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TECHNICAL MOTOBRICK WRENCHING In Remembrance of Inge K. => The Motobrick Workshop => Topic started by: moto1337 on October 18, 2021, 02:21:48 PM

Title: Metal shavings in gear oil
Post by: moto1337 on October 18, 2021, 02:21:48 PM

https://imgur.com/a/STkZU3D

Large quantity of metal shavings from gear oil drain plug magnet. Any ideas what could cause this? Most of the metal looks like it is in a circular/spiral shape.

Title: Re: Metal shavings in gear oil
Post by: Chaos on October 18, 2021, 02:56:40 PM

that looks like some jewelry chain to me.  Anyone working on the bike wear lots of bling?

Title: Re: Metal shavings in gear oil
Post by: moto1337 on October 18, 2021, 03:37:20 PM

Interesting idea! The metal is more of a "coil" than a "chain" but either way, doesn't look like something that should be in the gear box. On the advice of my local mechanic, I will keep riding it (now w fresh oil) and drain again after a few hundred miles. With any luck there won't be anything next time...

Title: Re: Metal shavings in gear oil
Post by: Laitch on October 18, 2021, 03:57:04 PM

Those look like pieces of a storm door return spring. Owners have repeatedly been warned by BMW not to use the motorcycle as a workbench for household tasks while doing gear or engine oil changes. This is what can happen.  :nono2:

Title: Re: Metal shavings in gear oil
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on October 18, 2021, 04:55:37 PM

It's hard to tell what the size is with no reference in the photo, but that could be the remains of an oil seal spring.  Is there any history of a transmission oil leak?

Title: Re: Metal shavings in gear oil
Post by: moto1337 on October 18, 2021, 07:02:54 PM

Apologies, I’m new to the site and still figuring out how to best post photos — if you click the “imgut” link above there is a quarter for scale.

Title: Re: Metal shavings in gear oil
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on October 18, 2021, 07:32:05 PM

Got it! 

My money is on the metal being from an oil seal.  So, is there any leakage or oil seal replacement in this bike's past?

Title: Re: Metal shavings in gear oil
Post by: moto1337 on October 18, 2021, 10:47:24 PM

It's possible that the previous owner replaced the oil seal if that was required during re-installation of the grub screw in the shift lever. That's the one repair I'm aware of.

Title: Re: Metal shavings in gear oil
Post by: moto1337 on October 19, 2021, 07:23:10 PM

I’m now convinced of the seal spring. Looks identical to coil pattern in second photo below:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gearbox-Seal-BMW-K1-K75-K100-K1100-23-12-1-451-020-GearBoxSeal020-/254028795761?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0