13 BMW 1983 R100RS Rebuild Bing 94/40 Carburetors & Karcoma Petcocks

Introduction

I’ve posted very detailed carburetor and Karcoma petcock rebuild / restore procedures for a 1973 R75/5 that uses the Bing 64/32/10 (right side) and 64/32/9 (left side) carburetors here:

This is a 32 mm inlet constant velocity carburetor design.  The 1983 R100RS has 94/40/114 (right) and 94/40/113 (left) carburetors which are larger types with the same constant velocity design.

The type numbers are stamped into a rib near the top of the carburetor.These are 40 mm inlet carburetors.

Bing Carburetor Model 94/40/113

Bing Carburetor Type 94/40/113

On the other side of the same rib is the date of manufacture.

Date of Manufacture January 1983

Date of Manufacture January 1983

Resources

Here is a link to the theory of operation of the Bing type 94 carburetor:

Bob Fleischer has a lot of information about various types of Bing carburetors on his web site:

The exploded view diagrams for these two types are the same as shown below, even though some of the parts are different on the two types.

BingAgency_MOTORCYCLE-CV-EXPLODED-VIEW

Source: The Bing Agency

Video: Rebuild Bing CV Carburetors

I made a general video about rebuilding Bing Constant Velocity (CV) carburetors. The technique is applicable to 64/32 (32 mm) and 94/40 (40 mm) CV carburetors. There are some differences in certain models including the choke and throttle linkages and the spring added to the top of slides in some models. So, you will see all the specific details in this write-up.

VIDEO: Rebuild Bing 94/40, 64/32 CV Carburetors

Some Differences Between Type 94 and Type 64 Carburetors

For the R100RS type 94 Bing carburetors, differences include the top cover (20) with only 2 screws (21), internal spring on the slide (22),and the choke return spring (52b).

Rusted Top Screws-Soaked in Kroil Overnight

Type 94 Dome Cover with 2 Screws

Slide, Spring and Diaphragm Assembly

Type 94 With Spring Inside Slide

Choke Lever and Return Spring Orientation

Choke Lever and Return Spring Orientation

Also, the throttle plate adjustment is difference on the type 94 and DOES NOT have screw (36), spring (37), and bracket (31), instead, using screw (34) and the longer bracket (31) with the tabs (27a/b) and (28) with spring (35). Of course, the internal jets are different sizes, but they go in the same place as the jets for the Bing type 64 carburetors.

Throttle Lever and Return Spring Orientation

Throttle Lever, Bracket and Return Spring Orientation

Differences in 1973 R75/5 vs. 1983 R100RS Karcoma Petcocks

There are a couple differences in the Karcoma petcocks. The  R100RS has an outlet 90 degrees from the inlet while the R75/5 outlet is directly below the inlet.

Finished Petcock

R100RS 90 Degree Outlet Petcock

Measuring & Installing Fuel Line from Tank to Tee

R75/5 180 Degree Karcoma Petcock

The internal filter screens are different; the R100RS uses a much longer screen and has the gasket built into it while the R75/5 screen is shorter and uses a separate gasket.

Parts List

The following is a list of parts, part numbers and quantities. I had to replace the choke and throttle return springs as these were pretty corroded. I also decided to replace the throttle and choke cables (not shown in the parts list) to avoid surprises that come from unseen corrosion and bent or broken cable strands.

Part # Description Qty
16 12 1 234 869 Karcoma, O-ring 2
16 12 1 238 924 Karcoma, Rubber gasket, 5-hole 2
16 12 1 240 060 Karcoma, Fiber gasket, Top 2
16 12 1 233 367 Karcoma, cap petcock 2
13 11 1 336 902 40 mm Carb Rebuild Kit, Pair 1
13 11 1 254 766 Float 2
13 11 1 254 768 Float Hinge Pin 2
13 11 1 335 318 Float Needle 2
13 11 1 335 320 Needle Clip 2
13 11 1 261 702 Needle Jet 2.66 (From 09/1979) 2
13 11 1 335 321 Slide Needle 40mm Carb 2
13 11 1 254 738 SS Throttle Shaft Screw SS 4
13 11 1 259 870 Vacuum port gasket 2
13 11 1 258 319 Fuel Line, Braided 4
13 11 1 335 312 Throttle Return Spring, 40 mm 2
13 11 1 337 409 Choke Return Spring 2
13 11 1 337 361 SS Dome Top Screw 4
13 72 1 264 392 Head to Carb Rubber Sleeve, 40 mm 2

Cleaning and Polishing

To restore the finish on the carburetors takes a lot of elbow grease and patience, but the result is worth the time.  This section from my rebuild of my 1973 R75/5 carburetors provides the details of what I have found that works.

