oil sight tube

[hontri]

Need to replace clear plastic on oil site tube(xr650r). Anyone know what kind of tube this is and where to get it. Has to be clear and handle hot oil. Thanks

[ScottRNelson]

Subscribed - so I can get the information too. A clear tube is so much easier than dealing with the dipstick. I want one on my bike.

[XR650L_Dave]

I jam sticks into that area all the time- not a mod for me!

Dave

[joenuclear]

I jam sticks into that area all the time- not a mod for me!

Dave

Why do you do that? Stop it!!!

[geneseemtn]

Baja Designs Team Honda Oil Sight Tube for XR650R

PART NUMBER: BD-105002

Here is the link on xr's only:

http://www.xrsonly.com/content/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=3874&category_id=6&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=70

Modeled after Team Honda's Baja 1000 race bikes, the Baja Designs Team Honda Oil Sight Kit is engineered to allow quick oil level checks when in the heat of battle along the Baja Peninsula

[XR650L_Dave]

Why do you do that? Stop it!!!

Them trees ain't gonna push themselves down...

Dave

[porterdog]

The how-to document I have specifies 1/4" teflon tubing; you should be able to get that at mcmaster-carr.

I didn't write the article, but if anyone wants a copy PM me. ETA: Include your email address.

Edited March 16, 2010 by porterdog
adding detailed instructions.

[ScottRNelson]

The how-to document I have specifies 1/4" teflon tubing; you should be able to get that at mcmaster-carr.

I didn't write the article, but if anyone wants a copy PM me.

PM sent.

I notice that there are over 40 types of tubes in the tubing section of McMaster-Carr. Do you know offhand which is the best to use? Is this something where a group buy would save a few bucks if lots of people want to make this modification?

[porterdog]

Just to be clear, the article I have (think it's from the XRR yahoo group?) is for the 650R.

Probably part number 51805K72

[ScottRNelson]

Just to be clear, the article I have (think it's from the XRR yahoo group?) is for the 650R.

Thanks for sending the article.

Since you have to drill and tap the frame to install this, it would clearly work the same way for any bike that holds its oil in the frame. I'm sure that it would work exactly the same way for an XR650L.

So now I want to know why I can't just replace the black oil return hose with a clear one? That seems much easier. The oil isn't really under any significant pressure in that tube, right?

If nobody has ever tried that before, maybe I'll be the guinea pig here.

After all, what's the worst that could happen? ?

If I were to try it, I would at least keep the old hose with the bike in case I suddenly need to put it back.

[Captain Midnight]

Thanks for sending the article.

So now I want to know why I can't just replace the black oil return hose with a clear one?

There is no black oil return hose.

[ScottRNelson]

There is no black oil return hose.

Okay, then what is the black hose on the right side that is just behind the steering head going back towards the engine?

[XR650L_Dave]

Okay, then what is the black hose on the right side that is just behind the steering head going back towards the engine?

Oil tank vent/breather hose, vents the oil tank to the crankcase.

When you pull the dipstick with the engine running you may get (or it may look like) oil going from it into the reservoir.

Plugging it (not that you are talking about plugging it) could result in oil starvation by at least 2 methods I can think of... pretty important and overlooked piece of the oil system!

Dave

[ScottRNelson]

I examined the black tube closely during lunch and realized that there is no way it would show the oil level.

Looks like the only way to see it on an XR650L is to tap a couple of holes into the frame and put in your own tube. I'm seriously thinking of doing that.

[mitchn06]

it looks like a badass mod if you ask me. Just don't screw up! I want to do it.

[_pierre_]

Have you done this to the 650L yet?

Is the frame down tube not too thin? -the 650R's ALU frame has much more meat.

[Old-Timer]

A sight glass could be a good idea............... a bad idea if it gets knocked out by a rock or a pesky tree that reaches out and grabs it.

I was searching for a sight tube for, for the oil tank of a project bike. That's when I located the McM/C site.

Take in mind that these tubes are big/bulky and designed for big machinery.

Is the frame down tube not too thin? -the 650R's ALU frame has much more meat.

He's got a good point. Steel frames are thin and round........... my oil tank has thin/round walls.

I had to drill/tap the tank for 1/2" pipe bushings.......... then tap the bushings to accept the 1/2" banjo bolts. Also gave a flat surface for the o-rings to seal to.

.

.

It looks like the shielded #1 tube would do the job.

Still need to screw in brass mount bushings though.

http://www.mcmaster.com/ctlg/DisplCtlgPage.aspx?ReqTyp=CATALOG&CtlgPgNbr=0523&RelatedCtlgPgs=528,526,525,527,524,523&CtlgEdition=116&ScreenWidth=1024&McMMainWidth=815&ToolsetID=ToolMultiPageNav&ToolsetAct=

Drilling/tapping the frame for two 1/8" pipe 90* brass elbows, and hose clamping a section of clear 1/4" tubing between the two would be quite easier/cheaper.

[J_T]

Before you get too far...Would it even show accurately on an XRL? The XRR is a dry sump motor meaning ALL the oil is in the frame when its running...(why you must check it as soon as you shut it down.) is the XRL much different?

Now that I'm writting this I guess as long as ANY oil is in the frame it should work...you just are checking to see if the level changes any? Don't know now...?

[ScottRNelson]

Before you get too far...Would it even show accurately on an XRL? The XRR is a dry sump motor meaning ALL the oil is in the frame when its running.

The XRL is also a dry sump motor. I've never heard of a wet sump motor that stores the oil anywhere but in the engine (and the oil cooler, if there is one).

[_pierre_]

I added one to my XR600

Yes, the frame is 2mm thin.. so you better cut the threads with care.

The fittings that I used seemed to use pipe thread which is quite fine, so this helps at least.

So far so good.