As your KE begins to age, pay close attention to your sight glasses. Over time, they can develop hairline cracks in the poly tubing that can eventually begin to leak. If you believe your sight glasses are leaking, first close both the top and bottom valves, this will ensure there is no further leakage other than the liquids in the sight glasses.

Here are some simple steps to follow to change out your sight glasses. This applies to both the diesel and fresh water sight glasses.

1. Try and change sight glasses when fuel or water levels are low.
2. Ensure top and bottom valves are CLOSED. Turn them clockwise until they are tight.
3. Place diapers, rags, paper towels, etc., below the sight glasses to collect any fluids that are left in the sight glasses.
4. Unscrew the top 2 Philip head screws on the stainless guards and set aside.
   

   Removing Guards

5. The bottom screws can be tough to get to with a screwdriver. To unscrew the bottom screws, place you finger on the screw from underneath, and turn the guard counterclockwise. Make sure to hold onto the screw once the guard is free. If they will not come free by holding them with your hand, a short stubby Phillip’s head screwdriver will work.
   

   Top Guard Screw Removed

   

   Bottom Guard Screw

6. Once the guards are removed, unscrew the top nut while HOLDING the sight glass so it does not spin with the brass nut. You want to be sure not to twist the sight glass and break it. Once the nut is free, carefully pull it and the gland down the sight glass a couple of inches.
7. Repeat the procedure with the bottom nut. Try to hold the sight glass for this as well. If its stuck, be sure the top nut is completely free, and the sight glass should spin freely with the bottom nut.
   

   Guard Removed

   

   Brass Nut free and slid down tube

8. Once you have the old sight glass out, use it as a measurement for your new sight glass. Using a hack saw, cut the new sight glass to the length of the existing.
9. When reinstalling, use a little dawn dish soap on the sight glass as lubrication for the new gland to slide onto the sight glass. Place the nut on first, then the new washer, followed by the new gland. Repeat for the bottom. Make Sure the nut, washer, and gland are a couple of inches away from the ends of the sight glass.
10. Position the sight glass with all hardware into position and start tightening the bottom nut first. Make sure to lubricate the gland and sight glass so that it will spin freely from the nut and gland. Hold the sight glass with one hand and make sure it does not twist. The washer and gland should be seated inside of the nut. Carefully hand tighten. Make sure to not over tighten and crack the new sight glass. Repeat with the top nut, making sure to hold the sight glass so that it does not twist.
11. Open top and bottom valves and check for leaks. If there is a slight leak, lightly tighten the nut up more to seat the gland. Always making sure to not over tighten. Check top and bottom nuts for leaks.
12. Once the nuts and glands are tight and seated, reinstall the stainless guards.

If you need to order replacements or want to carry a couple of extra’s aboard, reach out to us anytime to order the replacement sight glasses plus new hardware. The lead time is usually only 5-7 days.

If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance, feel free to call us. We are ALWAYS here for you!