Here are some of the before pictures from the R100RS type 94 carburetors.

Rusty Screws and Cap on Dome

Carburetor Ready for Cable Removal

Grunge on Engine Side

Engine Side of Carburetor

Grunge and Fuel Stains

Rebuild Karcoma Petcocks

Since the rebuild procedure is quite similar between two versions of the Karcoma petcocks used on the R75/5 and on the R100RS, I’m going to reference the write-up I did for the R75/5 and note any differences I found when rebuilding and refinishing the straight and 90 degree outlet Karcoma petcocks.

Here is the write-up for the straight version of the petcock.

First, I drained the gas from tank. I used an upended trash basket to hold the tank above a 5 gallon gas can.

Draining the Gas Tank

Draining Gas Tank

When I unscrewed the petcock from the tank, there was quite a bit of junk in the bottom of the tank that had collected on the strainer screens. The screens were in good condition and doing their job so I did not replace them.

Fuel Screen Is Working

Fuel Screen Is Working

This is the order of the fuel tubes. The short one is for reserve and goes in the hole closest to the outlet while the longer one is for the main.

Petcock Showing Tube Order

Petcock Showing Tube Order

I use a Philips head screw driver to remove the plastic cap from the petcock as it reduces the chance of damaging the plastic or your hand.

Using Philips Head Screw Driver to Remove Plastic Cap

Using Philips Head Screw Driver to Remove Plastic Cap

You can see the serrations on the nut that holds the petcock handle and internal parts together. The black plastic cap is secured by the serrations.

Plastic Cap Loose from Metal Cap

Plastic Cap Removed From The Metal Cap

When I get one side of the plastic cap free of the metal cap, it’s easy to remove the black plastic cap. Then I slide it over the petcock handle to remove it. It just barely slides over the wide part of the handle.

Removing Plastic Cap over Handle

Removing Plastic Cap over Handle

I use a wide,smooth jaw (without serrations on the jaws) pair of pliers to grip the serrated ring and turn it to remove it from the body of the petcock. You may need to use some Kroil or other penetrating oil if you can’t get the ring to budge. Try not to flatten the serrations as these help hold the black plastic cap on.

Pliers on Outside Edge of Threaded Cap

Pliers on Outside Edge of Threaded Cap

Once the serrated cap is off, the inner spring and parts can be removed. I remove the serrated cap over the handle just as I did the black plastic cap.

Removing Threaded Cap Over Handle

Removing Threaded Cap Over Handle

Petcock Insides

Petcock Insides

New Cap, Washer and O-ring

New Cap, Rubber Gasket and O-ring

I remove the black rubber 5-hole gasket from the petcock body using a pick and I use the pick to remove the o-ring from the handle. I replace them with a new 5-hole gasket and o-ring. I put a bit of silicone grease on the o-ring to help lubricate it.

Pick Removing Old Washer

Pick Removing 5-hole Old Washer

I clean and polish the body of the petcock and then reassemble it. Note, the internal plate on the handle has a tab that fits in a slot in the petcock body to align the handle.

Indent in Petcock for Locating Tab

Slot in Petcock Body for Handle Locating Tab

Petcock Handle Locating Tab

Petcock Handle Locating Tab

Getting the serrated ring to thread into the petcock body is hard due to the strong spring you have to push on while twisting the ring. I align the start of the threads on the ring with the start of the threads in the petcock body so when I twist the ring thread it will immediately engage the thread in the petcock body. I put the petcock body on the floor and then put my weight on my arms to force my fingers down on to the ring and then twist my wrists a quarter turn to engage the ring in the threads. After a couple tries, I get the serrated ring threaded into the petcock body and then use the smooth jaw pliers to tighten the ring. Be careful you don’t cross thread the ring in the body.

I install a new black plastic cover on the petcock by slipping down the handle, aligning it with the petcock and pressing it over the serrations. Then I install the plastic fuel pipes into the body of the petcock and check they are in the correct hole by rotating the petcock handle to “on” and blowing through the long tube to be sure air comes out the outlet. If it doesn’t, I have the tubes reversed.

The petcock nut has a reverse thread on one side. I just start the nut on the petcock body and then turn it on the tank threads while holding the body until it the nut is tight. Then I use a crescent wrench to tighten the nut.

