Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 27 Jul 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Posts: 28
G650X stuck in Riga, Latvia, with blown head gasket, advice needed

Quoting my travel companion, as we are in a rather problematic situation.

---


Hey I'm in Riga after turning back here from half a day riding in intense summer heat (32C) and noticing massive oil leaking from the cylinder head gasket area. My trip is possibly ruined one day in, but perhaps you guys can offer some thoughts before we head to the BMW dealer tomorrow.

Facts;
-I replaced the coolant before the trip but had trouble doing it. Might have done it improperly and I didn't check the thermostat.
-we rode really slow in sand, stopped often and the bike felt hotter than it ever had (but I never did stuff this hard in such heat)
-the thermostat light never came on, it also doesn't turn on when switching the contract on I noticed now. It does however consistently blink when using the engine kill switch.
-oil is leaking at an alarming rate, almost gushing down the frame. Almost looks like it leaks a drop a second when riding.

To me it sounds like a very unfortunate chain of events leading to a blown gasket or even a warped head...

Last edited by k1322; 28 Jul 2014 at 20:10.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Jul 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Posts: 28
Miracles do happened!
Quote:

---


BMW were not a big help, just some guys in suits saying it would take more than a week. An Aprilia dealer pointed us to an old mechanic though. He and his apprentice figured out that the oil line from the valve cover was leaking (melted and/or cracked) , and the oil ran along the seam of the cover making it look like that area leaked. They replaced it for 25 euro and the leaking stopped apparently. We're going to continue and try to take it a bit easier in this heat, no more sandy tractor trails!

If you are ever stuck in Riga, go to Ivars at Adminu iela 4
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Jul 2014
g6snl's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Home in Essex GB
Posts: 563
I have two sayings I tell my daughters:

1. It's not over until the fat lady sings ( a British thing)
2. Never ever, ever, ever ....... give up!

Glad it worked out for you
__________________
Regards Tim

Learning my craft for the big stuff, it won't be long now and it's not that far anyway
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Help needed. Advice, Stranded Chili/Arg border. Blown head gasket. Nick Ash Phtography Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 3 1 Sep 2014 20:54
Help, Advice, Needed. Stranded, Chili/Argentina border. 2007 KLR650 Nick Ash Phtography SOUTH AMERICA 13 21 Jul 2014 21:50
KLR650 2007, Blown Head Gasket, Stranded Chili/Arg border. Nick Ash Phtography Kawasaki Tech 1 24 May 2014 15:21
Help needed! KLR650 blown head gasket I think. Nick Ash Phtography Tech 1 22 May 2014 18:55

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:53.