amber site glass ?

[knowyourenemy66]

I have a '79 gs850 that I acquired from the original owner recently--59xxx miles--changing all the fluids--the site glass in the clutch cover has a amber/dark gold color to it--cannot see through it-with or without oil in the crankcase--this bike sat in a garage since 2000--is there a way to clean the site glass on the inside without removing the clutch cover? could I bend up a metal coat hanger and attach something to the end of it to reach the site glass? the motor oil was black when I drained it--what could cause the site glass to discolor? thanks!

[chef1366]

Take off the clutch cover and clean it. They also still sell replacements.

[duheme]

run a shot of seafoam in the crank case for 50 miles, change the oil and filter and do it again for another 50 miles. The seafoam will work on the oil varnish and won't hurt any thing. Follow the direction on the can. it will clean the whole motor inside which sounds like it may need it. then make sure you run a good quality oil in it after.

[wilmas2cool]

Sounds like the previous owner was a real lazy slug ! I think the amber sight glass was a California only option because its so bright at the beach.

[ryonker]

run a shot of seafoam in the crank case for 50 miles, change the oil and filter and do it again for another 50 miles. The seafoam will work on the oil varnish and won't hurt any thing. Follow the direction on the can. it will clean the whole motor inside which sounds like it may need it. then make sure you run a good quality oil in it after.

I ran a little seafoam in mine before an oil change and the sight window is pretty clear now .

Rick