Leaking Oil Level Window

[stubblejumper]

While riding into Rock Springs Wyoming, I noticed that the left side of my engine was oily. I checked the level, rode into Rock Springs, bought some degreaser from Walmart, and cleaned the engine. After an hour I checked the bike, and discovered that oil was leaking between the lens, and the rubber seal. I went back to Walmart, bought some RTV, degreased the area, and put a bead of RTV along the lens/seal joint. I then called the dealer in Missoula to see if they had the part in stock, and could do a repair for me, when I arrived. I checked for leaks regularly, but the RTV held until I reached Missoula.I had the bike at Big Sky at 9AM, and by 11AM, they had the oil level window on my R1200ST replaced, and an oil change.I rode the remaining distance back to Alberta with no further oil leaks.I am wondering just how common this issue is with the 1200 boxer engines.

[Beech]

Not too common. But with the heat cycle of expansion and contraction of a one inch circle there is bound to be issues. BMW put a snap ring in finally to keep the window from blowing out! After a few years and a 2007 might be there the rubber edge seal is getting a little dried out and heat toughened. Nothing lasts forever. If you ever see an oil weep or stain around one of these windows, it is time to put in a fresh one. Nice soft rubber seal. Might even be a five year maintenance thing? Much like the never replaced wheel rubber air stems.

[Dundee387]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is RTV?

 

Case this happens to me...

 

Thanks

[Boffin]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is RTV?

 

Thanks

 

Room Temperature Vulcanising silicone rubber. Otherwise known as silicone sealer.

 

Andy

 

 

[Albert]

Interestingly (not that I'm paranoid) but I checked a couple of dealer sites where they have parts fiches and, for the hexheads, the sight glass is listed as "no longer available" on the 2 I visited.

[dirtrider]

Interestingly (not that I'm paranoid) but I checked a couple of dealer sites where they have parts fiches and, for the hexheads, the sight glass is listed as "no longer available" on the 2 I visited.

 

Morning Al

 

Well for along time those sight glasses (plastic actually) were back ordered.

Best reason I can figure is that in about mid 2010 BMW came out with a "real glass" non yellowing sight glass in production engines (& probably for replacement)

 

That then brought on a real long & complicated service bulletin (or advisory)- (I can't remember which) on removing/installing those real glass sight windows. It involves hand held mill cutters & special drivers etc. I'm not near my shop computer so don't have assess to the bulletin at the moment so can't give you more specifics.

 

 

[Albert]

Thanks DR. I think I'll just pick up a 1.5" freeze plug to carry with me and forget about it.

[dirtrider]

Morning Al

 

That will work if you still have the plastic sight window. Not sure it will do much good if you have the replacements real glass window as it appears those won't come out without using special tools or you have a real good possibly breaking the glass & having that enter the engine crankcase (broken glass in the crankcase is never a good thing)

 

[Albert]

I have an 06 with the original sight glass. I'm pretty sure it's the plastic one.

[VTBeemer]

What was the cost to have the oil window replaced? Have been carrying the freeze plug just in case. With 38K miles, I might be getting to the end of life. Thanks in advance for the info.

[racer7]

Not mileage related, perhaps temp cycle related but I've got friends with bikes well over 100K with original windows. May be more of a random event for most....