Transmission Dipstick?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,005
Likes: 53
From: ID Ho
Checking my transmission oil today ( 2009 UC ) and noticed that the dipstick has some chafe marks. Took some photos of dipstick and the cause. As you can see there's a piece of casting/milling left at the bottom. This chafes against the dipstick, which will eventually cause failure. Have started the warranty process with my dealer and will keep you posted.
Those arent chafe marks, that is where it was wired up during the chroming process, EVERY HD stick has those same marks in the same place!
If that spot in the bottom of the hole was touching the stick when it is installed there would be a decending spiral mark on the stick (from being screwed in) not an unchromed spot in 2 places!
Last edited by hog-doc; May 28, 2010 at 12:19 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Saskatchewan, Canada
You're too cynical and don't recognize this as the marketing masterstroke that it is. HD Marketing Rule #1: Sell them two of everything possible. They can now sell all HD owners a second dipstick at $15 each, so think about the increased earnings potential here. It's a brilliant concept that follows so many other similar ideas like the SE compensator, big-bore kit, chrome fork legs, oil-temperature gauge, etc. Selling you two of everything is much better than one, for them. They start by making something weak (e.g., stock compensator), ugly (fork legs), useless (air-temp gauge), or too small (engine bore), and then offer you the new-and-improved part after you buy the bike. You of course can't buy it the way you want from the factory, as that would mean you'd only buy one of everything. See Marketing Rule #1 above.
Back to the dipstick, my feeling is this: Why check the tranny fluid at all? If it doesn't leak and you drain out 1 qt. and put 1 qt. back in for every change it will always be at the right level. It doesn't evaporate and isn't consumed like engine oil past rings and valve guides, so why check it between changes? I'll be cutting mine off tomorrow and I won't be buying a new one.
Back to the dipstick, my feeling is this: Why check the tranny fluid at all? If it doesn't leak and you drain out 1 qt. and put 1 qt. back in for every change it will always be at the right level. It doesn't evaporate and isn't consumed like engine oil past rings and valve guides, so why check it between changes? I'll be cutting mine off tomorrow and I won't be buying a new one.
Novice
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Thanks for the info Hog-doc. My thought was more along the lines that the clearance between dipstick and the piece of metal is so little that the vibration of the motor causes contact. The mark at the bottom is actually more of a groove. The top one looks like the chrome just came off.That's why these forums are so helpful. 
I'm sure Harley technical will come back with the same info.
After your post I went to check again and do some measurements with the micrometer. If the piece was actually making contact with the dipstick it would be exactly half way between the two marks. DOH, Should've done that the first time around. Live and learn.
I'm sure Harley technical will come back with the same info. After your post I went to check again and do some measurements with the micrometer. If the piece was actually making contact with the dipstick it would be exactly half way between the two marks. DOH,
Should've done that the first time around. Live and learn.
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