timing chain rail replacement

[baltm604]

does anyone have tips/pictures/instructions for replacing the timing chain rails without splitting the engine? Have search Advrider and such, come across references to it being done, but was looking for more concrete data.

thanks,
Bill

[AndyRR]

If it can be done without splitting the cases, it's news to me. I talked to a BMW tech that cringed when I told him I used an impact gun on the timing sprocket. He said he had done that, broke the guide rail and had to split the engine.
There would also be a question of any broken pieces laying at the bottom of the case.

[baltm604]

Depends on the damage.

Found more than one post on AdvRider where this has been done. I my case, the rail is still there, just split down the middle. The motor has been loud forever, had a deal mechanic say, "some are louder than others"!.

pulled the head and found the rail. There is a mechanic in london that swears he has done this before (see herehttp://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=574029

came across another guy in arizona who has done it as well. Waiting to hear back from them. I am willing to give it a shot. close to $3k to split the case, I can get a good used motor installed for a little less than that.

Bill

[hank]

There is a mechanic in london that swears he has done this before (see herehttp://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=574029

If Steptoe says it can be done then it's true, he has a wealth of experience working on these engines and is known to many on this side of the pond as St Eptoe.

Hank

[baltm604]

Hank,

thanks for the endorsement of Steptoe. I sent him a pm on advrider, hope to hear back from him

ba