K11 Owners Group

Manhattan Rider · Big Brick Rider Joined: 09 Nov 2009 Posts: 69

Need some advise on where to look for an intermittent staling/missing problem I currently have with my 1996 K1100LT.

I'm the original owner. The big has run flawlessly for 140,000 miles. However, recently the bike is acting like it has bad gas. It will run prefectly one minute and it will start to loose power and cut out.

So I drained the tank and replaced the fuel filter. The inside of the tank looks like new and the gas was fun. Yet, the problem persists.

So I am now looking for an electrical short. On my R1100RT, I had the exact symptoms that evently left me stranded in Northern Minnesota with a fried Halls Sensor.

Halls failures are a common problem on BMW oilheads? Has anyome experienced Halls Sensor problems on their K-bikes? K-bike Halls Sensor are outrageously priced ($500 from BMW, $400 from Beemer Boneyard). So, I plan on checking the wiring on all the electrical to include the Halls Sensor for cracking and cleaning all the electrical connectors along with apply dialectic grease?

Any thoughts on what could be causing this problem? These intermittent problems are really a pain since a dealer can only diagnose when the problem occurs.
_________________
Ken Krumm
Manhattan, Kansas
2014 BMW R1200GSA
1996 BMW K1100LT
1996 BMW R1100RT
2004 BMW R1150GS
BMW 500,000 Mile Award
2004 Ducati ST3
1974 Norton 850 Commando Roadster
1969 BSA 441 Victor Special

whyoldbill · Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 4:45 pm Post subject:

Ken,
Sounds a LOT like the fuel pump connector. Easy to find. Right rear corner under the tank.

Bill
_________________
'02 - GL1800

The desired effect is what you get when you improve your interplanetary funksmanship - George Clinton

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 5:06 pm Post subject:

Be sure to check all the ground connections. Especially just above the shifter plus at the back of the transmission right in the middle (you need a really long extension with an 5? mm hex) vertically inserted just ahead of the battery.

Don't ask how I know.....

Just a possibility

John
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Flying Duck · Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 5:40 pm Post subject:

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 8:47 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the correction.

I don't know post '93

John
_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Moondog · Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 9:45 pm Post subject:

check your ignition coils.
_________________
"Badges? We don't need no stinking badges"!

I like the social aspect of riding. Rally's, socializing, drinking beer, fartin' and carrying on. Smile

2004 R1150RS
1996 K1100RS (moved on to new home)

Flying Duck · Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 11:48 pm Post subject:

I doubt it's the HES. When those go things just stop without bothering to falter - at least on Ks.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 11:12 am Post subject:

I'll throw out the suggestion to check the fuel pressure(FPR).
_________________
Ride safe.

1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)

Manhattan Rider · Big Brick Rider Joined: 09 Nov 2009 Posts: 69

Thanks for all the suggestions. I plan on checking all the connections and grounds, along with removing the fuel pump to make sure its not gummed up or clogged.

The fuel pump electrical connector caused me a tremendous amount of grief this past summer on my RT. My wife and I were visting the Grand Tetons. After going through the gate, the bike wouldn't restart. I checked the plugs and they were dry. I then realized the fuel pump wasn't powering up. So I ASSSUMED the fuel pump was either plugged or burnt out. With the closest dealer 400 miles in the wrong direction (Salt Lake) and an RT with 6.6 gallons in the take, a quick removal of the plastic and tank at the nice Jackson Hole hotel was not an option. So I decided to rent a small enclosed UHAUL and my wife and I rented a car for three days.

After I returned home, I started diagnosing the problem by tracing the juice from the battery to the pump. The problem was the four pin connector for the fuel pump/fuel gauge. The connector was properly connected. However, after disconnecting, cleaning and applying dialectic grease, the fuel pump powered up and I haven't had a problem since. The lesson learned is not to jump to conclusions on the diagnosis and to alway clean and grease all electrical connections.

After 35 continuous years of riding and over 500,000 miles, I've never had electrical problems on my bikes. It appears that it time to start paying attention to details.
_________________
Ken Krumm
Manhattan, Kansas
2014 BMW R1200GSA
1996 BMW K1100LT
1996 BMW R1100RT
2004 BMW R1150GS
BMW 500,000 Mile Award
2004 Ducati ST3
1974 Norton 850 Commando Roadster
1969 BSA 441 Victor Special

Manhattan Rider · Big Brick Rider Joined: 09 Nov 2009 Posts: 69

Another possible problem could be the effects of ethanol on the rubber fuel lines and components in the tank. Here in Kansas, fuel stations don't have to mark their pumps as containing ethanol.