Reverse Thread on Nut Lets it Tighten Petcock to Tank

Reverse Thread on Nut Lets it Tighten Petcock to Tank

Nut Tightened to Tank and Petcock

Nut Tightened to Tank and Petcock

Carburetor Disassembly

The procedure is I use for 94 model carburetors is the same as I show for the R75/5 type 64 carburetors. You can see how I did that work here.

Due to rusty top cover screws, I soaked them in Kroil for a couple days and then used my impact driver to loosen them. I don’t want to break off the screws and have to try to use an easy-out to remove them.

DANGER:
I learned after using the impact driver the way I show below that I was in danger of breaking the top edge of the carburetor casting. It should be supported by putting the bottom edge of the casting on the edge of the work bench. That way when you hit the impact driver you shouldn’t break the edge of the casting. I was lucky and didn’t need to hit the driver very hard to break the screws loose.

Impact Drive to Remove Rusted Top Screws-WRONG WAY TO DO THIS

Impact Drive to Remove Rusted Top Screws-WRONG WAY TO DO THIS

When I removed the left air tube, a plastic tube was loose inside.

Air Tube with Oil Breather Pipe (Shouldn't be There)

Air Tube with Oil Breather Pipe (Shouldn’t be There)

Oil Breather Tube, Left Side

Oil Breather Tube, Left Side

Further inspection of the air box showed this was one of the two oil breather pipes that direct crankcase vapors back into the carburetors. The type 64 used on the R75/5 has a single large black plastic pipe that only goes to the right side air tube. The air box on the 1983 R100RS was redesigned to aid meeting air pollution requirements. The oil breather system is different. The rubber tubing that connects to the plastic pipes inside the air tubes was split, so I ordered new rubber tubes and clips to secure them.

The air tubes have a metal ring that fits inside the rubber gasket and the inside the air box.

Air Tube with Metal Ring

Air Tube with Metal Ring

Now I removed the hose clamps securing the carburetor to the engine so I could turn it around to remove the throttle and choke cables. The rubber hose is connected to a vacuum port on the carburetor.

Carburetor Ready for Cable Removal

Carburetor Ready for Cable Removal

Removing Throttle Cable

Removing Throttle Cable

Now it’s easy to see the throttle and choke springs on the type 94. These are different compared to the R75/5 type 64 carburetor.

Engine Side of Carburetor

Engine Side of Carburetor Showing Choke and Throttle Springs and Throttle Bracket

Remove Float Bowl, Floats and Float Needle

This is straight forward. Remove the bail holding the float bowl then remove the hinge pin securing the float assembly to the carburetor. Then, remove the float needle from the body of the carburetor. The float needle in this type 94 is different from the one in the R75/5 type 64 carburetor as it has a rubber tip.

Float Bowl, Very Clean

Float Bowl, Very Clean

Damaged Float Bowl Gasket

Damaged Float Bowl Gasket; Affects Idle

Float Bowl Removed

Float Bowl Removed-Note Missing Paint on Emblem

Float Hinge Pin Has Serrations On Right Side, So Push Out To Right

Float Hinge Pin Has Serrations On Right Side, So To The Right To Remove It

Float Assembly

Float Assembly, Float Hinge Pin, Float Needle with Rubber Tip

Remove Throttle Slide Assembly

This is the procedure for the R75/5 type 64 carburetor. It’s the same for the R100RS type 94 carburetor.

Throttle Slide, Spring and Diaphragm Assembly

Throttle Slide, Spring and Diaphragm Assembly

Slide with Needle Jet Assembly

Throttle Slide with Needle Jet Assembly

Removing Diaphragm Retaining Ring

Removing Diaphragm Retaining Ring

Slide Assembly

Throttle Slide Assembly

Carburetor Venturi From Top

Looking Down On Carburetor Horizontal Venturi From The Top Of The Carburetor Body

Throttle and Choke Spring Assembly

These pictures show the choke and throttle springs and the throttle bracket assembly.

Choke Lever and Return Spring Orientation

Choke Lever and Return Spring Orientation

Throttle Lever and Return Spring Orientation

Throttle Lever and Return Spring Orientation

Remove Jets and “Innards”

This is the procedure for the R75/5 type 64 carburetor. It’s the same for the R100RS type 94 carburetor.

