Leaking from Dipstick
Leaking from Dipstick
I live in Australia and left my 2007 Fatboy Lo in the garage over the winter while I went to the US and rode 18,000 miles. I'm back home now and took my bike out today for the first time. After 10 miles I got pulled over by the cops. While they were going over my bike I noticed oil all over my pipes and oil tank and diagnosed the problem as oil coming up out of the filler opening. The cap of the dipstick was unseated and I tried numerous times to push it back down but it doesn't seem to seal or seat right down. Has anyone had this problem or know what might be the cause? Could it be anything to do with sitting unridden for a period? Any advice appreciated.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,770
Likes: 6,505
From: Honah Lee
My Softail has the old style temperature with a needle dipstick. It got loose from heat shrinking it. I ended up slipping two o-rings that were smaller OD into the grooves on the stick.
Also be careful that you did not add oil before running bike to check level. When a Softail gets a few years on them, they will start to leak back thru the tank into the engine. Mine will drop the tank about 3/8" if it sits 3 month when I go out of the country. Pretty sure it's from oil pump wear or the o-ring in the pump. Long as I have enough oil pressure at idle (no light), I'm sure not going to fret it.
Also be careful that you did not add oil before running bike to check level. When a Softail gets a few years on them, they will start to leak back thru the tank into the engine. Mine will drop the tank about 3/8" if it sits 3 month when I go out of the country. Pretty sure it's from oil pump wear or the o-ring in the pump. Long as I have enough oil pressure at idle (no light), I'm sure not going to fret it.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Sep 12, 2015 at 02:07 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 695
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Yes, as others have said, according to other Softail owners I've talked to, the dipstick O-rings can get tired after awhile and may leak. Heck, a new dipstick with temp guage is only $39 so not that big of a deal.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
LOL!
Like Ripsaw said, always check oil level after running the engine. After sitting for a while, oil leaks down to the crankcase from the oil tank. So if you top the oil tank up before running the engine to purge the crankcase, you will overfill.
Like Ripsaw said, always check oil level after running the engine. After sitting for a while, oil leaks down to the crankcase from the oil tank. So if you top the oil tank up before running the engine to purge the crankcase, you will overfill.
Trending Topics
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 695
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Absolutely.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom
Verdad Gallardo
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,770
Likes: 6,505
From: Honah Lee
Someone on here a while back said the Harley dealer would replace it under some type of hidden warranty if you still had receipt. I did not have it to try but $2.00 for a couple rings was cooler then $39.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 695
From: Huntington Beach, CA
Yes. How do the new rings attach ?