how to check oil when window is cloudy?

I have a 1979 kz650 B3. The oil window is cloudy. Is there another way to check the oil level? I will be cleaning it or changing the window but just don't have the time right now & want to check the level right away. Any ideas?

Maybe a long plastic zip tie. You know the oil should be close to the top of the window. Hold the zip tie on the outside and make a mark of how far down it should be. Then put it inside down to the mark and see if it hits oil. Just dont drop it. Not sure if this will work or not, might be something in the way but worth a shot. And cheap!!!

Don't have the answer but the one thing you should not do is check with a lighter to have light in the filling hole......:laugh:

elcid wrote:

... oil window is cloudy... will be cleaning it or changing the window....

For consideration, although shown as temporarily out of stock, here's a link to the new oil window offered by Z1E ---

Oil Window)


And recently, RRRR posted this info --

Last year as an experiment, I dumped an entire can of Seafoam into my 650's engine during an oil/filter change (subtracted amount of Seafoam from oil added so not to overfill) and ran it for 2K miles w/no clutch slippage or any other probs (I'm not gentle with the throttle either), and now I can actually see the oil level in the window!

My ZN700 had sat with extremely filthy oil left in it for 8+ years by it's PO, so I used the same "treatment" and got identical results....


Good Luck!

Got one last week from the dealer fot 15$.

I'm in Canada and they seem to have a few in stock.

If you need to order one and not available in the US, I can buy one for you and send it to you if you needed.

i have a cloudy window on one of mine too. i shine a flashlight at the window while tipping the bike slightly to the left. when i straighen it back up, i can see the oil level raising.

thanks guys! plenty of options.

I put some seafoam in my crankcase to claer up a cloudy sight glass. Roy

Roy mixes Seafoam with his coffee and does a shot of Yamaha ring free each night before bed. That is why he has more energy than a 12 year old.

I have been happy with the Sea-Foam as well....

can I find that sea foam at any auto parts store?

look by the carb cleaner;)