F650 Engine FAQs Index

Classic Q & A FAQs

• Q: I'm having problems starting the engine?
  A: Try the Hard Starting Poor Running FAQ
• Q: How do you change the oil & filter change on a Classic F
  A: You look at the Classic F Oil Change FAQ.
• Q: How in the HECK do you do an oil & filter change on a fuel injected GS or Dakar?
  A: You look at the GS Oil Change FAQ.
• Q. My Sump Plug is leaking. I've stripped the Sump Plug Threads and I didn't even GET to the specified Torque. What gives?
  A. It's a known problem. See the Sump Plug FAQ.
• Q. Why is there Oil Seeping out from behind the Cylinder Somewhere?
  A. Well, It could be the Oil Pressure Sensor.
• Q. Why does my Air Filter keep filling up with lots of OIL? Why is there a huge Puddle of Oil on the pavement from the Airbox Overflow Pipe?
  A. Well, It could be failure of the Counter Balance Seal.
• Q. The Classic F doesn't seem to like going under 3000 rpm, it stutters. The bike is not smooth at low revs or around town. Any Help?
  A. Sure, try installing a 15T Countershaft (Front) Sprocket. Lots of F owners have done it.
• Q. How do I check the Oil Level in the Classic F? How much Oil should my Bike be using every 1000km? What Oil Should I use? What about Synthetic Oil Abroad? What about Oil Change Frequency? What if I overfill it?
  A. You really need to see The Oil FAQ.
• Q. Are there any Tips on Testing the Compression on the F?
  A. Sure, See the Compression Testing FAQ.
• Q. Are there any Cheaper Oil Filter Alternatives?
  A. Sure, See the Oil Change FAQ.
• Q. Are there any documented cases of Engine Rod Bearing Failures? What are the Symptoms?
  A. A couple. See the Rod Bearing Failures in the Engine Misc FAQ.
• Q. The Oil Light keeps Coming On/Going Out. What could be the problem.
  A. Well, It could be the Oil Pressure Sensor. This FAQ is for Oil Leaks, but the replacement procedure is the same.
• Q. I have a brand new bike. What is the recommended break-in Procedure and how long should I do this?
  A. See the Break-in FAQ.
• Q. Is there any way I can clean the Gunk off my Piston without taking the Engine Apart?
  A. See the Cylinder Cleaning FAQ.
• Q. I've got funny coloured smoke coming out of my Exhaust
  A. Better See the Colour of Smoke on the Exhaust FAQ.
• Q. Any Tips on How to Remove and Reinstall the Flywheel? (To check the Starting Mechanism, Alternator etc.)
  A. See the Ron Woods Woodruff Timing Key Installation FAQ, which has also useful information for the Flywheel Removal/Reinstallation.
• Q. What is the procedure for Checking the Cam Chain tension. Can I replace the Chain without disassembling the Engine?
  A. See the Cam Chain FAQ for Details.
• Q. What are the most Common Sources of Oil Leakage?
  A. See the Oil Leaks FAQ.
• Q. Why can't I get the Stock Hose Clamps back on?
  A. They are really a one time solution. Get New Clamps.
• Q. I want to replace my Oil Hoses. Can I use generic Hydraulic Hoses?
  A. For SOME yes. See the Oil Hoses FAQ.
• Q: I've changed my c/s Sprocket and I saw a bit of Oil weeping from the Seal behind it. What Gives?
  A: Check the Counter Shaft Seal FAQ.
• Q: If all else Fails does BMW Supply Complete New Engines ...:-)
  A: Sure they do. Check the New Engine FAQ. "If all else fails, buy a new engine".
• Q. Is there any more information on the Oil Pickup at the Bottom of the Crankcase?
  A. See the Sump Plug FAQ.
• Q. My Bike seems to Vibrate a lot. Why?
  A. See How can I reduce Vibrations?
• Q. How does Oil get INTO the Airbox?
  A. See this FAQ.
• Q. What about the F's Operating Temp?
  A. See Aftermarket Instrumentation FAQ
• Q. I've stripped out a threaded hole. Is there a way I can fix it?
  A. Yes, see the Tools FAQ.

GS/Dakar Q & A FAQs

• Q: How in the HECK do you do an oil & filter change on a fuel injected GS or Dakar?
  A: You look at the GS Oil Change FAQ.
• Q. Are there any Cheaper Oil Filter Alternatives?
  A. Sure, See the Classic Oil Change FAQ, Cheaper Alternatives.
• Q. How do I do the "two-part" oil change / what is it?
  A. Check the GS Oil Change FAQ
• Q. What are the volumes of oil used on the GS?
  A. Check the GS Oil Change FAQ
• Q. Are there any Longer Lasting Oil Filter Alternatives?
  A. Sure, See the Classic Oil Change FAQ, Reusable Filters.
• Q. I've been doing a bit of riding, my bike fell over and now there's Oil in My Airbox?
  A. See the GS Air Filter FAQ.
• Q. How do I check the Valve Clearances on my GS/Dakar?
  A. See the GS Valve Shim FAQ.
• Q. How do I check the Oil Level on my GS/Dakar?
  A. See the GS Oil Change FAQ.
• Q. How do I check the Oil Level on my Dual Spark (2004-onwards) GS/Dakar? (I have a dipstick but no sight glass)
  A. The older Classic's also had the dipstick. See the method for checking the oil level in the Classic Oil Change FAQ.
• Q. How did that Oil get into the Airbox?
  A. See the GS Air Filter FAQ.
• Q. What are the most Common Sources of Oil Leakage?
  A. See the Oil Leaks FAQ.
• Q. What is this whitish sludge under my oil cap?
  A. See the Oil Leaks FAQ.
• Q. My GS Oil Tank is leaking. Is this common? Why is it leaking?
  A. See the GS Engine FAQ.
• Q. My Bike seems to Vibrate a lot. Why?
  A. See How can I reduce Vibrations?
• Q. I am having problems starting my GS. Do you have any hints? What about cold starts?
  A. Try the GS Hard Starting and Poor Running FAQ
• Q. My bike is running poorly, what should I look at?
  A. Check the GS Hard Starting and Poor Running FAQ

CS Specific Q & As

Q. How do I change the oil on my CS?

A. It is a similar process to the Classic Oil Change and the GS Oil Change. However here are some suggestions for the CS Oil Change.

Detailed Maintenance FAQs

• Valve Clearance Check FAQ
• Valve Clearance Check and Shim Change FAQ
• Misc. Valve Questions FAQ
• Ron Woods Woodruff Timing Key Installation FAQ
• Head Gasket Replacement FAQ
• Classic F Oil Change FAQ
• GS Oil Change FAQ
• Engine Removal F650 Classic
• Cam Chain FAQ
• GS Oil Change FAQ
• GS Valve Shim FAQ.
• GS Hard Starting Poor Running FAQ