See-through viewing window for oil is not see-through anymore

[kriszzzz]

Hi, I have a bit of an issue as I can't see how much oil I have in the engine. The viewing window has just gone dark grey over the years, I can't see through it now. I have recently changed oil & filter and thought that the window should clear up with having the new oil in, but it is still dark. I put the recommended amount of oil in it, so the oil level should be OK, but obviously, I want to be sure that the level is ok.
Any advice?

[darrsi]

When checking oil levels you need to start the engine and let it run for a minute, switch off, then watch it settle.
That'll be the correct level once it settles.
I personally have it about two thirds up between the lower/upper case markings.

[Fazerider]

I have to use a decent torch to see mine. Tilting the bike slowly left and right may help you spot the level, though that is really a two-person job.
You may be able to improve the view by taking the cover off and cleaning the inside of the window with a cotton bud. It can be done without losing oil if the bike's on the side stand, but you'll probably need a new gasket.

[joebloggs]

I believe Yamaha fits a low level not low pressure warning light so if you do have a light on at anytime its not likely to result in engine damage.

As for your issue you could always drill a hole in the sight glass at the maximum level.....................

[darrsi]

This just happened with my bike a few days ago


I had an oil leak from the front of my oil filter, one of those K&N ones with the shit non sized nut on that doesn't fit any socket. I think a stone may have hit around the outer disc which is joined to the nut causing it to leak.


Anyway, on refilling with oil i could not see ANYTHING in the oil window.
I used a torch, and kept pouring the oil, waiting to see something, but nothing, to the point i now realised i must have put too much in anyway. Started the engine as well, but the window just looks clear.
So as i'd started the engine i knew the new filter had oil in, so i emptied the sump completely then refilled it with 2.7 litres to be safe.
I've never ever needed to top up in between oil changes before, and i change it every 4000 miles, so i'm just gonna have to hope the levels are good for the duration as there's feck all i can do about the window. 


On a side note, i mangled the head of my old original sump plug a while back so bought one of those replacement ones on Ebay with the magnet in the middle.
These have about half the amount of threads as an OEM one which i did find a bit odd, then found out the hard way that because of this it pulled about 3 threads out of my sump casing, and i was only doing it up by hand with a spanner. 
So i would suggest avoid buying one of those if you ever need one.

I then paid a tenner for some fancy bolt with an expandable rubber ring in the middle of the thread, but afterwards found that, rather surprisingly, OEM bolts are only £5.35 delivered on the AJ Sutton site. All sorted now though and my new bolt nipped up okay fortunately with no feel or sign of thread issues.  

[celticdog]

1/4 cap of Windolene next oil change should do the trick. 

[darrsi]

1/4 cap of Windolene next oil change should do the trick. 

What?
I don't think i like the idea of putting a non oily substance in my sump.

[slappy]

1/4 cap of Windolene next oil change should do the trick. 

What?
I don't think i like the idea of putting a non oily substance in my sump.

I think he is just joking, I hope so anyway! I mean why use expensive windolene when a bit of vinegar in water works just as well.

[darrsi]

The weird thing about it is that the colour of the glass really looks like it's full of clear fresh oil, it's not foggy or black, it's really strange.