2002 Heritage dipstick blows out
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6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2002 Heritage dipstick blows out
I would like to know if anybody out there has ever had a problem with the dipstick plug blowing out of the oil tank reservoir and what I can do to remedy this problem. I have a 2002 Heritage Softail TC88
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: UK
Mine does sometimes.
Well it lifts and would blow out if the seat wasn't in the way, but only when cranking it to start and only then if the oil tank is overfilled, i.e. way up the dipstick, which happened when I wasn't paying proper attention during an oil change and put in more than necessary and didn't bother to draw some off.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 212
From: Alabama
Only time I've ever had it happen was after I had it serviced by the Dealership. The nutjobs filled the reservoir completely full. Kept blowing my cap/stick and had to backtrack three times to find it on the side of the road before I got it home.
I suspect, in their zeal, they didn't bother to drain the old out before pumping it full of new oil. Drained, refilled, and never had another problem out of it.
I suspect, in their zeal, they didn't bother to drain the old out before pumping it full of new oil. Drained, refilled, and never had another problem out of it.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 432
Likes: 43
From: Portland, Oregon
Actually I have seen this before... It was on a bike that someone was test riding at the dealer. She pulled up after a test ride, the dipstick blew out with some oil and caught the bike on fire and nearly the rider.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,593
Likes: 6,435
From: Honah Lee
Mine kept doing it with Harley's temperature dipstick. One with two or three rings in the rubber plug area. I rolled two tight fitting o-rings in two grooves. If it comes out now, it's going to blow a hole in my leg. It only blows out when starting and it kicks back from a little too much fuel vapor from heat or a weak battery.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,104
Likes: 13,047
From: Texas, USA
Many riders have had this happen. This typically occurs because the oil bag is overfilled. Overfilled doesn't mean it reads over the full line. Remove one-half quart of oil with a turkey baster from the oil bag and the problem should be solved.
Most of us consider the oil full when it it halfway between add and full on the dipstick.
Most of us consider the oil full when it it halfway between add and full on the dipstick.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 432
Likes: 43
From: Portland, Oregon
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Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 789
Likes: 4
From: Utah
Seen lots of threads on this subject over the years. Makes me glad the Rocker had a threaded oil dipstick, and wonder why HD doesn't do that on all models.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 17
From: Williamsport, Pa
Never had it happen, like guys said above breathers can cause that as can restriction from cam chain tensioner material also. Also I've seen where old so fails sit and dry sump and then someone adds oil thinking the system is low only to have to clean up side of the bike and there concrete floor. But if you continue to have problems use a vac to clean all the oil and stuff on bottom of sump of any debres to get system cleaner. and let the oil breathe seperatley from the intake. v-twins where designed to breathe directly on the bike and rider since the beginning. maybe someone should make lanyard kits.