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Alternate Way to Check Oil Level?

  • Thread starter Thread starter retcol
  • Start date Start date
R

retcol

Guest
This may be the dumbest question ever asked, but I'm new to GS1100 bikes. Is there any alternative way to check the crankcase oil level besides using the sight glass? My glass is fogged up and I can't see through it to check the oil level.
 
Get a clutch cover gasket and remove the cover and clean it. If you can't clean it you can replace it.
 
The only "alternate" way that I can think of would be to drain the oil, measure the PRECISE amount needed, then put it in. :D

Much easier to clean the glass, as Chef suggested.
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+2 on Bills suggestion on cleaning it. Use a little laquer thinner and Qtips to go in between the slots in the basket to get it clean. While it is open, you can check the clutch hub nut to be sure it is tight.

Be very careful removing any stuck on gasket material from the cover and the engine case. Dont gouge it or make deep scratches in the surfaces or you will be creating places for an oil leak.

Zip Strip paint remover will soften the old gasket up and will usually require a few applications and some handy work with a utility knife blade.
 
Thanks all, I was afraid there was no easy alternative. I'll pull the cover off and clean the glass. Thanks again.
 
retcol said:
Thanks all, I was afraid there was no easy alternative. I'll pull the cover off and clean the glass. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Are you saying that this is not an easy alternative? :-k

Actually, it's not that bad. You don't even have to drain the oil to do it. :D
Just leave the bike on the side stand, no oil will come out when you pull the clutch cover.

Just so you are prepared, why not change your clutch springs while you are in there? About $20 for the set of six stock springs. You will already have the new gasket in hand. As others have suggested, check the tightness of the hub nut while you have it apart. And, since you will have to remove the disks to check the hub nut, get out your calipers and check them for wear, too. If the steel disks are not discolored or warped, you won't need to replace them. If the fiber disks are worn, this would be the perfect time to change them.

Since you are going to have the bike parked for a few days, waiting for parts, why not check your valve adjustment, too? At the very least, you will need a valve cover gasket, so order that with your clutch cover gasket. If you find valves that need to be re-shimmed, you can order your shims and wait, or you can re-assemble the engine, run with your current shims (they still work, don't they?), then replace your shims when they come in. Your valve cover gasket will still be good enough to re-use, so you won't need to order yet another one.

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He can also inspect the steels and fibers for wear limits and check the springs for the same thing. If I had it open and knew relatively little about the bikes previous history that what I would be doing.
 
I admire your humbleness and I understand it completely. I wouldnt want it either because i just post from what i have experienced and done in the hopes its of some use somewhere. I do it because I love the GS bikes and just want to help if I can..its about the bikes...not a competition.
 
why not drill a hole next to the sight glass level with the "full" mark on the glass.
holding the bike upright, fill with oil until it dribbles out the hole.

tap the hole and put a small bolt in.:D
 
Agemax said:
why not drill a hole next to the sight glass level with the "full" mark on the glass.
holding the bike upright, fill with oil until it dribbles out the hole.

tap the hole and put a small bolt in.:D
Click to expand...
This is what I've seen the the racers do with the lock up clutch covers.
 
Loads of bikes used the idea of filling with oil until it dribbled out of a hole, then sealed off with a bolt. It's simple, it works.
 
AT Steve,
Might as well pull the jugs and do rings and cylinders- LoL
Just keep digging while your in there!!!!!!:p
 
Try this after all the coffee has worn off and it's been a good day at work cause it'll try your patience.

Glue a very small piece of cloth to the end of a piece of wire (coat hanger). Dip it in your favorite cleaner. Put the bike on the side stand. Remove the oil fill cap. Bend the wire just right and fish it down and into the back of the sight glass. Might not get it all clean but should make it usable.

That's what I did.

Buddy
 
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