I am going to replace the timing chain, crankshaft sprocket, crankshaft nose bearing, and the front main seal. I’m also going to pull the crankshaft to inspect the main bearings.
But first, I have to remove the electrical components and wiring inside the front engine cover that includes the diode board, alternator and ignition sensor, aka, the “bean can”, aka, the “electronic points”. I plan to upgrade the alternator and diode board to a 400 watt system. I also plan on opening the bean can to lube the advance mechanism and replace the Hall effect sensors.
Here is the before and after pictures.
You can read about how I did this work here:
And, I shot a video of this work which is a bit long at 20 mins.
VIDEO: 1983 BMW R100RS Remove Diode Board, Alternator and Ignition Sensor
My goal in the video is to explain more about what the wiring under the front engine cover does and how it’s routed, as well as show how to remove all the components, so that added to the length. I’ll try to keep future videos shorter.
Thank you for this video Brooks. Very clear and thorough. I’m heading to the garage to diagnose a low charge voltage so this was a good reminder of the components. Will you do a video the installation of the new parts?
Hi David,
Thank you for the feedback. Yes, I will publish documentation and video of installing a new 400 watt charging system from EME when I get there. That system uses the same electromagnetic rotor design used by Bosch, so the procedure will be similar (if not the same) as if you installed a stock BMW charging system.
Best.
Brook.