Post by: tcroullier on September 27, 2026, 07:19:14 AM
1) on my airhead it is not a problem to have too much oil. The old lady will naturally dispose of the excess. for that machine what is the downside of too much oi?
2) if I wanted to replace the oil level window, do I need to drop the oil pan or can it be done from the outside?
I am planning a long trip to the Barber's vintage festival in AL. I will do an oil change with the required oil quantity again to be sure.
Thank you!
Post by: tcroullier on September 27, 2026, 07:24:47 AM
Post by: daveson on September 27, 2026, 09:21:33 AM
After removing the oil filter cover and the oil filter, you will have access to clean them from the inside.
IMG_20221103_074400~2.jpg (46.91 kB . 432x576 - viewed 55 times)
Post by: Ingo on September 27, 2026, 09:32:14 AM
Otherwise, yes, sight glass replacement happens from outside. It's just a plastic disc with seal.
The "reflector" behind it is somewhat important, though....
Post by: Laitch on September 27, 2026, 01:26:52 PM
. . . sight glass replacement happens from outside. It's just a plastic disc with seal.To clarify, the sight glass is composed of a sealed ring surrounding a clear plastic lens in the front and a silver perforated disc (indicated by arrows) in the rear. Oil enters into the space between the lens and the disc corresponding to the acceptable oil level in the sump.
(https://motobrick.com/gallery/4/1601-270926131720.png)
Cleaning from within the sump would seem to require flooding the space between the lens and the disc with solvent through the holes in the disc until both surfaces are clear. Scrubbing would require careful use of a brush or sponge mounted securely on a thin flexible wire.
Post by: tcroullier on September 27, 2026, 05:59:51 PM
Post by: daveson on September 28, 2026, 12:03:03 AM
Post by: TriSpark on September 28, 2026, 11:11:59 AM
Post by: Laitch on September 28, 2026, 01:39:16 PM
I leaned the bike to the left and saw that I have too much oil and also that the silver disk is now yellow, making it hard to see anything.Accurate assessment of oil level is done with the Brick level, not leaning, and the most accurate reading is taken when the engine is turned off and cooled slightly after a run.
Post by: daveson on September 28, 2026, 05:23:44 PM
Most engine oils for cars have an S rating, so are suitable for petrol engines, but some also if have a C rating so they're also suitable for diesel engines. Oils suitable for diesel engines have more cleaning additives, that might be enough to clean up the sight glass. It probably also helps to prevent the sprag clutch from clogging up. One example is Castrol GTX, this normally has both ratings.
Post by: Ingo on September 28, 2026, 06:10:49 PM
Accurate assessment of oil level is done with the Brick level, not leaning, and the most accurate reading is taken when the engine is turned off and cooled slightly after a run.That is assumed to be understood. Sidestand is to confirm it's just overfilled. Normal oil level on sidestand shows an empty sight glass, at least on my K1100...
The reading when parked level was indicated in the first post. And I don't think the oil level is all that critical as long as we're between min & max.
Also: oil change is done after engine has been run and is at temperature. Cold oil doesn't flow as well and leaves sludge in the oil pan, probably leading to overkill and still (again) dirty oil....