Changing oil level inspection window

[Beemer1150]

I'm ready to change my oil level inspection window ('03 R1150R) and thanks to info on a previous thread will adopt the hot-nail and screw method for removal.

A few questions before I start.

How much efort will be needed to remove it? Don't want to be too brutal and cause damage

Same with inserting new one - will it need gentle taps or heavy thumps? Again don't want to use excessive force. On the surround only - the plastic looks too fragile?

Finally, is there a lip to push the new one up against? If not I presume I push it in carefuly to the same approximate depth as the old one?

Thanks for any help and guidance

[CycleRob]

Yes, there is a lip that stops the new rubber clad window from going all the way thru. Here's what the BMW manual says:

Replacing oil level sight glass

Pierce the plastic disc with a large screwdriver and lever out the oil level sight glass.

Use thinners to remove all traces of oil from the seating face of the sight gass.
Coat the sealing face of the new oil level sight glass with tyre assembly paste and drive it in with drift, BMW No. 00 5 550.

That's fine-n-dandy, but you can use black Hi-Temp Silicone gasket sealer
http://www.hardwarestore.com/media/prod ... ont500.jpg
and a large 1/2" drive socket that just fits inside the Aluminum hole as the installation drift.


.

[VintageDirt]

Would it be important to use "sensor safe" sealer?

Oops, never mind. If I squint just right with my good glasses on, I see that one you recomended is "sensor safe".

Carry on.

[Beemer1150]

Thanks Cyclerob.

This is probably a silly question... but how important is the sealant?

I only ask, because over here in deepest France I'm a long way from motorcycle 'civilisation' (great roads 'tho...) and my patchy French is going to struggle with oil-resistant silicon sealer!

I'll try our local 'Feu Verte' - any other French residents on this board with some ideas?

[Beemer1150]

Mission accomplished... Oil level widow changed! Located the sealant (only in france would you you find silicone gasket on the shelves of your local Supermarket for less than €4!), phoned my UK dealer for moral support and got stuck in.

Removal of the original seal was not as easy as suggested - two screwdrivers bent before a substantial allen key was forced in as a lever. Much worry, sweat and heaving before the window finally popped out - ricocheting off the far garage wall at a helluva speed!

UK agent said 'smear new window with gasket and push in - probably just thumb pressure...' Not exactly... but after drifting home with a large socket all seems well.

Worried about debris in the oil after so much abuse, so changed it yet again (only 20 miles after change following overheating)

Don't let me put anyone off - I managed it, just be aware that it may not be quite as simple as the BMW manual and dealers tell you!

However, full marks to the Beemer, which seems to have shrugged off its owner's stupidity with ease... !