Removing Idle Mixing Jet

Removing Idle Mixing Jet

Idle Mixing Jet

Idle Mixing Jet

Removing Idle Air Jet Assembly

Removing Idle Air Jet Assembly

Idle Air Jet Assembly

Idle Air Jet Assembly

Idle Air Jet

Idle Air Jet

Removing Main Jet

Removing Main Jet

Main Jet and Washer

Main Jet (#160) and Washer

Removing Main Jet Carrier

Removing Main Jet Carrier

Needle Jet to Main Jet Carrier O-Ring

Needle Jet to Main Jet Carrier O-Ring

Main Jet Assembly- Left is Inside, Right is Outside

Main Jet Assembly- Left Side Goes Inside The Carburetor Body, Right is On The Outside

Remove Throttle Assembly and Throttle Shaft

This is the procedure for the R75/5 type 64 carburetor. It’s similar for the R100RS type 94 carburetor but the throttle linkage spring and bracket are different.

Throttle Lever Assembly

Throttle Lever Assembly

Removing Throttle Lever Retaining Nut

Removing Throttle Lever Retaining Nut

Throttle Lever Removal

Throttle Lever Removal

Throttle Lever Assembly - Top Outside Bracket, Bottom Inisde Bracket

Throttle Lever Assembly – Top Outside Bracket, Bottom Inside Bracket

Throttle Lever Bracket with Mounting Screws

Throttle Lever Bracket with Mounting Screws

Removing Throttle Lever Bracket From Groove on Throttle Shaft

Removing Throttle Lever Bracket From Groove on Throttle Shaft

Throttle Lever Bracket Assembly

Throttle Lever Bracket Assembly

Throttle Shaft Showing Black O-ring Inside Body

Throttle Shaft Showing Black O-ring Inside Body

Throttle Plate-Front Side

Throttle Plate-Front Side

Throttle Plate - Back Side, Screws with Peened End Ground Off

Throttle Plate – Back Side, Screws Have Peened Ends Ground Off

Removing Throttle Plate from Throttle Shaft

Removing Throttle Plate from Throttle Shaft

Throttle Shaft and Plate

Throttle Shaft with Black O-ring and Plate

Punch Tool

Punch Tool

Throttle Plate Front Side (3 Punch Marks)

Marking Throttle Plate Front Side (3 Punch Marks)

Remove Choke Assembly

This is the procedure for the R75/5 type 64 carburetor. It’s similar for the R100RS type 94 carburetor but the choke has a spring.

Left Side Choke Assembly Orientation

Left Side Choke Assembly Orientation

Remove Choke Lever Retaining Nut

Remove Choke Lever Retaining Nut

Choke Lever Assembly-Top Ouside, Bottom Inside Lever

Choke Lever Assembly-Top Outside, Bottom Inside Lever

Choke Assembly

Choke Assembly

Left Side Choke Assembly Orientiation

Left Side Choke Assembly Orientation

Left Side Choke Disk Orientation in Housing

Left Side Choke Disk Orientation in Housing

Removing Choke Disk from Housing

Removing Choke Disk from Housing

Choke Assembly

Choke Assembly with Green O-ring on Choke Shaft

Major Castings After Disassembly

Major Castings After Disassembly Before Cleaning and Refinishing

Parts by Subsystem Ready for Cleaning

Parts by Subsystem Ready for Cleaning

Remove Varnish and Carbon

As for the R75/5 project, I soaked the parts in ChemTool B-12 overnight to remove the varnish, carbon and crud.  I used some plastic food storage containers which I got at the local supermarket. These are not affected by the ChemTool.

DANGER:
ChemTool B12 IS VERY NASTY STUFF.  I always wear rubber gloves and glasses when working with it. In fact, it will remove the white paint from the black emblems on the side of the carburetors. Since most of the paint was missing anyway, I didn’t bother to protect the emblems. I’ll repaint them later.

I used 000 steel wool on the brass parts to remove any remaining stains and then used metal polish to return their luster. Then I rinsed them to remove any traces of steel wool.

Paint Missing From Badge

Paint Missing From Badge

I use AutoSol aluminum and metal cleaners to clean the castings and AutoSol metal polish to put a shine back on the parts.

Major Carbuertor Castings Before Polishing

Major Carburetor Castings After ChemTool Soak Before Polishing

Polished Carburetor Bowl and Top

Polished Carburetor Bowl and Top – Top Dome Rust Gone

Rebuild Kit Parts

The rebuild kit does not contain all the parts I need. I added new jet needles, needle jets, floats, float hinge pins and float needles to the rebuild kit.

