oil tank window removal

[Sno Jet]

Pulled my 200 oil tank off for painting.  I assume that little viewing window just pops out with a screwdriver?

When I put it back on, do I need any sealant?

1st time restoration here!  I want to get it right as I am known to be heavy handed!!!!  Thanks.

[Dave K]

I was able to remove mine from the inside. Right not I can't remember what I used, maybe it is was a wooden dowel to press on the back side of it? Anyhow my original paint is really good and the idea of using a screwdriver from the outside just made me too nervous. When replacing the old one, I used a little sealer around the edge of the window when I popped it in, that someone recommended here, and it is now very oil tight.

[BS Mechanic]

If you pry carefully you may be able to reuse the oil window.  I'd probably replace it anyway, since it's 40+ years old.  You can get a new one from Richard.  

If the surface of the hole is smooth and free of rust you shouldn't need any sealant, (although a small bit won't hurt!) just wipe a tiny bit of oil around the seal edges and push it into place.  Push carefully around the outer edge of the seal so you don't damage the plastic window.

[Jeff Bar]

Read the section linked below, all about oil windows, along with other great topics

http://bridgestonemotorcycleparts.com/index.php?board=31.0


Jeff Bar

[Sno Jet]

Thanks guys.  I have someone's back yard gold paint on the outside of the tank and the original pearl white on the back side.  They are both in rough shape so I don't have to worry about scratching it up! 

The guy had also used mail box style decal letters to number "200" on the tank.  Only in Maine!!!!!

[Mike Anderson]

Hi Guys,
When I remove them I just put the cap on and use air pressure, the window will pop right out. When installing I use an old Goodyear product called Pliobond, you can get it at good hardware stores. I use it for gasket sealant and metal to metal surfaces, stays soft does a great job. Easy to remove with a little solvent. I have used it for years on Kart racing engines exposed to fuels of all kinds, wonderful sealant.
Later Mike

[reed]

Mike
That's a good idea using air that's how i get old grips off the handle bars!
Thanks.
Steve.

[disc_valve]

Just one tip - don't be too generous with sealant when putting the window back. I put a good smear on first time I fitted one and the excess squeezed out around the  inside edge of the window. I couldn't get in to the tank to remove the excess, but as it didn't show from the outside I wasn't too bothered.

The snag came when I refilled the tank -- I was left with a window half full of air, which couldn't escape because the relevant hole was blocked by a gob of sealant. Not a big problem, just annoying because I had to drain the tank and start again.

Graham

[wonkyworks]

Another tip-I had two oil tanks leak at the upper spot welds at the hat section mounting bracket on the back of the tank. I brazed around the area, and that fixed it.
Doug