BMW Service - Oilhead Cam Chain Guide Rail Replacement

A procedure that might save you many hours of labor if you need to replace the cam chain guide rails in your R850, R1100, R1150, R1200C or R1200CL. If you are unable to replace your chain guide rails with this method you have not wasted much time trying. The cases are generally split to perform this work. This video offers you a way around that.

[@michaelfreeman3029]

Thanks Chris, i think its pretty cool that you take the time to do these selfless vidios to help people out. And you make them enjoyable to watch. Initially, I wanted just to see how to change the cam chain tensioner. But your video was so relaxed and easy to watch that I ended up watching other videos I didn't even have to do just to learn. Thank you again please keep it up.

[@GriftyMcPants]

This video is a great contribution! Thank you. That being said, I laughed a lot at your disdain for this bike. LOL. I'm sharing your sentiment 10 years later.

[@jochenstacker7448]

This is great to know. I have an 1150 GS and I'm just replacing the tappets with the newer ones. So I can do a "while I'm in there" with the tensioner. It's definitely the old one, because it came apart. I'm definitely going to leave the chain guides alone, unless they show signs of excessive wear/damage.

[@jeffremurray1880]

Hi Chris Thanks so much for this video, I was going to get charged $3,500 for the BMW tech to do this and your video let me do it myself. Once I had the old chain guide out and all the large pieces of the destroyed cam guide out I heated some clean oil and poured that through the engine several times. I strained the oil each time until I got clean oil out without small pieces of black plastic in it. She is running great and I have already done 3000km on her and next week will do about a 4000km business trip on her. Thanks Chris you got me out of a big hole. Jeffre Murray

[@mmm4638]

Your could shoot him a tip "donation" saving you 3500

[@basslineplayer]

Great video,you made it look easy, and save a lot of extra work.Thanks Chris and Happy New Year

[@russpencin]

Fantastic video! I'm glad I DIDN'T see this 3 months ago - I just swapped the engine instead. Hummm, "maybe" I'll go look at the old one again (not)... Thanks for a great video and instructions!

[@yerguy]

What a major PITA!!! I've been putting of changing the left tensioner but this convinced me to do it ASAP.

[@ronaldentwistle2730]

Great video, I don't own a oilhead, but having seen the design of these later bikes it makes me appreciate my R100RT. Happy New Year to you and your family.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

And to you as well Ronald :)

[@fulminatorix]

Congratulations.Very nice work.I´m thinking you´re doing a great labour with these videos in HD and with a lot of explanations. Regards from Spain.

[@biker1201]

Hi Chris, Happy New Year, nice video. I have read that you have a blizzard comming in..... time to hide in the shop and make more videos =) We have the mildest winter here in DK for years, no snow at all, and 46F most of the time. I like that =)

[@motorcyclerefurbishment8162]

I still find this video so useful, in my case.....

[@chewy7863]

yet another great useful video fantastic. thank chris keep up the good work. all the best.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thanks Ejazz!

[@bwilliamblock]

Great demonstration!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thanks!

[@GULLM73]

As always, very interesting. Happy new year.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thank you

[@mchabi18]

Great tip ! Thanks a lot for sharing.

[@Brasscapflush]

Nice job Chris, Happy New Year!!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thanks Ken. Happy New Year to you as well.

[@javiergomez1158]

Sublime, magistral Chris!!!!

[@jarkkovento]

Good video! Thanks Chris

[@diarmuidogw]

Unfortunately the left hand guide rail on my R0ckster broke,cam chain tensioner was broken and ugly.I got lucky and got her shipped to Boonsport Bangkok where they did exactly what you did in your video because they had watched your video.Thank you for saving me a fortune.

[@AI5AASIA]

Where were you when you shipped the bike to Boonsport?

[@diarmuidogw]

Pratchuap khiri khan.

[@diarmuidogw]

88OAO88 [phone]. Thanon On Nut ,soi 55/1. facebook.com/pages/BoonSport/294029784018571?fref=ts

[@kennethvick]

You're a great help. Thanks.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thanks for writing!

