Oil leak from top engine cover (2013 K1300S)

[Bian2512]

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie to BMW ownership, so be gentle with me please. I'd like to pick your brains about an oil leak, that is coming from the top cover seal (rocker cover?) whilst the bike is running. The oil appears to be coming out in small squirts, with bubbles or air coming out as-well. Ive also been told the gasket is rubber, and can be re-used, and also its not common for these to leak. I know the engine is cocked forward instead of upright, so the oil is more likely to be in that area anyway, but any advice from you guys would be much appreciated. My main concern is the air/bubbles. Could it be pressurized, due to another fault?
Regards
Bian

[Eyore]

Sounds to me as if whoever had the rocker cover off, presumably to check valve clearances, may have pinched the gasket .

[Costas]

There are e few cases with gaskets failing on older than 10 years bikes. It's a relatively easy fix and does not effect any other component.  The issue is the correct installation of the new one with the proper glue and then proper engine management until gasket sits on the rails. Failing to do so will result in repetition of work.

[Phmode]

Hi Brian and welcome to the madhouse that is EuroKClub!

If you put a little more detail in your profile, age of bike, mileage etc, it makes it easier for folks to be specific when they try to help. A few words of introduction in Who's Who always helps too.

As to the 'leak'. Whereabouts around the cover is it? Also, when was the last valve clearance check done. If recently, Kim is probably on the right tracks.

The crankcase shouldn't be producing much in the way of pressure as it has an air recirculation system (secondary air system in BMW speak, consisting of a rubber pipe on the left of the engine, a manifold across the cam cover and three push in connectors into the cam cover) via the airbox.

So, these pipes and their terminations should be inspected before you go ripping it apart.

Also, if you do go inside, there is a gasket between the bottom of the cam cover and the top of the cylinder head down between the camshafts which won't produce a leak at the outside but could be allowing the crankcase to pressurise more than it should. Cover bolts torque is 10Nm and you are quite correct the cover gasket can be re-used if OK with appropriate sealant.

If you can be specific about exactly whereabouts the leak/bubbles are coming from and also if you can clean the area to be even more specific, we might be able to point you in the right direction.

Also, you really should get a copy of RepROM, the BMW workshop manual for the K. £100'ish from the stealers or about £20 on t'internet. Just goggle RepROM.

Good luck Brian, Brian

[TomL]

Radiator out job and you know what that means.

[Bian2512]

Hi guys, thanks for the info. The bike has just done 30k miles, full bmw service history, and is due a service, but the big service is not until 36k. I will check the air recirc pipes, but im gonna be stripping the old gal anyway as she is very tatty, looks like she's spent most of her life outside (rusty bolts, scratched panels, dirt and leafs behind panels etc), definitely not been shown much love. I'm well aware of the Radiator issues, so yes that'll be coming off for a good clean/inspection, and as the rest of the bike is in a bit of a state, ill probably be in the market for a new one!! Also thanks for the recommendation of the maintenance manual, i'll definitely be ordering one of them. The oil leak is coming from the r/h side front corner of the top cover, right at the corner, then it dribbles down the block and into the bottom fairing, then out all over the rear tyre!!! I suppose it'll all become clear once i get the cover off and have a look at the gasket, i'll keep you posted. I did try and post a picture, but couldn't find how to do it.

Regards

Bian

[raesewell]

Search the How to section for photo posting.

[Phmode]

The oil leak is coming from the r/h side front corner of the top cover, right at the corner,

OK, that, I would almost guarantee, is the gasket. (Kim - 10/10, Gold Star, Plus House Point etc. etc. )

30K miles with a FBMW history is a good bike. I'll take the dead leaves and the grot over a non-history'd bike any day. Get yourself some decent gasket goo (Not Gasket Goo  , much better products these days) before you go in and gen up on the filters insede the cam cover and the routing of the air system pipework.

Enjoy!

[StewartFMD]

Hi There.
I have exactly the same issue as Brian.
My bike is a 2012 with 10,000 miles on it so was not expecting this type of issue.
I have got the radiator off now and it looks quite tight getting the rocker cover off.
Any tips or advice would be most welcome.

[Bian2512]

Hi, I stripped off radiator, removed top cover and all looked ok. Was tempted to cleaned all faces and rubber gasket and refit but bought new gasket. Built back up and all has been fine, done about 5k miles since and no leaks.
Hope this helps
Bian

[Phmode]

Thanks for getting back with the result. It seems like your bike is haunted 

[Zecopeca]

Thank you all for the very useful information. I just noticed the very same problem with my K1300S on the top right corner of the head cover. I have now bought a new gasket but just wanted to ask the experts if do I need to apply sealant or as it is a new gasket, there is no need?
Also I think there is an inner gasket as well. Does that needs replacing as well or not necessary if it still in good shape? Mine is a 2012 plate with 35k.

Many thanks in advance.

[Bian2512]

No sealant needed, just make sure the engine and top cover mating surfaces are clean and dry. As for inner gasket, not sure what you mean but I didn't change any other gasket.
Bian

[Zecopeca]

ok great. Thanks for confirming. I will get on with it.
Regards

[HoSS]

I've just had this same problem, replaced the gasket, and it still leaks.
(By the way you do need sealant in a few spots, the service manual asks  you to put it in the corners of the 2 round cut outs on the left, and it had it before in those places)
I've done a bit more searching and come up with several people who said the dealer found that the chain guide was shifting up and pushing on the cover. Chain guide replaced to fix it.
I guess i'll get the cover off again....