heated dipstick?
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2006
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RE: heated dipstick?
Do you keep your bike outside all winter ? I don't think it's necessary, unless you live in Alaska, then a PAN heater would be better. The Temp of those dipstick heaters can get quite high, and 'burn' your oil somewhat, but, the transference of heat, via the oil would eliminate most of those effects. Keeping it on a Battery Tender may be a better option, IMO.
What state are you located ? If you use Synthetic oil (Full Syn), it should not be an issue.
What state are you located ? If you use Synthetic oil (Full Syn), it should not be an issue.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 240
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RE: heated dipstick?
i keep it in my garage, not heated course. I am in Detroit, Michigan mostly in 30's, occasionally way below freezing.
i justthought that warm oil might be easier on a very cold engine. I do use a battery tender.
i justthought that warm oil might be easier on a very cold engine. I do use a battery tender.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: USA
RE: heated dipstick?
ORIGINAL: Dancemax
Any one know if I could use a heated dipstick in winter to keep my softail oil warm. I think automotive stores sell them. HD hot dip stick would be a hot seller.
Any one know if I could use a heated dipstick in winter to keep my softail oil warm. I think automotive stores sell them. HD hot dip stick would be a hot seller.
If so you will keep the oil warm enough just by having a small heater out in the garage and turn it on facing the engine/tranny a short time before start up. That will help it warm up a tad bit and maybe make it just a little bit easier to start.
As was stated above, a tank heater on the outside of the case, or just heat the entire garage to 45-50*.
I don't hardly think its necessary to heat the oil.
Just besure that your garage is not some kind of a moisture trap and allowing all kinds of condensation to build up all the time. A humitity meter from your local pet store for a few bucks will let you know whats happing.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 648
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From: North Texas
RE: heated dipstick?
ORIGINAL: Nu B StreetGlider
I'm sorry. I keep thinking of a Heated Dipstick into a Soft TAIL !!?!
I'm sorry. I keep thinking of a Heated Dipstick into a Soft TAIL !!?!
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
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RE: heated dipstick?
A heated dipstick? Isn't that what you call an angry guy on a Honda?
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 240
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RE: heated dipstick?
The reason I brought it up was that we used to put a light bulb under the cowling of our flying club cessna 150 and allother airplanes. This was tremendous help on starting a cold engine. They say that the biggest strain on an engine is the first few strokes on starting when the lube is too thick and not enough. So it does make sense to warm the engine with external heat in below freezing temperatures. Last nite I put a 75 watt handy light bulb next to oil tank. Put a blanket on the bike and this morning iit feels good. It is not as cold here in michigan today. I am gaonn ride and ride........talking about humour, yes....there are some real funny guys on the forum; are't they?