[@R1200RTGuy]

I own none of the bikes mentioned, but found the video very interesting....I had to watch the whole thing. Thanks for the video; a lot of work for you to do I'm sure.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thank you Guy RIZ00RT!

[@R1200RTGuy]

I do own a 1980 R80/7 in additon to my R1200RT. Any idea what a clutch R&R runs?

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Guy RIZOORT Final costs depend on the dealer (of course) and the condition of the clutch parts and splines. The neutral switch, clutch cable, rear main seal and oil pump cover o-ring should be replaced at the same time. The clutch lever needs to be removed, the pivot disassembled, cleaned and lubricated. Installation of the above can consume 8-10 hours of labor to get the job done properly. The parts are disassembled, cleaned, inspected, measured, refitted or replaced and reassembled, the carbs adjusted and the bike is then test ridden for at least 50 miles (an additional hour). Thanks.

[@carlosreimers1730]

Hi Chris, very usefull! Is there already a video on the reasembly? looking for info about timing, how to TDC crank, Cam marks and so on

[@MiteyMOofyearsAgo]

Very helpful thanks

[@albertonatividad8665]

Great!,thank you very much!

[@topfell8277]

Damn good info

[@joeianniello]

Chris, outstanding and thank you! Jeffre Murray, what year and miles did you have on yours, prior to the repair?

[@cozydram1]

brilliant ty

[@bikerjones5618]

Excellent video. This is exactly what I need to do, because my rails are gone, either broken into little bits in the pan (which I think is the case) or one or more were missing in the first place. 2004 R1150R Rockster with 99,700 miles. Bike is in really good condition otherwise. I bought it with 85K on it. Before I shut it down it still was running and the motor felt smooth still. Hoping it is okay and just need to do this repair.

[@mudskipper9406]

My engine has very loud noise. One mechanic told me its the guide rail while another said its just the tensioner. Have you mananged to change yours? Do we have to remove the whole engine out? TIA

[@sebastiantapialoyola5017]

Hello Mr. Chris. I really thank you that you share your experience with us. I decided to make the replacement of the tensioner because you showed me what was the cause of that noise. Should BMW have the upgraded chain tensioner if I bought it from them? or would you recommend Ted Porter's Beemer shop? Greetings from Chile.

[@spurgear4]

I replaced my cam chain tensioner this morning. The bike is so much quieter, I'm kinda annoyed that such a nice machine has so many weak points. Anyway I think I have all the upgrades done so other than changing the brake and clutch fluid I should be good to go. Thanks Chris.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You're welcome, Brianne.

[@brentvinson9198]

Great job Chris. I'll bet that circlip replacement is a doozy.

[@philhart3724]

Brent Vinson . Yeah Brent, I was thinking the same. I think I’d lay some rag in their to catch the clip if/when it flew off.

[@janvanderdonk5294]

Hi Chris Great shortcut video. I’m giving it a try. Question about that missing bolt next to th lower hex nut located below the pin. The hole on my 2004 GSA seems covered by what I can only describe as a tiny frost plug. Not sure what to do to remove it to access the important bits beyond and then how to replace it. All guidance would be greatly appreciated as splitting the case seems the only other way around this bottleneck. In your video that plug is just a hole. Thanks Jan

[@probohaha]

Chris thank you for the excellent information! you mention the modified clutch disk, I assume this applies to a 2002 R1150R?, and yeah my tensioner is a 17mm, so I am in the market for a new tensioner as well!

[@lonebiker931]

That's why I never got a boxer engine.. So much work for a tensioner!

[@garretthenson6015]

Another great video. You sir simplify the complex. Just updated my pushrods to the one piece style.I'm going to be doing the left cam chain tensioner on my 04rtp soon. Can't believe it made it 106,000mi on the factory tensioner.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

That's great Garrett! Have a very happy new year, Chris

[@garretthenson6015]

You too Chris!

[@doctorrick106]

Hi Chris ... slight rookie question , can you mix up the LEFT UPPER slide rail with the RIGHT lower ? and then have difficulty bolting up the cam gear when installing the heads upon reassembly ??

