Saving a BMW R25 Engine From Hidden Disaster

[@GaryT1952]

Fascinating, please keep this series going

[@WorkshopRebuild]

Thank you, Gary! This video series does not end here. Many repairs will need to be done and I hope I can share every detail with you😊

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! Amazing! I am really enjoying this series. Best!

[@WorkshopRebuild]

It's awesome to hear you're enjoying it! I'm excited to keep sharing the journey😃 Thanks for tuning in - Andreas

[@creedm3040]

@ I’m curious, what is your background? Mechanical Engineer?

[@dougwilliams8602]

Amazed at your mechanical skills

[@Chucka10]

Those tappets can be reground. We used to have a tappet grinder where I worked and once in awhile I did a set, mostly old V-8 Ford flatheads. They should be convex when properly done, that way they ride slightly offset on the cam lobe and spin.

[@bcmbdk]

Excellent. You've taken a potentially boring subject and made it compelling. Great storytelling and editing. Well done!!

[@cspark9186]

You got this R25 just in time. It possibly had a month or two before catastrophic failure occurred. The oil looks like it had some old STP additive in it. Have fun and keep up the good work!

[@WorkshopRebuild]

I believe you are right, it was a close call! It might have been an additive like you mentioned - I'm just not sure... The fun has just started and I cannot wait to share more videos with you! Cheers

[@cvonp]

Another jewel in the making🤩 Speaking of, how's your Dad enjoying his gorgeous new ride?

[@WorkshopRebuild]

Thanks so much! It will be a fun ride once completed and I cannot wait to share the process with you. He's absolutely loving it-it brings back so many good memories from his early days in Germany. Thanks for checking in! -Andreas

[@cvonp]

@@WorkshopRebuild That's wonderful 👍😊

[@simonchilli2088]

I'll be glued to the screen Andreus.

[@WorkshopRebuild]

I hope you enjoy this deep dive into a motorcycle even older than my last project. Its rich patina reflects the many years it's seen. Soon, it will be revived and fully functional, ready for new adventures. Thanks for tuning in! ❤️

[@RichardHarding44]

Great series - I have a later R25/3 and this is going to be a great resource if I ever need to tear that down

[@LFTGKUHLT]

I never would have guessed the Slinger - so cool how you figured that out! And OMG what was that oily slime 😅 Looking forward to more videos 👍 greetings 😉

[@WorkshopRebuild]

It's sad that I don't have any history on the bikes service-life, but I suspect a good-maintenance check was long overdue! I'm glad I don't know what that was and it's not well disposed - the oil that will go back into this engine will not look like that...haha Thanks for your comment and I can't wait to share updates with you. -Andreas

[@nordkettenhund]

Hi, as a BMW R 25/2 owner since 1979 I can assure, that there is absolutely no need to clean the oil slinger every 5000 km! Change the oil (20W50 mineral type) every 1500 km, and you will be fine for more than 50.000 km.... You can build in the chain tensioner from R27, which is highly recommended. And never ever use motoroil with MOSO2 additives. The cheapest oil will be the best choice.

[@WorkshopRebuild]

Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear from an R25/2 owner with so much history with the bike. You make a very good point about the oil slinger, especially if you're keeping up with regular oil changes and monitoring it's condition. The advice on oil (20W50 mineral type) and using the chain tensioner from the R27 is great. I'll definitely keep in mind to avoid oils with MOS2 additives, as you recommended. Great tips, and I appreciate you sharing them!!!

[@mcnut1]

A very well made video. Thank you.

[@PistonetSavon]

Good job ! This engine seam to be more simple than the 2 flat

[@WorkshopRebuild]

Thanks Daniel! It is more simple and there are fewer parts. I find it interesting to see the older design cues they used and some older methods during manufacturing. I hope I can share many more videos about this bike :D Cheers

[@S2NAZ]

More great fun! I have to compliment your purposeful attitude and methods of organization. The engine mount is such a great tool. It’s so interesting to me to see these German engines torn down for rebuild and looking at what’s inside. Simple but well engineered for their era. CU soon!

[@Mahi-ux1ne]

New subscriber here, I am really enjoying all of your BMW videos. Your attension to detail is extremely good. I have a R80/7 and there is much to learn. Longer videos are always good. Thanks.

[@6-Bike-Garage]

Yeah. Great stuff. I love learning about this stuff (even though it makes me feel like a bit of an unqualified hack in comparison 😅). I helped my neighbor get his ‘66 R60/2 running, but I think it needs more attention. I suspect it needs a top end refresh at a minimum, and now you have me wondering about its oil slinger (I assume it must have something like that as there was no filter).

[@WorkshopRebuild]

Thank you for tuning in and soaking up information about these classic bikes! I'm thrilled to hear that you helped your neighbor get the R60/2 up and running-that’s a fantastic accomplishment! The R60/2 is equipped with two oil slingers, one on each side of the crankshaft. These slingers serve as a sort of oil filter, cleaning the oil before it flows into the crankpin to lubricate the connecting rod's big-end bearing. If the slingers become clogged with grime, it can lead to issues within the crankpin, causing all sorts of problems. If there’s limited history on the bike, it might be a good idea to dig in and inspect them before it’s too late.

