Oak Okleshen bean can rebuild

Discussion in 'Airheads' started by mrbindc, Nov 17, 2012.

  1. mrbindc

    mrbindc Adventurer

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2012
    Oddometer:
    75
    Location:
    Alexandria, VA
    Has anyone had their bean can rebuilt by Oak? Apparently he services them, there was a decent write up in the last issue of Airmail about it.

    According to AirMail:
    With Oak Okleshen as our technical editor, it is also the definitive source on airhead technical matters. Oak is both an engineer and a former BMW service shop manager who has been consulted by BMW on several sticky technical issues (which he unravelled.) There is no better source for uncompromised technical advice.

    I'm looking for a cheaper option than a new one or the Alpha unit.
    #1
  2. Disston

    Disston ShadeTreeExpert

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2009
    Oddometer:
    22,034
    Location:
    Silver Spring, Md
    #2
  3. Jon-Lars

    Jon-Lars Jon-Lars

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2006
    Oddometer:
    581
    Location:
    Ellensburg
    If Oak does it, you can be sure that is done right.

    We call that "Skookum" out here in the PNW.
    #3
  4. supershaft

    supershaft because I can

    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2010
    Oddometer:
    9,116
    Location:
    San Francisco Bay area
    Oak is definative? Well, I am glad he has come around to the other side of the fence on some issues. The question now I guess would be which side of that fence was definative?

    Oak rebuilds them, I rebuild them, lots of people rebuild them from what I can tell.
    #4
  5. mrbindc

    mrbindc Adventurer

    Joined:
    Apr 26, 2012
    Oddometer:
    75
    Location:
    Alexandria, VA
    Thanks Supershaft

    I believe my '81 R65 has a faulty Hall sensor. It seems to die in the hot summer while I'm in stop and go traffic and run fine in the cooler Fall/Spring. Also idles very high (2-2.5K rpm) once the engine is hot. My usual fix is to pull over and wait for it to cool down and then drive it home once the traffic has cleared. It has a newer ignition module and a brand new Dyna brown coil.

    Do you have a ballpark figure for servicing bean cans? Some suggest just buying a new one or the Alpha unit rather than go for a "rebuild" on the OEM unit.
    #5
  6. weeman

    weeman Adventurer

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2012
    Oddometer:
    60
    Location:
    Upper left corner of the USA
    We're really "Skookum" up here!:rofl
    #6
  7. Jon-Lars

    Jon-Lars Jon-Lars

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2006
    Oddometer:
    581
    Location:
    Ellensburg







    You are revealing much about yourself, FH/SS.









    Later,
    #7
  8. chasbmw

    chasbmw Long timer

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2006
    Oddometer:
    3,831
    Location:
    Bath Uk
    There are a number of cheapish after market alternatives to the bean can, this has the advantage that you get replace all the 30 year old BMW components in one shot AND that you end up with the proper electronic ignition rather than the half arsed part mechanical/part electronic gnition that BMW bought in from Bosch because that was the design that Bosch was fitting to VW rabbits.

    I would fit a Sachse alternator mounted ignition, lots of ignition curves ready for when you decide to dual plug your bike.
    #8