Dipstick Difficulties
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
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From: USA
Dipstick Difficulties
04 Road King, chrome capped dipstick.
This has to be the most obnoxious dipstick to pull out that I've ever had. Generally I first rip the chrome cap off. Then I get the channel locks and twist hard on the rubber plug to break it free (invariably stuck to the case). Finally I twist and pull the plug out of the case and check the oil.
Have any of you folk made changes to your dipstick or such to make this easier? I've thought about trimming down the ridges on the dipstick so it hopefully won't grip the case so tightly. I've tried various lubes, but none seem to last and let the dipstick be pulled out by hand.
There's got to be a better way!
This has to be the most obnoxious dipstick to pull out that I've ever had. Generally I first rip the chrome cap off. Then I get the channel locks and twist hard on the rubber plug to break it free (invariably stuck to the case). Finally I twist and pull the plug out of the case and check the oil.
Have any of you folk made changes to your dipstick or such to make this easier? I've thought about trimming down the ridges on the dipstick so it hopefully won't grip the case so tightly. I've tried various lubes, but none seem to last and let the dipstick be pulled out by hand.
There's got to be a better way!
Banned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 17,008
Likes: 14,675
From: in a cave at the foothills
I probably have the same dipstick on my 01 King. Feel your frustration and have for many years. The thing has always been a bugger to get out with or without the chrome cap. Tried a couple different adhesives before I found one that worked long term. Wish I could tell you what it was but do not remember. Sorry I can't help any better than that.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 288
Likes: 25
From: Tumwater, Wa
Same here, '04 Road King. First I twist the cap back and forth, like a bottle cap. Then I 'rock' the cap back and forth, left and right. Then pull while twisting again. A little snug but comes right out.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,578
Likes: 463
From: On a Lake, not far from the Gulf
Never had a problem with the oil dip stick, but most times replacing the transmission dip stick gives me the fits. Can't seem to line it up right first, second, or umpth time.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 798
From: Bear Flag, lower end
I had the same issue, my solution was to twist the cap to left while pulling up. When I did that the stick would always pop up.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,852
Likes: 816
From: Niagara Falls, Canada.
Definately a terrible design ! A threaded one fitted at the factory would surely not cost too much ?...b.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,094
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From: mid Michigan
Mine comes apart most the time. Maybe I'll try a new like was mentioned, but would rather find one that is better if there out there.
Looks like 99- 06 are the same.
Looks like 99- 06 are the same.
Last edited by xcbullet; Nov 17, 2017 at 11:27 AM.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 17,008
Likes: 14,675
From: in a cave at the foothills
Reading this again I just thought of a possible option. Any time I have looked for a replacement it wasn't the correct length. Seems something like 2 3/4" or thereabouts. But why couldn't a piece be added on to the specific length? Most I have seen that I thought would work had a temperature display and wider at the chrome than at the inserted base.