Exhaust valve seized

[BobM]

Hi, about 8 months ago I had new tyres put on my 2014 LC. While the mechanic was doing this he told me that my exhaust valve had seized. He told me not to worry as it had seized in the open position which was lucky as it didn`t really make any difference to anything and wasn`t sure why BMW had put it there in the first place, as it won`t really affect anything. Apparently if I did want to get it replaced it would mean a whole new exhaust. In all honestly I haven`t noticed any probs with it as it is. Does this sound reasonable?

[Casbar]

Yes, if its stuck open, then don't worry. To fix is a new set of headers at a cost of circa £1200. I had two sets replaced on my 2014 under warranty. The only concern is when you sell, as its a bargaining point for both private and dealers as they can't sell the bike with a duff flap. If the mothership plug in their computer, they will know the flap is stuck. But for day to day riding, ignore it and no ill effects.

[David.]

A video showing exhaust flapper valve movement whilst riding the bike, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO-pPKzu_NI

"The answer is that the valve is fully open (anti-clockwise, against the stop) the vast majority of the time, only closing when the bike is pretty much at idle".

One of many videos on how to fix a seized valve, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtcUZn_T6Oc saving the cost of replacement headers.

[Casbar]

A video showing exhaust flapper valve movement whilst riding the bike, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO-pPKzu_NI

"The answer is that the valve is fully open (anti-clockwise, against the stop) the vast majority of the time, only closing when the bike is pretty much at idle".

One of many videos on how to fix a seized valve, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtcUZn_T6Oc saving the cost of replacement headers.

There is no such thing - fixing a seized valve. You can try and free it off, but there is nothing to fix, you can't get to bushes or the spindle. If you manage to free it off, it will not last that long, even putting high temp lubricant will just burn off. It might buy you some time, but won't solve the issue for good.

[David.]

A drastic mechanically engineered solution, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTT4lZxuCgQ

[Casbar]

Yep, that would work

[BobM]

Hi, much obliged for the replies. As this is the only problem I`ve had with the bike and as mentioned its not a problem riding it. I`ll keep it for now and cross the bridge about what to do about it, if I change it. Bit of a bummer that it`s so expensive to remedy. Cheers.

[Beagle]

Have ordered some anti seize spray that contains graphite and molybdenum disulphide and goes up to 1100 dg c. Might as well do the same while Its laid up.

[David.]

Do dealers or private buyers normally plug in diagnostic equipment to check for any fault codes prior to trade-in or purchase.

[exportman]

Don't know but if you are worried disconnect the cables  clear the fault code and no one will be the wiser

[Casbar]

Don't know but if you are worried disconnect the cables  clear the fault code and no one will be the wiser

Disconnecting the cables doesn't work as the servo then spins too far and throws a fault.


@David, when I sold my 2014, the dealer took the bike for an hour to appraise it, they plugged in to the mothership computer to see if there were any faults and then went through the process of knocking money off the trade in, for scratches etc. My flap had just been changed to no issues on that front

[David.]

Don't know but if you are worried disconnect the cables clear the fault code and no one will be the wiser.

Good idea, this video shows the cables disconnected from the valve (skip to 0:40),  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzJIgYe2zXE
just stick the cover back on and away you go.

Leave the cables in place and fitted to the servo motor (skip to 3:10),  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJWxQVw88Qc

It also confirms that the servo motor itself limits the cable movement not the valve alone.

[Casbar]

Good idea, this video shows the cables disconnected from the valve (skip to 0:40), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzJIgYe2zXE
just stick the cover back on and away you go.

Leave the cables in place and fitted to the servo motor (skip to 3:10), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJWxQVw88Qc

It also confirms that the servo motor itself limits the cable movement not the valve alone.

You can all surmise as much as you want and watch videos. But disconnecting the cables only, allows the servo to move too much and it throws an error code, I tried that one. The only way to fool the bike that the flap is still there, is to plug an emulator onto the electrical cables. There is a company in the US who sells one, for this purpose. I have been down this route several times and investigated all options. In the end I had two sets of headers free or nearly free (£70) from BMW. I now have a 1250 with a 3 year warranty, so won't have to worry for another couple of years.

[David.]

Fair enough, thank you for clearing up that one, you can't beat "field testing" yourself.

Healtech or Servo Buddy sell the emulators.

BobM has a 2014 bike, perhaps he doesn't have the luxury of continuous warranty cover on the exhaust headers.

[Casbar]

Fair enough, thank you for clearing up that one, you can't beat "field testing" yourself.

Healtech or Servo Buddy sell the emulators.

BobM has a 2014 bike, perhaps he doesn't have the luxury of continuous warranty cover on the exhaust headers.

BMW changed my first headers a month after the manufacturers warranty ran out. I paid £70 contribution, which gave me another 2 years warranty. The headers were changed again two weeks before the end of that warranty. The tech advised, if BMW wouldn't change them, then don't worry about it. You can reset the code with a GS911 but that won't stop a dealer finding out the thing is stuck open if you trade it. BMW redesigned the flap from 2017 onwards, but apparently they still fail.