[@fabriziop7397]

hello Chris I am Fabrizio from Italy. Great your videos !! I am owner of bmw r 1150 with 60000 km and every time with cold engine, I hear the noise cla cla cla and later When engine is hot this noise disapper.My question is ... at 60000 km the chain tensioner could be changed? good work fabrizio

[@vibe.shuffle]

21:30, does the lower LEFT cam chain rail pivot on that Allen Bolt aswell? I need to change my RIGHT rail, but i'm afraid by undoing that Bolt, I will mess up the LEFT rail aswell. Also I would very much prefer not to open the left head aswell...Thank you Chris!

[@craigsellars38]

Hi Chris, Can You tell Me where I can buy the upgraded cam chain tensioner from ?? Cheers From New Zealand :)

[@justiceshannon3778]

Thank you Mr. Harris: Your videos, oh shit, what a resource. Were it not for your videos, I wouldn't be hip to so much about my motorcycle. I wouldn't have nearly the information I do. Im not in a position to pay a professional to maintain my motorcycle, so. Very cool of you sir. I would hope to buy you a beer sometime. Cannister gone, thanks Almost installed new oil filter over old oring, thanks ABS million dollar bullshit gone, thanks (extremely valuable video indeed!)

[@davidschoenoff4262]

thank you , dumb queston , how does one get the cir-clip off and on ?

[@peterdewaele5698]

Hai chris What the solutions. The cam chain tensioner changing whit one new before you have problem. By how many miles you thinking changing this.. Greats from peter from belgium

[@paschoalfeistauer8129]

Hello Chris, how are you, I'm from Brazil, I need information about measuring the crankshaft of my motorcycle model bmw 1150 gs year 2002, when the engine warms up it makes noise on the left side, if it is a wear on the connecting rod bearing, there are several colors of measurements, for replacement, can you please tell me some information or guidance to have a good solution about the measurements if the crankshaft is in good condition to assemble the engine and not have any more problems, thank you for your cooperation.

[@dleben83]

Love the video Chris. Would like to give you another option to replace rails when you have some free time. Replaced at least a dozen on various R-1150's my way and bikes failed in other places before the rails failed again. Let me know if your interested.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Sure, experience is knowledge. Thanks.

[@Kobe29261]

Hello David, I removed the retaining screw from the lower left side of the bike now the screw will not go in for obvious reasons (chain and guide dropped into the engine) do you have any tips for lifting and aligning the hole in order to screw back in the guide screw? Thanks Charles

[@pou4518]

Did you ever find out the other option for doing this surgery?

[@pou4518]

@@ChrisR.Harris did you ever find out the other guys option for replacing these rails? Mine are toast on the left side @ 105k.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

@@pou4518 Engine replacement is best. Once the rail breaks the fragments clog the oil pump pickup screen and starve the internals of lubrication. You would not know anything was wrong until the oil light comes on and then it is much. much too late. Replace the engine with a used short block and get back on the road again.

[@Uniekmagazine]

Does anyone know what the pipe is behind the oil window

[@smariholm]

where could i get this

[@michaelkennelly2940]

Thanks Chris, i just took my 2004 R1150GSA apart and the left side Cam Chain rails are completely gone. Thanks for the great video. Dave Leben, I am very interested to see what the other option is to replace the rails.

[@MD0MDI]

Love the videos, been looking for an air head but have to wait a long time, live on a bloody island with very little to choose from, please keep posting, very enjoyable

[@DoityourselfMotorcyclerepairs]

Hi Chris, I just replaced both of my head gaskets on 96 R1100RT and for what ever reason my right side chain is noisy now. I replaced the tensioner with another one from my R1100GS but same thing. I already updated the left side tensioner BTW... now going crazy trying to figure this out. Prior the head gasket job I had never any noises...if you can give me your input I would be very grateful, Thank you so much for all your videos!!! I would be screwed without them

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Hey, Do it yourself MC repairs: Did you get the RT straightened out? I'm on the road with limited internet access. Usually what you describe is the right cam chain gear being in the wrong orientation. Pull the bolt holding the right cam sprocket and look at the timing marks, Send me a message if you need help, Chris

[@Jocontacter]

Did you check cam chain sprocket as chris adviced? Im interesting this thing too!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Haven't heard a word.

