cloudy Oil level window

[gec343]

I recently purchased a 2004 BMW R1150RT with 1000K. The oil level window is very cloudy & hard to read. Is this normal? And if not, what is the fix?

 

[breyfogle]

It's not normal for a bike as new as 2004 to have a cloudy oil sight window. The fix is easy, remove and replace the sight glass with a new one. It's easy !

 

[manicmechanic]

Go for a LONG ride, to get the oil good and hot, and also to drive off any water that's accumulated in the oil. At least 50 miles might do it. Then see what the oil looks like. You may notice the same appearance with your car/truck if you remove the oil filler cap, if you do't do any longer-distances for a while in the winter. What you're probably seeing is emulsified oil fiolm that forms on the surface.

 

[dano]

New bike.....old bike, any bike can get a cloudy oil sight glass if the oil hasn't been hot enough to burn-off condensation in it.

Go for a good ride, long enough to get the oil good and hot, return and change out oil / filter, if you feel the need to do so.

No more problems.

 

[bearsfolks]

Cloudy sight glass

If these bikes overheat the plastic sight glass gets a milky appearance that doesn't get better. I suggest visiting a dealer to see if the glass needs replacement. As stated, it is not an expensive repair.

 

[CANADIANGS]

Cloudy sight glass

First timer here...I have to admit when I bought my 1100gs (used 3 years ago) I thought the sight glass was coudy or hard to read. It turned out that the oil was dirty and level was high, above the glass. After an oil change everything was fine and easy to read. Perhaps, like I was, you are suffering from newbe-itis. Give it a try..

 

[BFish]

hate to ask the obvious but did you clean the outside of the glass??

 

[gec343]

Cloudy oil window

Yes, I did clean the outside of the glass. Also, the bike has less than 500 miles since the 600 mile service, so it seems that the oil should be clean. I live in Michigan, so won't be able to ride for a couple of months. I want to thank everyone for the input.

 

[dano]

Lots of riders assume that you can't clean the oil sight glass by hand, unless you use a long-blade screwdriver with a paper towel taped to the end of it......or you have to remove the chin portion of the fairing.

WRONG!!!!!!!!!!

I have HUGE hands. But.....I can clean the oil sight glass with my hand and I don't have to remove the lower cover. I just lay on my side, on the left-side of the bike with my head towards the rear of the bike. I can then stick my hand between the chin cover / engine, just in front of the shifter. I wet a paper towel first with Windex or whatever, and can easily reach the sight glass. No problemo!!