Transmission Dipstick?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 522
From: Dutchess County, NY
Transmission Dipstick?
I was reading another HD site and there was talk that the transmission dipstick was getting cut, by the clutch cable sawing across it, and falling into the tranny. The suggestion was to buy a second dipstick and cut off the dipstick and only use the threaded portion to contain the trans oil to avoid this possible problem. Then when it's time to check the transmission use the extra dipstick to check the level.
Has anyone else heard of this or exoerienced a problem?
Has anyone else heard of this or exoerienced a problem?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,005
Likes: 53
From: ID Ho
That only happens if you install the stick behind the cable. It wont saw it off it will break it off first time you pull the clutch.
What really happens is it breaks off from vibration. It gets chewed up by the gears and youd never know it happened, wont hear it wont see it if you pulled the tranny apart. Its a cheap casting that disentigrates pretty quick.
Baker has a billet stick that is not supposed to break! Spendy though.
What really happens is it breaks off from vibration. It gets chewed up by the gears and youd never know it happened, wont hear it wont see it if you pulled the tranny apart. Its a cheap casting that disentigrates pretty quick.
Baker has a billet stick that is not supposed to break! Spendy though.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,754
From: Western South Dakota
I was reading another HD site and there was talk that the transmission dipstick was getting cut, by the clutch cable sawing across it, and falling into the tranny. The suggestion was to buy a second dipstick and cut off the dipstick and only use the threaded portion to contain the trans oil to avoid this possible problem. Then when it's time to check the transmission use the extra dipstick to check the level.
Has anyone else heard of this or exoerienced a problem?
Has anyone else heard of this or exoerienced a problem?
Novice
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,754
From: Western South Dakota
I just did what the other site said and cut off the original dip stick and now use the cap for a plug. Bought another one from HD and will keep it just for checking. Figured that would be the easier route...
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 654
Likes: 11
You have got to be kidding me, right?
This is another known problem caused by cheap material and poor design; and the customer pays.
Boy, does this ever become tiring........
Ride In Peace
This is another known problem caused by cheap material and poor design; and the customer pays.
Boy, does this ever become tiring........
Ride In Peace
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Banned
Joined: May 2010
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Although I have not had any dip stick problems ever with any of my H-Ds (currently have 2007 and 2008 big twins), the solution to cut off the stick on one used to close the hole while using another to measure fluid is probably OK. The recommended change interval on H-Ds with six-speed transmissions is every 20,000 miles. Unless you have a leak or are obsessive about transmision fluid, this is not very often.
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Hmmm,
First I've heard of this. I changed out the original dip stick with one of the HD speed check dip sticks a few weeks ago and didn't see anything. Of course I really wasn't looking.
Guess when I get home I'll have to check the old one to see if there any marks like oryxs's shows.
First I've heard of this. I changed out the original dip stick with one of the HD speed check dip sticks a few weeks ago and didn't see anything. Of course I really wasn't looking.
Guess when I get home I'll have to check the old one to see if there any marks like oryxs's shows.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
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.
Last edited by iclick; May 28, 2010 at 12:09 AM.