Cleaning Sight Glass

83_Maxim_400

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• Apr 17, 2018

• #1

We have a 1983 Maxim 400 with a sight glass that is dirty on the inside. What is the best way to clean sight glass? Can I clean it by using a long Q-Tip coming through the oil fill hole? I don't want to have to replace the sight glass. What have you guys done? Let me know. Thanks

 

spectra

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• Apr 17, 2018

• #2

Not sure to be honest. I tried cleaning one when the cover was off but did not clean up well. I purchased a non site glass cover for my latest build as I didn't think it would make it through powder coat.

If you do find something that works let us know.

 

83_Maxim_400

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• Apr 21, 2018

• #3

Tried to flush with fresh oil and oil flush. Didn't work. I think I will try to find a dipstick. Anybody know if all years of XS400 dipstick will work in 83 Maxim 400? Let me know your thoughts.

 

BBS360

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• Apr 22, 2018

• #4

Looking at pictures online it appears that the relative distance from the sight glass to oil cap differs from SOHC bikes vs DOHC bikes.

Even if the dip stick fits without hitting something inside I don't think it'll give accurate oil level readings for your bike.

With the cover off I'd think something like a tobacco pipe cleaners would be able to wiggle into the sight glass.

 

X

xschris

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• Apr 22, 2018

• #5

Dohc never came with a dipstick and a sohc one will not work. Can't you just remove the cover and soak it in de-greaser? Or soda blast it? Running the bike at highway speeds for a long time and a few oil changes usually cleans them out. I have ones that have cleaned up within not much more than 1000 miles or even less.

 

83_Maxim_400

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• Apr 23, 2018

• #6

I took some advice from everyone. I took off the cover and cleaned the sight glass but it was still slightly hazy. Put the oil back in ran the bike at highway speed for 1/2 hour. Then put in new oil. Now the oil level is easy to read. Thanks guys.

While running the bike at highway speeds I found I have a stuck caliper piston. Onto the next repair.