engine swap?

[Darryl.Richman]

If your R69US frame and engine have matching numbers, it would indeed be a shame to turn it into a conversion. Of course, it's your bike and you should do what you want with it. But there aren't that many of them around, and although the market doesn't seem to recognize this fact yet, it may still, and even so, the general prices on these bikes have been rising quite high recently.

I doubt you're going to find a new crank. You might want to call Craig "Vech" Vechorick and get his opinion on crank rebuilding. Recently there have only been a few people rebuilding them. Once the crank is rebuilt, the slingers are no big deal, just buy new ones.

[Allan.Atherton]

... had this R69US for over 10 years. i got it with a bad rod... i'm finding the parts are extremely expensive, and it takes special tools to pull the crank, not to mention, i'm not too keen on the oil slinger setup... can anyone point me to a source for an R69 crank, or a capable crank re-builder...
There are probably no more NOS R69S cranks, as I know someone who got what must have been the last one from the late Randy Franks for $1500. New BMW Mobile Tradition cranks are available from Huggett in Switzerland for about $2500. I don't know where to find a used crank, nor would I trust one.

But since you only have a bad rod, you don't need another crank. You only need to have your crank rebuilt with new rod sets (rod, crankpin, and rod bearing). These are available from Huggett for about $300 per set. Whatever ruined the rod may have also ruined the rear main barrel bearing which is about $250 from Huggett.

Bench Mark Works rebuilds engines:
http://members.aol.com/vechbmw/
But I think they send the cranks out to a specialist like Cycle Works:
http://www.cycleworks.net/services.htm
It is not clear whether Cycle Works has parts and is quoting prices for the R69S crank rebuild.

Or, you could buy the still-good rod sets and barrel bearing that came out of my R69US when I restored it, and send your engine to Guenther Wuest in Indiana to have the crank rebuilt with them.
My bearing:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/roundel/2482620547/
My rod sets:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/roundel/98362310/

Guenther is a qualified BMW crank rebuilder and has done my three bikes and many others. And I will give a good price on the used parts which are subject to his inspection and approval. I had Guenther replace them only because I wanted a fresh start and I remember he said they were OK.

This could be the cheapest way to have your engine repaired in a quality manner. Email me if interested and I can take the parts to Guenther for him to look at.

[schrader7032]

Or, you could buy the still-good rod sets and barrel bearing that came out of my R69US when I restored it, and send your engine to Guenther Wuest in Indiana to have the crank rebuilt with them.

Allan -

Does Guenther have an on-line presence? Does he do retail work or is he strictly working for himself but takes on other jobs that suit him? I'd like to add his contact and background information to the list of resources on the VBMWMO website. I found the city and email address you have posted on your website as a starting point.

Thanks...Kurt in S.A.

[Allan.Atherton]

He is not online, works alone, and takes on jobs that suit or interest him. Any work should be discussed on the phone before sending him anything. AFAIK, he does not do mail order crank rebuilding because of the risk from incomplete knowledge and loss of control. He likes to be the one who removes the crank so he can see the engine it came from, and the one who installs it so he knows it was done right.

[schrader7032]

So, I guess I read that as a general no for Guenther being a regular source for /2 engine repair? However, I'm sure people would work with his approach for repair. For example, I would prefer someone else do the bottom end work on my /2...that's what I did on my recent restoration...I took the whole engine (less top end) to the mechanic to do that part of the work.

If it would be acceptable, I could include various disclaimers or circumstances regarding his services. The website entry could be from his input...that is if he would wanted to be included.

Is this something worth pursuing? If so, would it be best if you discussed it with him? You're a regional director of the VBMWMO. Or maybe someone else from the VBMWMO organization...?

I'm not pushing this...just want to gather all the resources and tools available for our "hobby".

Thanks...Kurt in S.A.

[Allan.Atherton]

He is a regular source, in that his shop is full of vintage engines, transmissions and bikes passing through. I don't think he wants publicity, as he seems to have plenty of work and is selective about what he takes. As one person he can't get any volume of work done while receiving visitors, taking phone calls, ordering overseas parts, traveling to Louisville for parts from the dealer, invoicing, packing jobs for shipment, etc. Those who need him seem to find him. I am taking some heads to him soon and will ask if he wants to be mentioned.

[Allan.Atherton]

... You're a regional director of the VBMWMO. Or maybe someone else from the VBMWMO organization...?... I gave that up in early 2006 because I could no longer represent the club at rallies. I guess I am still on the masthead until a replacement comes.

[Allan.Atherton]

... I am taking some heads to him soon and will ask if he wants to be mentioned.
He said it was OK to list him.

[schrader7032]

He said it was OK to list him.

Thanks...I'll try to indicate what his position is as far as how he likes to work. Basically, people need to check with him and see what he's willing to take on and under what circumstances. If you have any comments on what I put up, just let me know.

Kurt in S.A.

[VBMWMO]

hello, i'm new here. i've had this R69US for over 10 years. i got it with a bad rod, thinking i'd just fix it, but never got around to it. after doing a little research lately, i'm finding the parts are extremely expensive, and it takes special tools to pull the crank, not to mention, i'm not too keen on the oil slinger setup it has. is it blaspheme to convert to a /5 /6 engine these days? i remember it being quite common years ago. otherwise, can anyone point me to a source for an R69 crank, or a capable crank re-builder, and a means to remove/install the crank? thanks in advance for any suggestions.