Question about master cylinder sight glass

[snrusnak]

I took some parts(all disassembled) to the powder coater about 2 weeks ago, and the only thing I didn't have taken apart was the sight glass in the master cylinder because I wasn't sure how it came out. The powder coater told me it just pushed out and had an o ring behind it. I live about 45 minutes from the powder coater so I just used what I had in the truck(plyers) to get it out. Well the glass is fine and the o ring is fine but I destroyed the metal backing plate thing(looks like I should have pulled it out first but oh well, I didn't know).

My question...is it really necessary to have that metal plate? I know it's only for seeing the fluid level, but will I be able to see the fluid level without it or is there some way to get another one?

Also what's the best way to get that sight plug back in without damaging the new powder coat? I was thinking about using my drill press as a press to apply even pressure (no not with it turned on! lol).

Thanks for any help. The parts will be ready any day now...I can't wait!

 

[snrusnak]

Just wanted to keep this thread updated. I got the sight glass back in no problem. I "borrowed" a new metal backing piece from an old master cylinder I had laying around from my old suzuki, it was identical to the original one (the original was mangled and unusable from removal). I reused the original oring(it seemed in perfect shape, not sure where you could get a replacement anyway other than out of a universal box of orings or something).

I first pressed the metal piece into the back of the sight glass. There is a tab at the top that lines up. I seated it all the way in tapping lightly on a 1/4" ratchet extension with a hammer, worked well. Then I pushed the oring into the master cylinder by hand until it was flat, all the way in. Then I pushed the sight glass into the master cylinder as far as possible by hand. Lastly, I found some washers that were about the same diameter of the sight glass(just smaller actually) and a couple rubber pieces(to avoid scratches), and pliers to squeeze it all the way in. Pictures should explain themselves...

Old piece all mangled:

New piece from old suzuki inserted into sight glass:

1/4" ratchet extension used to seat the piece:

oring pushed into master cylinder:

Sight glass pushed in by hand:

Washers nearly same diameter as sight glass:

 

[snrusnak]

Squeezing it all the way in:

Finished product:

The camera picks up all the imperfections, lol. It looks perfect in person.

 

[snrusnak]

I hope this helps someone, I couldn't find any info on this. I believe this to be the "proper" way to do this job. Many people apparently jb weld pennies in the hole (not the look I was going for...not to mention it loses function lol).