA saying to not add oil until it has disappeared from the sight glass altogether.

Bike seems to burn less oil with the level kept lower than higher.

I think these bikes are more likely to have problems from too much oil (carbon up, blown sight glass, blown filler cap) than from not enough. I do watch the level more in hot weather as the oil is the coolant. I do doubt that a relative few ounces low matter much even for cooling.

After reading this post I think I'll buy a new stock cap & put the old one under the seat for a spare. Maybe pick up a sight glass too.

Kristi, like others have said, glad it didn't cause a face plant. Pretty cool you carry "protection". Can't do that here in LA, unless your a celebrity.
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Post by ErikU »

I'm pretty sure that ANY oil level showing in the window is close to full. I keep mine between center dot and the bottom. The window is more or less at the very top of the sump. Sounds like you don't have anything to worry about as far as damage. If I pour in oil in to go from the bottom to the middle, or even the top it isn't that much.

I know what a huge mess a small amount of oil can make. I had a small engine seal leak in my plane for the past six months that we have been trying to find. It only leaked a teaspoon or less over the course of many hours, but made a HUGE mess in the engine compartment and all down the side of the plane. VERY frustrating!
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Post by LonestaRR »

If the cap blew because of an overfill, what kind of damage would have been done to my bike? Or did the cap blow before damage could happen? Am I ruined and in need of buying a new yellow R1200S?

Actually, Rob, I think the cap did blow off on a left hand turn. It was when I turned left and then accelerated that I noticed the smoke in my mirror. But it wasn't a long turn and I suppose that saved my hide. The left case looked like someone had oiled it up for a day at the beach. They look good with a shine.

I was reluctant to post about the concealed weapon because some are very anti-guns and I don't want to stir that pot. But I've needed one in the past and was comforted by it yesterday when stranded and approached by a truck with some teenage Texas rednecks. But craft, conversation, and confidence can disarm some people more safely before resorting to violence. I've always been a supporter of pro-action than reaction. (Disclaimer: not all Texans are rednecks. Most of them are not. Not all teenagers are bad. Not all people who drive trucks are rednecks, scary, or teenagers. Not all people who drive trucks are Texans - but most of them are :wink: )
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Post by owldaddy »

I believe Suzanne Gratia would agree with you Kristi....... Better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it. She could have saved her parents from dying, if she hadn't left her gun in the car that day in 1991 in Killeen Texas.
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Post by TonyT607 »

Kristi wrote:Well, heck. My new Givi top box just arrived via UPS along with a rack from Tony and I have no bike to put it on right now.
Hey Kristi - first of all "BRAVO ZULU" - looks like you handled that mini drama well and kept your cool. And I must agree with Rob about you being prepared. Remind me to never run into you in a dark alley ! :o

Glad you recevied the BMW rack; good luck with the install. Which Givi did you get ?

BTW - seeing your post prompted me to look through my tool chest - I found two Filler Cap O rings from my 02 RR - if your new locking cap setup still requires the stock BMW rings let me know and I'll dump these in the mail.
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