V85TT Sight Glass replacement

[Grabcon]

I have a 2020 V85TT pushing 30k miles. Ever since I bought the bike with 3200 miles the oil level sight glass has been dark, now it is to the point where it is nearly impossible to see the oil level. I did make a dip stick some 20k miles ago so that is what I use to check my oil level.

It would be nice to just look at the sight glass and see the oil level. They are not overly expensive. I have watch videos on other brands of bike and the replacement process does not look difficult.

Has any body here replaced a sight glass and do they seal like new. I am more worried about leaks than the actual process.

Any constructive input would be nice.

[Vagrant]

I use a light to shine on it. It makes the oil very visible. Possibly it could be cleaned by dropping the pan. Other than that, I think you are looking for trouble. JMHO

[Grabcon]

For me even shinny a light it is very difficult to see the level. But thanks for you idea.

[Dave Swanson]

As Vagrant says, drop the pan to clean the glass on the inside.  It has collected a film over time. 

[Grabcon]

Looking at the parts catalog there is no gasket shown between the oil pan and block. I am assuming that a silicone based gasket sealer is required. Is there something specific to Moto Guzzi or will something like RTV work?

[Dave Swanson]

Looking at the parts catalog there is no gasket shown between the oil pan and block. I am assuming that a silicone based gasket sealer is required. Is there something specific to Moto Guzzi or will something like RTV work?

Whatever your favorite sealant is will work.  I favor Hylomar.

It will be difficult to dislodge since it is essentially glued in place.  Use care and precaution with tools such as a plastic flat punch.  I would just keep using the disptick.   

[Motormike]

Some BMW boxer engines were infamous for blowing out the sight glass.  Just about the time you felt hot oil all over your foot, the oil light would come on!  It was a separate part #.  Tapped in place much like any oil seal.

[Grabcon]

Just about the time you felt hot oil all over your foot, the oil light would come on!

See this is what I fear. These motors don't have a lot of oil to begin with so it would take long to blow it out. Plus I have had hot oil on my leg and it was not fun.

[Cam3512]

No way I would mess with that. 

[Grabcon]

It looks like the majority say remove the oil pan. As I mentioned my earlier post the parts catalog shows no gasket. But looking and the engine manual the photos show a gasket. Does anyone know for sure if there is or is not a gasket?

[ridingron]

I swear I ordered a gasket. I was going to remove the oil pan for some reason but can't remember for what. I'll look for the gasket to see if there happens to be a number (doubt it).

EDIT

Yes there is a gasket.

Found the parts fish picture:  https://www.af1racing.com/ProdImages/st3/GU30X.pdf     

page 32   item 21

 1A014777 Sump gasket

  https://www.af1racing.com/search?q=1A014777+&adv=true&cid=0&isc=true&mid=0&vid=0&pf=&pt=&sid=true&adv=false&isc=false&sid=false

[Grabcon]

Interesting. The parts catalog I looked at did not show a gasket. But this catalog does. Good to know thanks

[ridingron]

Yes, it's the same on this parts fish. If you go to page 45 for a similar view, it doesn't show a gasket either.

[Grabcon]

Today I did an oil and filter change.  I opted not to pull the oil pan or the sight glass for now. I decided to try and clean the glass from the oil fill port. Did the glass get cleaner, maybe a little. At least when I shine a light without oil in the crankcase I can actually see in the crankcase from the oil fill port.

This is how I attempted to clean the inside of the sight glass without removing the pan or replacing the sight glass. I used a small amount of Seafoam in the crankcase. 2 ounces added to the oil and a 100 mile ride. Got back and let the oil settle and wow I could see my oil level in the sight glass with a light. That is a plus but not what I would call great.

Drained the oil and pulled the filter. Took a 60ml vet syringe and filled with Seafoam place a 1/8" clear plastic tube on the syringe. Like aquarium air tubing. Estimated about where the back of the sight glass is from the fill port with the tube and squirted the back of the sight glass with Seafoam. The Seafoam drained out of the oil drain and the clarity of the sight glass improved slightly.

For now I will rely on my trusty homemade dip stick, although kind of inconvenient.

[Madtownguzzi]

Run a quart of Valvoline restore and protect for a 100 miles before you change oil. See if that clears up your sight glass.