Reaming experience advice appreciated

[malmac]

The project involves installing over sized cam followers/valve lifters/tappets into an early 1960's vintage BMW motorcycle engine.
I have never done this before and want to take every precaution I can to avoid stuffing the job up.

Because of the angle of the bores are at an odd angle I thought maybe I would not set the block up in the milling machine, but if that should be done then that is what I will do.

Attached are a few photos of what I have done in way of preparation but really I am just guessing and would appreciate advice from someone who has done this before.
I fully accept that for an experienced person this job is probably a no brainer and they would do it with their eyes closed.

Thanks in advance for any advice.


Mal
Toowoomba
Australia

 

[projectnut]

First off I would use a different style reamer. The one in the pictures is a hand reamer as opposed to a machine or chucking reamer. I would also recommend fixed diameter spiral flute style as opposed to an adjustable straight flute. It might be a bit more expensive to purchase the exact size you need, but you're far less likely to ream undersize or oversize., and will get a much better finish. The spiral flute design will better handle slots, through holes, or other interruptions in the bore.

 

[Janderso]

You are a braver man than I.
Love the old boxer engines. I had a 2008 BMW R1200RT. Loved that bike.
Torque to give away!

 

[benmychree]

There are spiral flute adjustable reamers that have a limited range of expansion and cut nicely, as opposed the the type that you show, which are liable to chatter and make a mess of things; the other type were made by the Keystone Reamer and Tool Co, they did not have removable blades, but were made with a solid body with a threaded wedge affair to expand them by a flatted protrusion on the working end.

 

[malmac]

That is what I like about this forum, good advice without the crap. I will certainly look for the precise reamer and do it properly.

Thank you very much for the advice. Much appreciated.

Mal

 

[malmac]

You are a braver man than I.
Love the old boxer engines. I had a 2008 BMW R1200RT. Loved that bike.
Torque to give away!

We also have a 2008 R1200 GSA as our ride bike. The old bikes are to satisfy my tinkering urge.
We don't have the trailer any more but still have the bike. Did some great trips in outback Australia as you can see from the photo.

As far as brave goes, maybe replace that with "stupid" and you might be less gracious but a lot closer to the truth.

Stay safe.


mal

 

[DavidR8]

Total thread hijack....we rented a 2012 1200RT for a week in Cali, situated ourselves in Palo Alto so my partner could attend a conference. I bombed around while she lectured
Fantastic riding area and that bike, not much to be said other than wow! Did some super technical riding and it was a dream to ride.
<hijackoff/>

 

[malmac]

Total thread hijack....we rented an 2012 1200RT for a week in Cali, situated ourselves in Palo Alto so my partner could attend a conference. I bombed around while she lectured
Fantastic riding area and that bike, not much to be said other than wow! Did some super technical riding and it was a dream to ride.

Most bike riders are happy to talk bikes until all the others present have fallen asleep. Glad you had a great time and have a pocket full of memories to boot.

Mal

 

[Manual Mac]

And down the rabbit hole we go. Rode an ‘83R100RS for 25 yrs, also Moto Guzzi Le Mans & Norton Commando. Now have a BMW F800ST, yada, yada, yada......

 

[machPete99]

I concur with what projectnut said. I have never had any luck with those adjustable blade reamers, they tend to chatter and make a total mess of things.

What I have found useful is the older spiral solid reamers that have an adjusting screw on the end. The screw on the end will force the body of the reamer to distort and open up a bit larger (some number of thousandths, not as lot!). You can make a guide that screws over the adjustment screw if it does not come with one.

These are all "hand" reamers, so should not be used in a drill. Here is an example:

9/16" Spiral Flute Adjustable Hand Reamer, Cleveland | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 9/16" Spiral Flute Adjustable Hand Reamer, Cleveland at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Always turn (RH) reamers in CW direction only otherwise you will ruin the cutting edges. Do not reverse direction to remove!