[@ypehille]

Chris is'nt there a second serclip inside the engine witch you can not reach ? there are two on the drawing in te manual. My bike needs new camchain rails please answer

[@ChrisR.Harris]

There's a clip on each end and one remains in place.

[@michelcarles7963]

Hi Chris, very nice job by the way.. my story: I've just bought a 2003 1150GS with 65.000kmts on the odo.. I have noticed a loud knocking a the left side of the engine BUT when the engine is hot, not when cold. I've checked the tensioner and it is the old model (spring in it), so I am waiting the new one to install it. How can I check if the cam chain rail is broken?? I can imagine that even if I install the new tensioner, damage will be done anyway in that case...I just want to sleep well...thanks

[@RodrigoCuevasdelaTorre]

hi @michel Carles , did you get this sorted out ? my motorcycle is behaving the same. @Chris do you have an input on this ? mine has had the valves adjusted and still making a lot of ticking when running on the left side

[@grossbara6416]

Hello from Germany, Question. Did i have only to change the left one ?What is with the right one ? Wouldnt be better to change both ? Sorry for my bad English

[@mojo4376]

Great question.

[@benjaminszymkow1162]

Where can I purchase the newer version of a cam chain tensions? Just destroyed the the engine on my R1150RT. Destroyed the the rail, took a chunk out of the valve. Mechanic advised it would be less costly to replace engine with a used one. Do you think going that route is cheaper and better than doing what you are demonstrating? I am totally pissed off. My bike had 53 thousand miles on it. Is this common?

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Beemer Boneyard has new ones for less $: www.beemerboneyard.com/11317656922cuk.html

[@luzimeldateranballesteros7247]

Hi Chris. I triad to put e new head gasket left side because my bw r1100rs 1994 with 58,000 milles. lost some oil by the head gasket, run very good in low and high speed ( more than 100 mph some time, normal speed 75/85 mph) but wend I open the head, I found broken the bottom chain guide rail. my question is, can I run the bike again with the bottom rail broken? my bike no have any and noise or any problem I don't know wend lost the botton guide rail, but I thinks was many time a go because my old bike never go to any dealer or mechanic, I only put some time new oil or new spark plug and run like a new bike. I found only big parts of the chain guide rail and I thinks is only the last part of the chain guide rail is broken. inside of the engine case is in good shape, I hope you have time for send me a answer, and thanks you in advance Chis

[@ChrisR.Harris]

The small pieces of rail can clog the oil pump pick-up screen and cause oil starvation and crank bearing damage. Clean out what you can and slip a new rail in place. Good luck.

[@greggjarvis133]

I'm not sure if this guy owns a oil head or a private detective agency in NYC. Good explanation however

[@motolight]

Hey, Chris! I've got through entire service manual, and could not find any info about cam chain service limit (limit of tension from pin to pin). Could you tell me where I could find it? Motorcycle is BMW R1150GS

[@Jocontacter]

Тот-же вопрос мучает.. How to check it without cam chain tensioner with auto lock where i can to count teeth?

[@peterbreen9457]

if I could pick your brain on an issue I'm having.. Put a few hundred mile on the bike last summer .. bike running fine with new plugs filters and oil ... + New battery. but yesterday I put in clean fuel and charged the battery up but the bike only fired up on one cylinder... I let it run for a sort time & shut if off.. have you come across this problem before - or what can I do if you can help or point me in the right direction i'll be happy.. nothing worse than a machine not working properly

[@viorelzamfir9031]

Hi Chris, i have a bmw r 1200 rt and the engine has a noise a chain noise, the timing chain from the head cilinder. If i rotate the engine the chain sometimes is loose sometimes is not. What can it be?

[@viorelzamfir9031]

It is a bmw r 1200 rt 2005

[@dougiedickson8221]

Hi Chris, on taking off my right rocker cover I noticed the end of my right lower cam chain guide inside (there was a slight rattle that's why I looked) anyway your video shows how to do the top left is it exactly the same for the bottom right?