[@6-Bike-Garage]

@ thanks. Now that it’s running, the neighbor is hoping to sell it. He’s an older gentleman who I’m trying to help him declutter (so I’m also trying to help with the sale). There is a gentleman who is interested in buying it (a fellow member of the VME) so I’ll make sure to tell him about the slingers. VME = Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts (a Pacific Northwest club)

[@timallen6025]

I love your strip downs , I would trust you as a meticulous and questioning engineer mechanic.

[@JasonSimonSmith]

Curious as to any work addressing the crankshaft.. balancing ?

[@boballan9681]

Excellent & informative stuff. I have an R26 & would benefit from your work here. That's a great looking engine mounting stand. Can you tell me where you got it? I just looked online & couldn't find anything. The little Bee ems are great bikes. Best wishes.

[@WorkshopRebuild]

Thank you so much! I'm glad to hear you found the information helpful. The R26 is such a fantastic bike too, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy working on it! As for the engine mounting stand, I designed and built it myself, specifically for 1-Cylinder BMW motorcycles from 1949-1965, including the R25, R26, and R27. I’ll be offering the plans for this engine mounting stand as a DIY project for sale, and I plan to release them once the engine is assembly video is uploaded. Stay tuned for more updates in that video! I hope that helps, and best of luck with your R26! 😊

[@Simulera]

Did I hear that normal maintenance is an engine tear down every 3000to remove and clean the sling oil filter doo-dad? Nooooo….. I must have misunderstood what you said, I played it back twice and still don’t get the message, sorry. I am assuming it cannot be what I thought I was hearing so I ask. At around 6’ 18” -6’ 25” is where you mention “full tear down”. These are really excellent repair videos. I don’t think there are more complete and clear ones available anywhere actually. Great work.

[@bigears4014]

Some old 40s and 50s side valve car engines especially english required head removal to decoke them every 5000m , mainly due to low quality oil and fuel

[@Simulera]

@ i did not know that!

[@JeanpierreBeaufils]

Idem pour les bicylindres Panhard. Il faut nettoyer les "larmiers" ou adapter un porte filtre extérieur. Très intéressant de voir le travail sur une BMW monocylindre.

[@dougherbert7899]

For the /2 engines, which are similar in design but twin opposed cylinders, it’s every 30,000 miles to clean the slingers. Regular oil changes, modern oil, etc will reduce the amount of crud, but not doing it is a huge gamble.

[@2PistonRolling]

Good 👍 Appreciate it

[@WorkshopRebuild]

Thank you! I'm glad you appreciate the effort and hopefully you enjoy a deep dive into the BMW R25😊 Regards Andreas

[@TheSoldkall]

Very interesting, nicly done!

[@enedenedubedene4811]

Sehe ich das jetzt richtig, dass der Unterbrecher nicht auf der Nockenwelle, sondern auf der Kurbelwelle sitzt. Dadurch erfolgt bei jeder Kurbelwellenumdrehung eine Zündung. Das heißt, er macht immer eine Leerzündung.👍👍👍Viele Grüße aus Warthausen bei Biberach an der Riss.

[@DimasFajar-ns4vb]

wow and cyclemaster is from uk sir

[@PawełSmolarek-o7g]

Pare minut i maszyna rozebrana. Współczesne motocykle to ... bardzo skomplikowane maszyny i rozebranie nawet 125 jest kłopotliwym zajęciem.

[@WorkshopRebuild]

It's rally a different approach on a modern bike. First remove the plastic, then wires and you will finally see some of the engine and gearbox haha. Thanks for pointing this out! Greetings from Canada

[@michaelpatt5214]

Uli has a Chain wheel for camshaft. Then it is faster

[@WorkshopRebuild]

Thank you for your advice. I will take this into consideration when ordering parts, wich will happen very soon😊

[@michaelpatt5214]

Why do you have a R25/2 frame ?

[@WorkshopRebuild]

According to the serial # it’s an R25/0 (1950-1951)

[@bob7230]

Another great video! 😃 I’m very much enjoying your BMW series, please keep them coming. Maybe in the future a nice old BSA or Triumph? 😉 Btw, it’s nice to see you taking the time to tear these bikes down and really get them right!

[@animouierie]

it's better to make the video longer, 20-29 min

[@WorkshopRebuild]

Thank you for your feedback! I’m thrilled to hear that you’re interested in longer videos. Don’t worry-I’ve got plenty more in the works😃👍🏼 Cheers Andreas

[@louisvanrijn3964]

Yeahhhh.. but be honest, and admit to yourself: it is a sin to run the engine with this 70 year old(?) oil...It could have get damaged. The oil strainer is clogged...oil pressure??? Your mechanical skill is however beyond discussion. Groeten from the Netherlands.

[@WorkshopRebuild]

I would say, it would be a sin unless I didn't check all the all moving components before trying to start it. Even in my last video when I checked the oil it was crystal clear and I'm still wonder how that even fooled me: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3nTeoGvm9xse68 (check at minute 4:03 and see for yourself). I'm not making this up haha! It could have been really bad if I ran it for any longer, so I'm very happy to take it apart and give it new life. Thank you for your concerns and comment - it's much appreciated! Greeting from Canada!