Since this bike sat for more than 25 years and I found water in the oil pan, I replaced the connecting rod bearings and the oil pan and oil pump suction gaskets. The bearings were in good condition, so that was a relief. The oil pump suction gasket was brittle so it was time to replace it. None of the oil pan bolt threads were stripped, so that was a good thing. I also had the oil pan, that was painted orange by a previous owner, vapor blasted by the Colorado Vapor Blasting division of Vintage Twins, a local independent shop in my hometown of Arvada, CO. When I told them I was going to auction this bike and donate all the proceeds to the Motorcycle Relief Project, they generously provided me a nice discount on the work. 🙂
Here is a before and after picture of the oil pan.
The Original Orange Oil Pan
All Done With Vapor Blasted Oil Pan
All Done With Vapor Blasted Oil Pan
You can read about how I do this work and see a short summary video here.
VIDEO: 1983 BMW R80ST Replace Connecting Rod Crankshaft Bearings
VIDEO: 1983 BMW R80ST Replace Oil Pan and Oil Pump Suction Flange Gasket
Looks great, and what a nice gesture to donate the proceeds!
Saunders,
Thank you. The engine is beginning to really come back to life with a sparkle in it’s eye. 🙂
Best.
Brook.