Full Carburetor Rebuild Parts

Full Carburetor Rebuild Parts

Carburetor Rebuild Kit

Carburetor Rebuild Kit

The R75/5 write-up has a good review of which size o-ring goes on which part.

Here is where the gaskets and o-rings go.

Gaskets and O-ring Order

Gaskets and O-ring Order

Assemble Carburetor

The detailed procedures for the R75/5 project type 64 carburetor apply very well for the R100RS type 94 carburetor.

Assemble Jets and Mixing Tube

The new o-rings are installed and then the jets and mixing tube are screwed back into the carburetor body. I use some masking tape on the screw threads to protect the o-ring from being cut as I slide it over the body of the jet. By twisting the tape into a taper, it makes it easy to slide the o-ring over the tape. I also use a 90 degree pick to help pull the o-ring until it seats into the groove.

Here is the procedure from the R75/5 project:

Masking Tape on Mixing Tube

Masking Tape on Mixing Tube

Using Pick to Pull O-ring on Mixing Tube

Using Pick to Pull O-ring on Mixing Tube

O-ring on Mixing Tube

O-ring Installed in Groove in Mixing Tube

I use a small dab of silicone grease on the o-rings. This helps keep them moist and keep water out.

O-rings Assembled with Dab of Silicone Grease

O-rings Assembled with Dab of Silicone Grease

Installing Idle Set Screw

Installing Idle Mixture Screw with Spring

Main Jet (160) and Washer

Main Jet (160) and Washer Go In Jet Carrier Assembly

Main Jet and Washer Installed

Main Jet and Washer Installed in Jet Carrier Assembly

Carburetor Body with Jets and Mixing Tube Installed

Carburetor Body with Jets and Mixing Tube Installed

Assemble the Choke

Here is the R75/5 procedure for assembling the choke.

The key is to ensure the left side parts go together and that the choke disk is oriented the correct way in the choke housing as shown in the pictures. The same procedure is used for the right side carburetor ensuring the right side parts go together. For this reason, I assemble one choke at a time to avoid mixing up the left and right side parts.

Choke Housing Gasket - Dry Mounted

Choke Housing Gasket – Dry Mounted

Choke Shaft Alignment with Choke Housing

Choke Shaft Alignment with Choke Housing

Choke Disk Alignment with Choke Housing

Choke Disk Alignment with Choke Housing

Choke Housing Screws

Choke Housing Screws Get Dab of Anti-Seize

Last, I attach the two arms of the choke lever with the nut and washer. It is easy to cross thread the nut and damage the threads on the brass shaft, so be careful.

Inner Choke Shaft Lever Plate Orientation

Inner Choke Lever Plate Orientation

Inner Choke Lever Plate Orientation on Shaft

Inner Choke Lever Plate Orientation on Shaft

Outer Choke Lever Plate Orientation

Outer Choke Lever Plate Orientation

Choke Shaft Washer and Nut

Choke Shaft Washer and Nut

Choke Cable Lever Assemble

Choke Cable Lever Assemble

Choke Lever with Spring Orientation

Choke Lever with Spring Orientation

Assemble Throttle Shaft, Butterfly and Linkage

The procedure is the same as on the R75/5 available here:

I use a dab of silicone grease on the end of the shaft that fits into the boss in the carburetor to prevent corrosion and keep the shaft lightly lubricated. Note, the o-ring goes in the groove farthest from the threads on the throttle shaft. The groove closest to the threads is where the throttle bracket mounts onto the throttle shaft.

Masking Tape for O-ring Installation on Throttle Shaft

Masking Tape for O-ring Installation on Throttle Shaft

Inserting Throttle Shaft Into Carburetor

Inserting The Throttle Shaft with New O-ring In The Second Groove From The Threads Into Carburetor Body

Throttle Shaft Alignment (Counter Sunk Holes Face Outside)

Throttle Shaft Alignment (Counter Sunk Holes Face Outside)

Sliding Throttle Plate into Throttle Shaft

Sliding Throttle Plate into Throttle Shaft Carefully

Correct Side of Throttle Plate Facing You (3 Punch Marks)

Correct Side of Throttle Plate Facing You (3 Punch Marks)

The throttle plate has to align inside the carburetor body while not binding the throttle shaft on the bracket assembly. I align the plate with the holes in the shaft with a pen as a centering tool and then insert the screws with blue loctite until just snug, but I don’t tighten them all the way. Then I insert the throttle bracket into the slot on the throttle shaft and make sure the throttle shaft shaft turns freely. I snug the screws for the bracket into the carburetor body, but don’t tighten them up. Next, I look through the carburetor and move the shaft and throttle plate as needed until there is no gap at the bottom of the plate and the gap on the sides of the plate are even. I look at the plate with a strong light behind the plate to help see the gap clearly.

