oilhead sightglass - securing

[robsryder]

This isn't really a new thread as the topic periodically comes up.
Since I first learned of this issue I've taken to carrying a spare sightglass
with me in my kit of tools / parts on my 94 R1100RS (owned since new).

I still have the original sightglass in my bike. Recently, a buddy with a
newly purchased 94 R1100RS had the sightglass pop out of his bike
whilst in the driveway. He recalled a recommended practice of using
a loctite product (#810??) to glue the new sightglass in place.

From my archives I found an older bit of info on use of some small screws
(4-40) and washers [ref: MOA forum circa 2010] or safety wire [ref: ADV
forum circa 2008] to keep the oil sightglass in position.

The safety wire method looks pretty simple. I'm a bit concerned about
drilling too deeply into the engine case to install screws. Any others used
these methods?

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[PGlaves]

If the sight glass is installed clean and dry it will be safe for several years. However, once any seepage is noticed then oil is between the rubber and the metal recess. The oil does what oil does - it lubricates - and this makes it easy for crankcase pressure to eject the sight glass.

Some of the earlier R1100RS bikes had the recess machined for a rather loose fit of the sight glass. On Voni's bike it takes only thumb pressure to push the sight glass into place. On this bike I have used Loctite Black Max (which is a rubberized super glue) on the back edge of the rubber surround. On other bikes it has taken a driver such as a proper sized socket to install the assembly and on these bikes clean and dry is sufficient.

The real cause of the problem is that over time the rubber hardens and no longer expands and contracts as the engine case does. So oil seeps between the rubber and metal and from there it is all downhill.

On R1200 bikes there is a circlip added to retain the sight glass. I personally see no need to add screws and wires. All that is needed is to replace the sight glass when the first sign of seepage happens.

 

[rxcrider]

I safety wired mine because it was seeping at a time when sight glasses were on back order. I put the wire on again with the new glass when it became available just because the holes were there already. With the new glass and a snug fit, there really is no need.


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[snookers]

I personally see no need to add screws and wires. All that is needed is to replace the sight glass when the first sign of seepage happens.

Because I can be a procastinator at times and perhaps for some added peice of mind while on road trips .....
.......I fabricated a sightglass keeper plate from some scrap in the garage. You may not always have what you need when you need it most.