Installation instructions 12V dynamo system VAPE

Click here for installation instructions 12V dynamo system VAPE: Dynamo System 70 80 499 0XX

1 and 2 pin Breather plates

If you are working on the overhaul of a 2 cylinder engine block with the old 1 or 2 pin breather plate, it is advisable to replace it with the later version with cast-in pins The pins of the early 1 or 2 pin breather plates are known for loosening or breaking off, causing damage to gear case cover. However, this means that the complete set of gears must be replaced (from 20° to 30° gears) The breather plate of the newer version is also available with larger slots, reducing pressure in the engine block during the downward movement of
Read more »

Rim width

The width of rims can be measured in 2 different ways: the inside or the outside. This means that one and the same rim can be indicated both in (for example) 2.15 “and 3.08″ WM2: inside 1.85″ (47 mm) outside 2.72″ (69 mm) WM3: inside 2.15″ (55 mm) outside 3.08” (78.2 mm)      

Timing gear numbers

For the correct set, check the number marked in the crankcase. The number is found near the upper engine mount, see following examples: In some cases, when the engine has had a long service life, it may need a different gear set number to get the required 0.02 mm clearance. However, this can only be determined through an accurate measurement.   The 30° gear set can be used to replace the 20° gear set on all 1950 to 1963 models. This requires following additional parts: › part nr. 11410052156 – oilpump gear 30° Only for crankshaft with 17 mm taper: › part nr. 11310016400 – 1.5
Read more »

BMW posters

These posters are only shown for information. We do not sell these posters. We welcome BMW posters from the pre-69 era.  Mail us at  info@salisparts.com    

Leaking carburetors

A frequently asked question is how to fix a leakage of the idle mixing screw. Further tightening the nut of the idle mix screw is certainly not the solution: holes have been drilled in the idle mix screw which connects the idle mix chamber to the the outside air. If fuel leaks out through the same bore, it simply means that the fuel level in the float bowl is too high. (assuming that the bike is on the center stand, if the motorcycle is placed on the side stand, there is a greater risk of leakage) If the carbs keep leaking, it’s
Read more »

Crankcase surface repair

By Michel Loos, The Netherlands The photos are self-explanatory. Steps:  filing  – sanding – pneumatic hammer – aluminum oxide blasting (Edelkorund) – glass bead blasting  

Instructions for Cylinder black (Einbrennlack)

Cylinder black with part nr. 09122 For temperatures up to 500 °C continuous use and up to 700 °C with impact load 200 ml is sufficient for 2 to 3 large cylinders. Ideal for spraying and painting engine cylinders, exhaust systems and other metal objects subject to high heat. Classic cylinder lacquer is initially thermoplastic; in other words although it is air-drying, it becomes sticky even with moderate heat, expands and hardens again when it cools down. This process is repeated as long as the polymerization temperature is not reached. The lacquer must be heated at least once to 150-180 °C to finally cure. After
Read more »

Solving hard-start problems by Craig Vechorik

  Click this link: http://www.benchmarkworks.com/articles/tech/hardstart.html   In addition: The resistance across the two spark plug leads on the ignition coil is usually 11 – 12 K Ohm (original coils and new “made in Germany” coils). Some after-market coils have a resistance up to 20 K Ohm. When the magnetic field of the rotor is still OK, this higher resistance will not necessarily cause a problem. A weak spark at the spark plug can have different causes: a broken or poor quality ignition coil is one of them. When the insulation (schellac) within the coil is damaged (crazing), the internal windings will short circuit,
Read more »

Repair part for R51/3 – R68 half hub wheels

We now offer a top quality wheel hub repair part (PN 36312030026.7) for the R51/3 to R68 half hub wheels – splines have a perfect slide fit with the original BMW driving dog (PN 33120026232) – the HRC value of the repair part is between 30 to 34, measured at the splines. An original wheel hub measured 29 HRC – the repair part has the appropriate alternating recesses for the spokes, both on the front and back side of the flange:    the recess for the spoke head is deeper and has a concave shape, whereas the recess for the spoke bend
Read more »

BING jets

BING jets are stamped with numbers, such as 35, 40 (idle jets) and 110, 115, 120 etc (main jets). One would expect that these numbers refer to the diameter of the jet bore, however this is not the case. This is confimed by the company BING in Germany. A few examples of main jets measured with a wire / jet gauge: BING 44-051 main jet 130 = gauge 120 (= 1.2 mm) main jet 125 = gauge 110 (= 1.1 mm) main jet 120 = gauge 105 (= 1.05 mm) main jet 110 = gauge 95 (=0.95 mm)            
Read more »

Carburetor flanges

The Bing carburetors used on the R51/3 to R69S models came with 3 different flanges. We sometimes get the question: can I put carburetor X on BMW model Y? In theory you can put an R51/3 carburetor on a R69 engine and even get the engine running, but you will quickly discover that the air pipes won’t fit. These images are self explanatory   Modified carburetors can be found in the market that fit the R68, R69 and R69S cylinder heads. However, there are some differences from the original models, most notably the carburetor flange:              
Read more »