Then, I tighten the throttle bracket screws and then the throttle plate screws and check that the throttle shaft still turns freely. If it binds, I loosen the bracket screws, adjust the throttle shaft and throttle plate loosening the throttle plate screws if necessary, and then tight all the screws. The throttle shaft must turn with no binding and the throttle plate must have no light showing at the bottom of the plate.

Last, I attach the two arms of the throttle lever with the nut and washer. It is easy to cross thread the nut and damage the threads on the brass shaft, so be careful.

Lining Up Throttle Plate on Throttle Shaft

Lining Up Throttle Plate on Throttle Shaft

Carburetor Throttle Plate Screws with Blue Locktite

Carburetor Throttle Plate Screws with Blue Locktite

Adjusting Throttle Shaft Bracket for Correct Throttle Plate Alignment

Adjusting Throttle Shaft Bracket for Correct Throttle Plate Alignment

Throttle Plate Alignment with Minimal Gap All Around the Plate

Throttle Plate Alignment with Minimal Gap All Around the Plate

Throttle Shaft Bracket Tightened Down

Throttle Shaft Bracket Tightened Down

Throttle Shaft Bracket and Throttle Lever Assembly

Throttle Shaft Bracket and Throttle Lever Assembly

Throttle Shaft Bracket Assembly With Throttle Return Spring

Throttle Shaft Bracket Assembly With Throttle Return Spring

Assemble Throttle Slide and Diaphragm

This procedure is the same as for the R75/5 type 64 carburetor.

It is important to align the tabs in the rubber diaphragm with the slot in the throttle slide (inner diaphragm tab) and the slot in the top of the carburetor housing (outer diaphragm tab). I like to use a little anti-seize on the screws that secure the diaphragm retaining ring into the throttle side.

Diaphragm Locating Tab for Top of Slide

Diaphragm Locating Tab for Top of Slide

Diaphragm Retaining Ring

Diaphragm Retaining Ring

Diaphragm Retaining Ring Screws

Diaphragm Retaining Ring Screws

Inserting Jet Needle (2nd Click)

Inserting Jet Needle by Pushing and Rotating the Needle (2 Clicks)

Locating Tab on Diaphragm and Slot in Top of Carburetor

Locating Tab on Diaphragm and Slot in Top of Carburetor

Slide with Jet Needle Installed

Slide with Jet Needle Installed in Main Jet Carrier Assembly

Throttle Slide with Spring

Throttle Slide with Spring

Throttle Slide Spring Installed Under Carburetor Top Dome

Throttle Slide Spring Installed Under Carburetor Top Dome

I attach the carburetor top with the two screws and a dab of anti-seize. Then attach the choke spring in the hole on the tab in the carburetor top.

Top of Carburetor Mounted

Top of Carburetor Mounted To Body with Two Screws

Choke Spring and Throttle Spring Attached

Choke Spring and Throttle Spring Attached

Assemble Float and Float Needle

This procedure is the same as for the R75/5 type 64 carburetor.

New Bowl Gasket Installed

New Bowl Gasket Installed

The float needle has a small wire retaining loop that goes through a small hole in the stem of the float needle. The loop goes over the tab on the end of the float assembly.

Float Needle with Metal Loop

Float Needle with Metal Loop

Float Needle with Metal Loop Installed

Float Needle with Metal Loop Installed

Float Needle with Loop on Float Tab

Float Needle with Loop on Float Tab

Float Needle with Loop on Float Tab

Float Needle with Loop on Float Tab

The hinge of the float assembly fits between the posts on the bottom of the carburetor and are secured by the float hinge pin. One side of the hinge pin has serrations so push the pin in from the serration side and then gently, using needle nose pliers, press the hinge pin into the boss of the post. Be careful so you don’t crack or break the post when doing this.

Inserting Float Hing Pin

Inserting Float Hing Pin

Use Needle Nose Pliers to Gently Press Hing Pin Into Boss

Use Needle Nose Pliers to Gently Press Hing Pin Into Boss

Now, I adjust the tab on the float so the top of the white float is parallel with the bottom of the groove holding the bowl gasket when the tab just touches the stem on the float needle.

