How The Heck Does Dipstick Work!
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Stage IV
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
How The Heck Does Dipstick Work!
Ok guys, I am an idiot. I asked this once before but hope to get more feedback with a more descriptive subject.
My wife and I just got her first bike a 2004 sportster. This model has the new chrome flush mout oil dipstick. It was flush mounted when we got it. After checking the oil we can't get it properly centered flush mount again. No matter how I twist and turn it will not turn enough to line up. The dipstick is not seating right and will leak oil. What the hell is the trick to this.
Anyone?
thanks.
My wife and I just got her first bike a 2004 sportster. This model has the new chrome flush mout oil dipstick. It was flush mounted when we got it. After checking the oil we can't get it properly centered flush mount again. No matter how I twist and turn it will not turn enough to line up. The dipstick is not seating right and will leak oil. What the hell is the trick to this.
Anyone?
thanks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,167
Likes: 7
From: FL & SoCal
RE: How The Heck Does Dipstick Work!
It's spring loaded. You got to push down and turn to open and close it. Make sure you close it in the exact opposite format that you opened it. If you still have problems, something might be defective.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 782
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From: Shelton WA
RE: How The Heck Does Dipstick Work!
I have an 04 also and the dipstick is a royal pain. I actually have a problem getting it turned out to check the oil. The stick should only rotate in one way...once it is turned to the stop then you simply push down. I have never had a problem with it leaking but I have heard of it on this forum. Some guys have gone to the stick with a temp guage in the top and that seemed to stop the problem for them.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 788
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From:
RE: How The Heck Does Dipstick Work!
I just traded my stock dipstick w/ the temp gauge stick; it's not spring loaded, so you just twist it into place. HINT: there is a big ol' o-ring around the barrel of the dipstick that needs to stay slippery! 
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
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From: Tucson, Az
RE: How The Heck Does Dipstick Work!
The smooth, chrome surface of the cap makes it extremely difficult to manage with the bare hand. I find I have alot more ease working the stock dipstick if I wear (leave on) my leather riding gloves. They give enough additional grip to make a difficult task rather easy.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2005
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From:
RE: How The Heck Does Dipstick Work!
You will find that it twists easier when the oil is warm.... but the bottom line is that it takes a strong grip to turn it either way and just when you think it won't twist any further, it will. Just use a strong grip and once you get it fully closed the cap will match the radius of the top and you can push it down. It definitley is difficult to get a good grip (especially if it has some oil on it) due to the limited area around the seat. Good Luck.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 458
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From: Shreveport, LA
RE: How The Heck Does Dipstick Work!
Dip a Q-tip in the oil and lube the two grooves on the dipstick...goes right in...works for me
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 782
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From: Shelton WA
RE: How The Heck Does Dipstick Work!
What I love about this forum is everyone is on some type of learning curve and willing to share. Someone always presents a suddenly simple solution to a problem. It is very cool.
Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4
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RE: How The Heck Does Dipstick Work!
Thanks for the help guys. I took a q tip and oiled the inside hole, the grooves on the dipstick and the o ring on the dipstick. I put on a leather glove and twisted to the point that I thought it might break and it slipped right in. Thanks a bunch.