I have heard of serious deterioration of the fuel hoses submerged in ethanol along with fuel o-ring problems (quick disconnects). It may not be the problem but worth checking.
_________________
Ken Krumm
Manhattan, Kansas
2014 BMW R1200GSA
1996 BMW K1100LT
1996 BMW R1100RT
2004 BMW R1150GS
BMW 500,000 Mile Award
2004 Ducati ST3
1974 Norton 850 Commando Roadster
1969 BSA 441 Victor Special

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2010 12:11 pm Post subject:

I think the most likely culprit is the fuel level sender connector.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Manhattan Rider · Big Brick Rider Joined: 09 Nov 2009 Posts: 69

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Nov 28, 2010 5:51 pm Post subject:

The fuel level sender has 3 functions:

- idiot light in instrument cluster (white wire)
- fuel gauge (yellow wire)
- fuel pump power (green/white wire)

When that third connection or the ground(brown wire) gets flaky the fuel pump falters and/or quits.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Manhattan Rider · Big Brick Rider Joined: 09 Nov 2009 Posts: 69

Stoked Steve · Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2010 9:04 am Post subject:

I agree with Duck, I had the same problem earlier this year on mine.

Turns out there was a bad connection in the white plastic plug that goes into the bottom of the tank.

It is a sealed unit and can't be opened, but I was able to get a whole used sender unit for about $35 on E bay and that cured the issue.

Also check the four pin connector as well, just like your other bike, that could be the culprit as well.
_________________
Steve
Virginia Beach, VA
93 K1100RS Mystic Red SOLD
12 Suzuki DL650A VStrom

Stoked Steve · Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2010 9:05 am Post subject:

I agree with Duck, I had the same problem earlier this year on mine.

Turns out there was a bad connection in the white plastic plug that goes into the bottom of the tank.

It is a sealed unit and can't be opened, but I was able to get a whole used sender unit for about $35 on E bay and that cured the issue.

Also check the four pin connector as well, just like your other bike, that could be the culprit as well.
_________________
Steve
Virginia Beach, VA
93 K1100RS Mystic Red SOLD
12 Suzuki DL650A VStrom

Manhattan Rider · Big Brick Rider Joined: 09 Nov 2009 Posts: 69

Flying Duck · Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2010 10:36 pm Post subject:

Take the gas cap off and use an ohmmeter or continuity tester between the four pronged connector and the fuel pump. The smaller terminal on the fuel pump is the positive one.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Stoked Steve · Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 9:29 am Post subject:

Here's a link to my saga with the connector.

http://www.k11og.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8412&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
_________________
Steve
Virginia Beach, VA
93 K1100RS Mystic Red SOLD
12 Suzuki DL650A VStrom

Manhattan Rider · Big Brick Rider Joined: 09 Nov 2009 Posts: 69

I just want to thank everyone for the help on this problem. I replaced the fuel level sending unit in the fuel tank with a new one for $104. The weather finaling cleaned off the roads enough to get out and test ride the bike, and I've had no problems for over 300 miles. Time will tell, but I'm cautiously optimistic.

I took my 2004 R1150GS to Engle Motors (Kansas City BMW dealer) to have a new Siebenrock Wet Clutch in preparation for my third trip in five years to the Yukon Arctic Circle. While there, the chief mechanic told me after discribing my LT problem that the fuel level sending unit was the problem about 90% of the time (their shop experience).

So, with a 140,000 miles and this electrical gremlim fixed, its time for a spline lube, shaft seals and u-jont check by the dealer. Its the one issue I always have the dealer service every 30,000 miles. My three BMWs have over 330,000 miles combined and I've never had a drive problem. Knock on wood. Smile

_________________
Ken Krumm
Manhattan, Kansas
2014 BMW R1200GSA
1996 BMW K1100LT
1996 BMW R1100RT
2004 BMW R1150GS
BMW 500,000 Mile Award
2004 Ducati ST3
1974 Norton 850 Commando Roadster
1969 BSA 441 Victor Special