Dip stick popping out

  • Ratbob
    Ratbob
    5 years ago
    2013 Twin Cam Softail 103. Done 60,000 Ks. 
    After about 15 minutes riding the dip stick pops out.  I didn’t think the tank was pressurised or is it? 
    Don’t want to buy a new one if it’s symptomatic of another issue.
    Any ideas guys ?


  • Baloffski
    Baloffski
    5 years ago
    Hey Rat, from memory I think there is a minimal pressure, thinking was 15 psi or similar, so not a huge issue. 
    But as your probably more concerned is it connected to a failure of more significance. 
  • Ferrett62
    Ferrett62
    5 years ago
    Had mine jump out when I started it once, slightly over full oil tank and I think the o ring had hardened with heat.Replaced the ring with one I happened to have that was a bit thicker and a little tighter fit and remover a small amount of oil, hasn't done it again.
  • Wideglider
    Wideglider
    5 years ago
    Make sure oil level not too high. 
    Check condition of O-ring, make sure not cracked or split, it should have some elasticity. 
  • steelo
    steelo
    5 years ago
    Isn’t there a story about that. Bloke yells out  “ hey, look at the 2 dipsticks on that Harley”. Rb spends 10 minutes looking for the second. 
  • Baloffski
    Baloffski
    5 years ago
    steelo, its Sat night .. most of us , arrrr now i get it.
  • Daffy
    Daffy
    5 years ago
    Quoting Ratbob on 05 Oct 2019 02:23 AM

    2013 Twin Cam Softail 103. Done 60,000 Ks. 

    After about 15 minutes riding the dip stick pops out.  I didn’t think the tank was pressurised or is it? 
    Don’t want to buy a new one if it’s symptomatic of another issue.
    Any ideas guys ?


    If you have even slightly more oil than it likes then this will happen. Very frustrating until you find the happy medium.Oil level on full line no good About halfway between low and full when hot.I topped mine up recently as I thought it was a bit low and hello leaking again.Good luck
  • Ratbob
    Ratbob
    5 years ago
    Thanks guys, it’s a used bike I’m thinking of buying off a mate so I’ll run through the suggested checks.
    Doesn’t sound like a symptom of something more serious. Cheers
  • Roo Ted
    Roo Ted
    5 years ago
    It's a Harley thing. My dipstick pops out about 15 minutes into every ride. Just gotta keep it zipped up. ;-)
  • speedzter
    speedzter
    5 years ago
    Check operation of the head breathers, and perform a leak down test if your worried. The oil tank should have a breather balance tube. Check if it's not blocked.