Float Tab on Top of Float Needle

Float Tab on Top of Float Needle Stem

Then I attach the wire bail to the holes in the carburetor body and push the bail over the float bowl to secure it.

Float Bowl Metal Strap In Place

Float Bowl Metal Strap In Place

Repainting the White On the Embossed Part of Emblem

The white paint on the emblem was mostly gone when I got the bike and the Chemtool B12 completely removed it. To repaint it, I used a thin piece of molding and put pin stripping paint on one side of the molding and then pressed it evenly on top of the embossed section of the emblem. If I messed up, which happened several times, I just wiped the paint off with lacquer thinner and tried again. After 6 or 7 tries, the embossed part of the emblem has white paint on it again. Where there were a couple small dents in the embossed areas that didn’t fill with paint, I used a very small artists brush and carefully filled them in. Any slight drips or spots on the emblem were easy to remove after the paint tried by carefully using the dull side of an Exacto knife blade to scrape them off the black emblem.

Pinstripe Paint and Wood Block

Pinstripe Paint and Wood Block

Pressing Wood On Name Plate

Pressing Wood with Paint on One Side On the Embossed Part of Emblem

Restored White Paint on Embossing

Restored White Paint on Embossing

What Done Looks Like

Here is the rebuilt and refinished carburetor and what it looks like mounted on the bike.

Engine Side of Restored / Rebuilt Carburetor

Engine Side of Restored / Rebuilt Carburetor

Top Side of Restored / Rebuilt Carburetor

Top Side of Restored / Rebuilt Carburetor

Outlet Side of of Restored / Rebuilt Carburetor

Outlet Side of of Restored / Rebuilt Carburetor

Carburetor Mounted - Clean

Rebuilt and Refinished Carburetor Mounted on R100RS

Revisions

2019-11-22  Edits and typos.
2020-08-26  Fixed bad link to R75/5 Assemble The Chock chapter.
2020-09-02  Fixed multiple bad links to R75/5 carburetor rebuild material.
2023-12-22  Added Video section on rebuilding Bing CV Carburetors.

26 thoughts on “13 BMW 1983 R100RS Rebuild Bing 94/40 Carburetors & Karcoma Petcocks

  1. Wonderful to have this information and timely too. My right side carb is leaking a small bit of fuel. With 30K miles on it, I was getting suspicious of the floats. The garbage they call gasoline in the twenty-first century does not help with fuel lines, carburetors, valves, seats or anything else touched by fuel. Looks like you did a great job. I will study your instructions and do my best efforts.
    Dale
    79 R100RT

    • Hi Dale,

      When I got this bike in January, it was pissing gas out the float bowl on the right side. It’s “gas tight” now. I suspect the damaged float bowl gasket was the main culprit.

      Best.
      Brook.

      • The float looks discolored and sticking. Cannot see any gasket damage but that means nothing. Thank you for all the effort and time you have contributed. Are you a member of the Airheads Beemer Club or some other associations, clubs, news letters, etc.?

  2. Brook: Sure wish I had had this detailed step-by-step process with illustrations when I had to do my carbs. It is extremely helpful and I LOVE the details and clarity of instruction. INVALUABLE!!

  3. Gave your list a scan but did not spot what I was looking for so thought I should ask…
    Do you have instructions on how to fix valve guides that are causing excessive oil consumption?
    Thanks again for this GREAT web site!

    • Hi Dale,

      I haven’t replaced valve guides myself. I’ve had any head work I needed done (guides, springs, valves, seat grinding) done by Randy Long at Long’s Mechanical Services. In my builds, worn valves and seats required work, so new guides were part of the deal.

      I’m pleased this site has been helpful for you. Perhaps one day I’ll dive into rebuilding a head, and if I do, I’ll document what I learn.

      Best.
      Brook.

  4. Terrific write up Dale,

    I’ve done this Bing rebuild dance many times but always skipped replacing the o rings on the throttle body. Your nice, clear, write up is urging me to have a crack at it. As an owner of an 82 model I will be following your work closely. Thanks in advance!

    • Hi John,

      It’s not very hard to replace those. On older bikes, I worry that air leaks along that shaft will lean out the mixture and make tuning very difficult. One less thing to worry about when trying to get an older machine running well again.

      Best.
      Brook.