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Hi Dougie, The replacement is quite similar to the upper rails.

[@dougiedickson8221]

@@ChrisR.Harris wow that was quick :-)) , am I right in thinking the bottom right has a bolt with a circlip instead of a pin and the clutch and flywheel can stay on? Just remove the head and piston to get to the circlip?

[@ChrisR.Harris]

@@dougiedickson8221 I don't have one in front of me but I believe so.

[@dougiedickson8221]

Chris Harris cheers buddy it’s all useful. I remember seeing your video on this before. My indie (bmw trained) lol 😂 is reluctant to do it as he says what you said that bmw say to split the cases, but I think I’ll give it a go. Thanks again chris look fwd to your next videos buddy. Nice job on the GMC by the way 👍🤗

[@ChrisR.Harris]

@@dougiedickson8221 Thanks and good luck, Dougie!

[@choonhuat1980]

Hi Chris, nice video. I have a problem, my bottom left guide rail's bolt is broken (the one in the middle of the engine). Is it possible to be replaced? My mechanic told me it is a gone case and suggest me to scrap the bike.. It's a waste...looking around hoping to find a solution before i really have to scrap it. looking forward to your reply.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

If timing did not skip and damage anything else just replace the rail with the engine still in the bike. Pull the transmission and have fun!

[@choonhuat1980]

I don't think the timing skips, but it did damage the bolt that is holding the bottom rail. So was wondering if the bolt is replaceable? Also parts of the cam tensioner is dropped inside and not recoverable. Will there be any further damage if it is not recoverable?

[@ChrisR.Harris]

I'd replace the rail and bolt, fish out as much of the plastic chain rail bits as possible and the end of the tensioner (and spring if the original type tensioner), reassemble and see what happens.

[@choonhuat1980]

Hi Chris, thank you for your guidance :)

[@jnicholashill]

@@ChrisR.Harris Have any tricks to remove the blind plug on the lower left (clutch handle side) Thanks for the video!

[@dbrockha]

When you replace the chain tensioner do you do both cylinders?

[@ChrisR.Harris]

No, as the right side tensioner is mounted inverted it fills with oil and stays that way much as the improved tensioner holds pressure despite being oriented opposite the right side.

[@dbrockha]

@@ChrisR.Harris on a side note I'm looking at getting a 2020 r1250 rs later this year. Should this repair be done sooner than later

[@ChrisR.Harris]

@@dbrockha This applies to pre-2005 machines.

[@robmacky6468]

This is WRONG, pin he knocks out has a washer and cir-clip against back housing, doing it as he shows will break chain guide. On R1150GS you have to split cases, in the parts picture he shows you can see the washer and cir-clip I’m talking about.

[@Nabster5]

I have this problem.

[@topfell8277]

Do it yourself you have to learn

[@Kobe29261]

So I have a problem Chris and all who are supporting the addiction. I removed the retainer screw for the lower left guide rail. flic.kr/p/JAZmT1 Now the screw will not re-install as I've discovered the chain and rail have dropped into the engine. Any recommendations for re-installing without complete disassembly? Thanks.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Take your left valve cover off and reach in with a pair of needle nose pliers and move the rail into position.

[@Kobe29261]

+Chris Harris thanks Chris! I'll try that next.

[@ChrisR.Harris]

You can see the cam sprocket, cam chain and rails with the valve covers off. Get a good light and take your time. Good luck.

[@Kobe29261]

Thanks Chris it worked great. Once I changed my thinking about it I guess I was worrying about the vertical alignment but the horizontal alignment was off, I formed a crook at the end of a coat hanger and successfully lined it up to re-install the bolt. Do you have a paypal that you can throw up for small donations? I mean you obviously won't retire on it but it might help to defray your internet costs for all the great work you do for us. Heck I'd use it, and I'm a tight wad! lol! Thanks buddy!

[@ChrisR.Harris]

Thank you! Donations via www.paypal.com to [e-mail] please.

[@Luminaring]

don't waste the duct tape lol