Oil sight glass issues.

[seriousjimmy]

Hello all!
The '80 Special is running like a champ...
Have a question about cleaning the oil sight glass.
Saw elsewhere on the site that 'cleaning tech tips' exist, but haven't seen any definitive answers other than to take apart the cases...would rather not do that.
Any ideas?

Best,

SJ

[rwtrail]

Oil Site Glass

Hey SJ, I guess to clean the inside you must open the case.

[mitch]

clean

When you change your oil, put the plug back in and add 2 liters of raw gas shake the bike around . drain the gas out let it sit a while top up the oil. Should be cleaner other than that take the case off. .........MITCH

[TopCatGr58]

Well, the glass is held in place with a metal slotted piece, to allow the oil to flow around it. After draining the oil, you could try some spray carb cleaner on a straw, and you may be able to aim it around the corner of the filler spout. Also, you can try affixing a long cotton swap/Q-tip onto the end of a stick, dip the tip in carb cleaner or solvent, and then swab the glass as best as you can poking it inbetween the metal slots that cover the glass from the inside. Also, try adding some Mystery Marvel oil in it BEFORE draining it, run it for a few minutes at normal temps, just don't rev the engine hard OR drive it, no real load on the engine. It removes varnish and gums from the engine and doesn't harm the plates! Then drain and refill.

However, if you need to pull the cover for clutch replacement, then it's easy to access and clean!
T.C.

[fredintoon]

dipstick

You can see through mine OK but because my sidecar gets in the way the only way to see the window itself is to carry a little mirror on a telescoping tubular handle. Lucky me that I got such a thing as a birthday gift a while back, right?
What I want to know is what dipstick decided the XS11 didn't need a dipstick?
Fred Hill, S'toon.

[seriousjimmy]

Hey Gents!
Thanks for the timely tips. Will be able to get to this issue a little later today.

Best to all!

SJ.

[TopCatGr58]

Let us know what works best!!
T.C.

[xs650mike]

...sidecar gets in the way...

Fred, how do you get an accurate oil level reading since when set up properly the bike usually leans away from the sidecar slightly? Do you sort of guestimate?