    • Hi Rick,

      I’m pleased these write-ups have helped you. I need to work on my backlog of things I’ve done, but haven’t had time to write-up.

      Best
      Brook.

  5. I just bought my first Airhead as a winter project, and coincidentally it’s an ’83 R100RS. Just stumbled upon your page yesterday. Wow! What do they say about a picture being worth…? What about bunch of pictures? Very detailed pictorial! I know I’ll have my laptop beside me on the bench when I start my carb and petcock rebuilds now! Thanks for taking the time to put this all together and document it so well. Looking forward to your next installments as well.

    • Hi Randy,

      I’m pleased this material will help you on your project. The 1983 R100RS is running, but needs some more things done which I’ll get to after I finish the rebuild of the 1977 R100RS I picked up in April. I couldn’t resist having the opportunity to work on and ride a first year R100RS 🙂

      Best.
      Brook.

  6. I recently picked up a 1983 R100RT that had been sold at auction. Supposedly when it was purchased the carbs were off the bike, no battery and has a seeping push rod tube. The guy that bought it threw the carbs on the bike (look very clean like they’ve been rebuilt) but knows nothing about BMW’s. He also thought the oil was coming from the oil pan and he overtightened the pan bolts on that side which then caused it to leak too. I got the bike running before I bought it and rode it home. I ‘ve got a very sooty plug on one side (installed a new plug and no change). I replaced the pan gasket and torqued correctly and changed the oil and filter (oil cooler model). The speedo only goes to 80MPH but from what I’m told its correct for the bike. My next task will be to pull the carbs off and take a look to see if they’ve been rebuilt. Also have a lot of rocker noise on the left side which I believe is the rocker arm walking.

    • Hi Kurt,

      This sounds like a nice project you picked up.

      It’s not uncommon for the jet needle to end up in the wrong position and that can cause a rich mixture on one side. Float levels are another likely culprit. I’ve even found different main jets on each side. So, taking it apart to inspect the jets and ensuring they are the correct size, the needles are in the correct position and fuel levels in the float bowls are the same height (for 40 mm carbs, 28 mm fuel height from the bottom of the center well to the top of the fuel).

      You are right that rocker blocks not being tight against the rocker arm is the most common source for rocker noise.

      It sounds like you are well on the way to making this one sing again.

      Good fortune on this project.

      Best.
      Brook Reams.

  7. Type 64-3 intake is D = 50mm and my cylinder header intake is D = 40mm.
    It’s posible to connect those ?
    Or do I have to buy a silicone elbow coupe reducer intercooler to connect?

    • Hi Sam,

      If your bike is a 1983 RS, then it has 94/40 not 64/32 carburetors. But, you may have a different year/model with the 64/32 series Bings. The 1988+ RS/RT bikes did use 64/32 series Bings.

      In any event, if the carbs are original to the bike, the rubber bushing that goes between the intake spigot in the head and the outlet side of the carburetor will be sized to fit the ID of the spigot and the OD of the carburetor outlet.

      For some reason did the original rubber bushing not fit?

      I hope that helps.

      Best.
      Brook.

  8. That bike is a Frankenstein. It’s had assembled with different parts I tried to keep it as R100rt 1981 but these cylinder headers are different so right now I have big carburetors with little cylinder headers intake.
    Can fit the carburetor on the headers without the rubber. can I use silicone reducer to fix it or do I have to buy a different cylinder headers to fix that citation?

  9. Hi Brook,

    I have a question on the Jet Needle position.
    You had set it at 2nd click but the Bing manual state (for carb 94/40/111 & 112) should be on 3rd click with jets 160 (main) e 2.66 (needle).
    I understand that the needle position will affect the mixture: richer with needle at 3rd instead of 2nd.
    Any reason for that or just the preference of a leaner mixture?
    Thank you in advance!
    Regards,
    Francesco

    • Hi Francesco,

      I modified the engine to go from 8.2:1 to 9.5:1 compression so I need a richer mixture. My bike came with 113/114 model carburetors.

      Two other factors affect all this. I live a mile high and frequently ride roads that are 8,000 feet and higher, and I have dual plug heads. Both of these change the jetting as well, and tend to require a bit leaner mixture while the compression boost calls for richer mixture.

      I test the carburation by looking at spark plug color after riding with wide open throttle, hitting the kill switch and stopping and checking them. I repeat this test at mid-throttle and then adjust the main jet, needle jet and/or jet needle position to fine tune the jetting.

      Best.
      Brook.

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