Bad tranny dipstick : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

berserker · 09-20-2005, 11:26 PM

Checked my tranny fluid tonight. Found two 1/8"+ peices of chrome missing from the dipstick and most of the base worn down to the copper?

Hopefully its all on the drain plug. I don't know how good I looked at the dipstick last time changed, 5k miles, I didn't know it was a wear item. Maybe been missing for awhile

Any suggestions? Going to change oil tomorrow. Will probablly put new HD didstick in. Though I really don't like that. Sure doesn't inspire me with confidence, its not like its a wear and tear item.

Can inspect the dipstick every day, but probably not going to see much until peels and then its in the oil already.

Tried taking some pics but didn't wrk to good with the flash and at night.

2001 FLHR. 32k miles.

ViennaHog · 09-20-2005, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by berserker

Checked my tranny fluid tonight. Found two 1/8"+ peices of chrome missing from the dipstick and most of the base worn down to the copper?

Hopefully its all on the drain plug. I don't know how good I looked at the dipstick last time changed, 5k miles, I didn't know it was a wear item. Maybe been missing for awhile

Any suggestions? Going to change oil tomorrow. Will probablly put new HD didstick in. Though I really don't like that. Sure doesn't inspire me with confidence, its not like its a wear and tear item.

Can inspect the dipstick every day, but probably not going to see much until peels and then its in the oil already.

Tried taking some pics but didn't wrk to good with the flash and at night.

2001 FLHR. 32k miles.

You probably run this evil SYNTHETIC in the tranny.......

Which manufacturer of the stick?. Very likely the ended up nicely ground on the drain plug

berserker · 09-20-2005, 11:59 PM

Stock dip stick. Run Syn-3 for last 20k miles.

Is it a big deal? Do the gears just grind it up? It is just a gear box, gears grind too. But I've horror stories about Kurykakn plughs peeling and destroying tranny. But internet attracts worse case.

Part of me is hoping since bike is seem ok, everything is ok. For all I know peeled 10k miles ago. But then there is worry wort paranoid..

Figure on gettin HD didpstick, the one can check without allen.

berserker · 09-21-2005, 12:13 AM

Anything else can thread in there without stick? Just a plug?

xxxflhrci · 09-21-2005, 02:06 AM

About a month ago, I was in an Indy buddy's shop. He ask how the chrome was on my dipstick and told me to get it outta the bike. I gave it to him. He looked at it, then took a wire brush to the bottom of the cap where the stick is welded. I asked why. He said he was making sure the chrome wasn't peeling or ready to peel. Still puzzled, I asked why. He showed me a late model bike that needed the tranny rebuilt. He said the bearings were shot. He blamed it on the peeling chrome from the tranny's dipstick. Most of the chrome had peeled off of it.

However, I checked out your pic. The chrome missing from your's is from where the clutch cable rubs the stick. Mine is like that and has been since the first time I ever checked the fluid 5 years ago.

berserker · 09-21-2005, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxxflhrci

.

However, I checked out your pic. The chrome missing from your's is from where the clutch cable rubs the stick. Mine is like that and has been since the first time I ever checked the fluid 5 years ago.

Still where did it go?

How will I know when goes? I have had a leak for a long time on the left side by the rear of the inner primmary. its been wet, but level seems ok. Can't get my head in there to see. Was hoping to look when go to 95". Could that be where shaft comes out of the tranny? Have to try to see better.

The base of the dipstick, where it screws in is also missing. Should repalce with another HD dipstick?

berserker · 09-21-2005, 08:17 AM

If I put a new dipstick in will the cable just wear more chrome off into the tranny? The stick has two spots missing but not flaking. The base has quite a bit missing, kinda flaking. Question is are the threads in the trany flaking too?

ViennaHog · 09-21-2005, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by berserker

Still where did it go?

How will I know when goes? I have had a leak for a long time on the left side by the rear of the inner primmary. its been wet, but level seems ok. Can't get my head in there to see. Was hoping to look when go to 95". Could that be where shaft comes out of the tranny? Have to try to see better.

The base of the dipstick, where it screws in is also missing. Should repalce with another HD dipstick?

The chrome plating is very thin and brittle due to the aplication process. I am not sure whether the chrome plating itself is magnetic, maybe somebody in the chromer's business can chime in. In case the chrome chip gets between the gears, it should just disintegrate to a powdery stuff. Don't think it does any damage. My comment on 'evil syn' was an attempt to pull your leg though..........

As to the leak, it's very likely the primary seal and the starter jackshaft seal. Replace them with the latest version of the seal.
What do you mean with 'base of the dipstick is missing' ? Just the plating or the whole chunk of metal?

berserker · 09-21-2005, 11:48 AM

The chrome finnish on the base of dip stick is peeling, the flat circular part. Underneath looks like copper.

xxxflhrci · 09-21-2005, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by berserker

The chrome finnish on the base of dip stick is peeling, the flat circular part. Underneath looks like copper.

That's the way it was on the bike my buddy was working on.

ViennaHog · 09-21-2005, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by berserker

The chrome finnish on the base of dip stick is peeling, the flat circular part. Underneath looks like copper.

Looks like bad manufacuring to me. I wouldn't worry about it and change the oil. If you are concerened that the actual dip stick will come loose, I would replace it with a plug.

As to the leak if it is the primary seal, it's primary oil that's leaking. It oozes out right between the tranny sprocket and the inner primary cover. Couple of hours work to fix it though

hdmarsh77 · 09-21-2005, 03:59 PM

Take a dremmel or the like and grind off all the chrome on the shaft part of the stick. Then give it a good cleaning. I suggest this to prevent any further chrome from flaking off and posibly(but unlikely) ruining your tranny. I have the same rub marks from the cable but the chroming looked good last time I checked it.

I would change fliud too just in case.

fxstc80 · 09-21-2005, 06:47 PM

Baker transmission makes a real nice dipstick. No chrome to flake and no weld to break.

berserker · 09-21-2005, 07:59 PM

The Baker one in J&P is chrome, but says it is thicker and tappered at base where attaches to plug. The part where it attaches to the plug is flaking too. $25 in J&P. Probably can find little cheaper, add $5 shipping. Dealer wants $30 for one you can check by hand. I'd rather go no harley after this episode.

xxxflhrci · 09-21-2005, 08:11 PM

Stuff and old sock in it and check the oil with a corndog stick.