Oil Window probelms/ fuel float issues

[TonimusMaximus]

Hey there everyone. It seems like any time something is amiss, I come here and peruse the site for a while. The oil sight window on my '78E is well, no longer a window. Ideas? Problem #2: The fuel float for my bike is rusted up. I want to clean it so that I don't put somethin rusty in a freshly cleaned tanks. Again, any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[John]

Oil window

Tony, are you saying that the window is clouded up, or is it broken out? I've never had that problem, but maybe you could drain the oil, and refill the crankcase with diesel fuel, or some kind of solvent, maybe some carb cleaner, let it set, don't run it, and if Im not mistaken you could use something like a baby bottle brush and go through the oil fill hole and scrub the window. On the rusty float, maybe try some CLR or other rust remover. Try soaking it for a while. If the window will not clean up that way, you may have to remove the right side cover, to access the window from the inside. Good luck with it.

[Jeff]

Paint over it? Or is it just too clouded up to see thru?


The window assembly is still available from some dealers. PartsFish at Power Sports Pro lists it on their website for $12. It presses in from the inside of the cover with its grommet and retainer ring. I order parts from them occasionally when I can put together a list of small and available parts I would like to replace so the shipping per part is not outrageous. They've had many parts that my local dealer told me were no longer available. I picked up a few rubber parts from them a couple months ago, both clutch and brake lever boots and a new front master cylinder reservoir diaphragm.

[TonimusMaximus]

The window is black like engine oil is behind it, but there's practically no oil in the engine. I was thinking on maybe a dipstick instead of the window? I don't know how to go about that. I may replace the window as well. As for the fuel float, I think I'm going to take my Dremel to the float arm and let the body soak in CLR. I never thought of that. That's too direct for me. lol Thanks guys.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there Tonimus,

It's kinda tough to get at the window thru the oil filler hole! And there is a kind of cage/retainer behind it which also makes it hard to get at unless you take the engine cover off! I had to take mine off to fix my clutches/rebuild, and once off, it's very easy to get to it, and it may just need to be cleaned up well, probably lots of varnish and sludge built up. Also, you may need to change your oil a bit more often, not waiting till it turns black! LOL

You can get to it with Q-tips and such thru the slots in the retainer from the inside, just spray some carb cleaner and such, it should clean up fairly well, you'll be able to tell if it's clear enough to see thru, but I would suspect it will be. So you'll only have to shell out for a gasket!
T.C.

[TonimusMaximus]

I bought the bike from a guy who bought it at auction, who apparently had it sold to them or repoed or something, because the bike still had a 1981 Oklahoma plate on it. I assume that the bike hasn't been run for any period of time since then. (I've been doing a lot of work to get it even started before I can find out if/what else is wrong.) The oil must be a combination 1981 oil and some more current stuff because it still flows like used oil, not 22 year old oil. Who knows. I don't suppose someone here ended up getting rid of a '78E that was painted blue with 1" handle bar risers? Has anyone installed an oil dipstick on their XS?

[sixtysix]

The tips section has a tip for cleaning the oil sight glass. Also there is a link (in another tip) to a site that sells the dipsticks. the guy who makes them is in Germany.

I think you better pull the plug and make sure there is no oil in the engine. If fuel leaks into the crankcase it gets 'overfull' with 5 gallons of gas waiting to go, it can really fill up if left to sit and if you have leaky petcocks and carbs.

[TonimusMaximus]

The petcocks and carbs are fine. I just rebuilt the carbs and reconditioned the petcocks. I may use diesel fuel to clean the crankcase. Is there a way to turn the engine over by hand (without opening one of the side covers) without the kickstarter? A crescent wrench or something?

[sixtysix]

Originally posted by TonimusMaximus
The petcocks and carbs are fine. I just rebuilt the carbs and reconditioned the petcocks. I may use diesel fuel to clean the crankcase. Is there a way to turn the engine over by hand (without opening one of the side covers) without the kickstarter? A crescent wrench or something?

Yep, up on the center stand and put it in second? third? (not sure which) and use the rear tire to turn the engine over.

[Hobbit]

turning engine

Remember to take out the sparkplugs so your not fighting compression.

[MartyA]

And don't turn it backwards. For one thing, your cam chain -might- jump if the tension is not adjusted correctly.

[TopCatGr58]

The left timing cover is NOT an oil immersed chamber, so you only have to remove the 4 bolts and pull it off, you can then attach a wrench to the center square hub and turn it(Clockwise) there as well if you don't like the in-gear wheel method.
T.C.

[TonimusMaximus]

For the record: There's no way you guys hear this enough. You're awesome. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be even close to almost done. A sincere thanks guys. I'll do a new thread or post once I finally get this beastie fired up. I finally decided on a name too. Not particularly original, but it fits since it was one of my nicknames. "Big Red" I'll get her painted a real dark red once I get side covers. Thanks again fellas.

[mitch]

Nice Name

Now we have one in Canada and one in the US of A, good pic ...............MITCH

[John]

Side cover

Originally posted by TonimusMaximus
For the record: There's no way you guys hear this enough. You're awesome. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be even close to almost done. A sincere thanks guys. I'll do a new thread or post once I finally get this beastie fired up. I finally decided on a name too. Not particularly original, but it fits since it was one of my nicknames. "Big Red" I'll get her painted a real dark red once I get side covers. Thanks again fellas.

Tony, I have a right side cover from Organ Donor that I can sell you, if you have no luck finding some locally. I sold the other one to jdwags. E mail me at wknj@hotmail.com if you are iterested Good luck with Big Red.