Oil level indicator replacement

[RIQUE]

I am considering replacing the oil level indicator on my 1200. From what I see in the service manual it seems open heart surgery in the middle of the Amazons is simpler but then it seems like its just like replacing a regular oil seal. Anybody done that been there?

[flatbutt]

On the 1100 it's a simple out with the old in with the new. A simple drift and press fit to place the new one in there. Dunno about the 1200.

[shreddr]

doesn't look too tough, buy the part and see if you can get it in.

02 11 11 8 523 906 SET: OIL LEVEL INDICATOR 0.06 1 $33.77ADD TO CART

Part Thumbnail
NotesParts/11118523906_1.pdf
Installed dry. Early models may not utilize the clip due to a lack of groove in engine block.

http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/NotesParts/11118523906_1.pdf

[RIQUE]

I was looking at the same page. Those special tools....milling cutter, function scraper, seal remover and drift! Overkill.

[shreddr]

The window looks as if the oil had water in it. What is the history of the bike?

If you just want a clear sight glass perhaps you can flush the cases with kerosene.

[andrisport]

I've done on mine 1100s. drilled the hole in old one and pulled it out, then gently hammered the new one. dealer will charge you $60 for that

[RIQUE]

Originally Posted by shreddr

The window looks as if the oil had water in it. What is the history of the bike?

If you just want a clear sight glass perhaps you can flush the cases with kerosene.

Bike has 1170 miles on the odo. Sat for years. Oil was replaced before start up. No visual signs of problems or knocks. Runs well, lots of power.

I was planing on adding Liqui Moly Engine Flush that I guess is mostly kerosene anyhow.

[WandererR11S]

Try the flush first, I would be doing a flush, an taking off the rocker covers, have a look inside, see how much moisture/white sludge there is...
Guess thats one drawback of a bike sitting around for many years...

Jeremy

[brentw1]

if it doesn't leak see if it cleans up after a few oil changes
you haven't really run it enough to see what it is going to do.

[sgoodwin]

You can simply tap a screwdriver into the outer glass (plastic actually) & pry it out. It's double layered so nothing gets in the motor. then use an appropriately sized socket to tap the new one in after cleaning up the hole. If you want extra sealing spread a little clear RTV silicone on the outer edge of the seal before tapping it in. I've done it a few times without any problems after watching the mechanic at the bmw shop do it this way.

[RIQUE]

Originally Posted by WandererR11S

Try the flush first, I would be doing a flush, an taking off the rocker covers, have a look inside, see how much moisture/white sludge there is...
Guess thats one drawback of a bike sitting around for many years...

Jeremy

First thing on my list is taking out the covers. Valves are ticking like hell.

[Bob Hancock]

Originally Posted by sgoodwin

You can simply tap a screwdriver into the outer glass (plastic actually) & pry it out. It's double layered so nothing gets in the motor. then use an appropriately sized socket to tap the new one in after cleaning up the hole. If you want extra sealing spread a little clear RTV silicone on the outer edge of the seal before tapping it in. I've done it a few times without any problems after watching the mechanic at the bmw shop do it this way.

Yep. This is the way. It pulls out, then clean the hole real good then tap the new one back in with a socket that fits.
I hate this has happened to this bike. Take care and this curse could turn into a blessing with a story.

[JimMoore]

One word of caution. The old style is plastic, as someone has said. The new style is glass. I haven't done one, but apparently it's a lot harder to get it in than the old plastic ones. there was a thread on bmwsporttouring.com recently. I'll see if I cna find a link.

Edit: Here ya go.

http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=858229&page=1

[1100s nut]

RIQUE, hey, what ever happen on the sight glass. Just curious....as I have never seen one like that....hope it cleared up for you.

Lane

[RIQUE]

Originally Posted by 1100s nut

RIQUE, hey, what ever happen on the sight glass. Just curious....as I have never seen one like that....hope it cleared up for you.

Lane

Hi, I did a complete engine flush. Nothing happened except oil change. Seems bike stood for a long time on its side and oil accumulated on window together with water and crud. I got me a new window to exchange next week.

Riq

[lht]

That sponge will go away after you go for a good hour or more as long as it gets up to temp.

Air Cooled Ducatis do this all the time. One trick in cold weather is to remove the oil fill
cap after a ride. You will be reminded quickly if you forget to reinstall it on your next ride.
It lets the moisture vent out. Reinstall cap after engine cools.

So another bone head idea by BMW, another special tool , to try to get you in the Dealership
to rip you off. They Suck.

[RIQUE]

THanks for the tip Iht, I am having a hard time tunning the bike and so far have gotten the bike up to temp several times. I also took a ride and rode it hard but still the window is fogged up.

[Cloud9blue]

A heat gun can be used to heat up the glass and cook off the condensation buildup. Give that a try first before you decide to replace the glass.

[lht]

Thats ok if its glass. Most were plastic, be careful. Glass or plastic it is double walled.

[RIQUE]

Hey everybody, I got good news from my bike today. I decided to replace the oil level window so I cracked the window to access the seal. I was expecting to find a truck load of crud behind the window. A mix of dried up oil and water emulsion. To my surprise there was nothing behind the window. It seems that some of these plastic windows suffered from materials defects and the transparent window blurred and turned milky. No wonder BMW switched from plastic to glass on all their bikes.

This means my engine is in tip top condition and has not suffered from moisture exposure. Good for me