Timing Cover Plug

[Bogdan]

Did my first oil head valve adjustment. I ordered the gauges from Bemmer Boneyard. It helped that I had a guy that owns 3 oil heads give advise and look over my shoulder. Went smoothly. Little more involved than on airheads but way easier than it was on my KLR - then again some people like removing cams. The most frustrating part was getting the timing cover plug to seat. It was quite hard. I figured I'd buy a new one, hopefully softer, before I do this again. Then I read that I should replace the stock plug with one from R650-750-800-900-1000s. Anyone know anything about this?

[Hyja1]

I'm not speaking from experience, as I'm also getting ready to finally do my own valve adjustment. I've always had the shop do it as I'm a little afraid of taking the plunge. Also got my boneyard gauges....

I would think that gently heating up the rubber plug (hair dryer, heat gun) would soften the rubber if it was too hard/stiff to catch on the lip. Then after it cools, it would stiffen up and stay tight on the fitting?

We're your valves very much out of spec before you adjusted them? Just curious.

[Bogdan]

Heating the plug sounds like a good idea, Hyja1 - thanks.

On the right side the valves were within spec. I did adjust them so they would be - what felt to me -ideal. On the left side they were a bit tight. I could only get the gauge in part way. I was time for a valve adjustment.

[Hyja1]

Also curious if you did a throttle body sync after the valve adjustment?

[Bogdan]

Yes...I had an independant BMW mechanic who had the necessary tool check the throttle bodies. They were in sync.