Oil Cap Problem of the Day . . .

[Brian C.]

I am a new owner of a 2004 XB12R track bike, and it has been terrific this year -- definitely turns heads amid the usual crowd of Japanese 600s and liter bikes.

In changing the oil today, the oil indicator stick portion of the oil cap broke and fell into the swingarm. I basically shook my head and wondered what I did to deserve this sort of luck.

I'm just wondering if this might have happened to anyone else. Not sure how I would go about retrieving it from the swingarm (about 2 inches, thin plastic stick). Could it just stay in there? Will it disrupt the flow of oil?

Tough day, but hoping from some good ideas.

Thanks.

 

[Theycallmecrash]

Seen it happen to others, usually the fish them out. Its the right thing to do. They make flexible tool with claws at the end you can expand and contract. Grab a beer and start fishing

 

[user_deleted]

^^^^ 10-4 on what jacob said. i would NOT run the motor with the stick dislodged in the oil reservoir. nothing good can come from it being in there. see link below. lowe's has nice ones....harbor freight as well...economically priced and great tool to have in your arsenal. drain the oil out of the reservoir/swingarm making "fishing" much easier. with the oil drained the stick will be at or very close to the drain plug hole. patience my son.....patience.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_79041-56005...roductId=3139045&selectedLocalStoreBeanArray=[com.lowes.commerce.storelocator.beans.LocatorStoreBean%406dec6dec]&storeNumber=1127&kpid=3139045&kpid=3139045&cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-ToolsAndHardware-_-SpecialtyHandTools-_-3139045%3AGeneral_Tools_and_Instruments&CAWELAID=&CAWELAID=1367980213

 

[Brian C.]

Thanks guys, it sounds like fishing it is. I suppose I will need a new cap. Are there sources for OEM replacements, or are there aftermarket types for sale (ebay. etc.).

Thanks for the help.

 

[Chicknstripn]

Sorry to hear about your dip stick dipping out on you!
Yea I know that was corny.
Anyway you should be able to get the OEM dipstick from your local HD. You can also try ASB https://www.americansportbike.com
Im pretty sure Al carries OEM and aftermarket dipsticks/filler caps.
You could also try http://www.surdyke.com. They have been great when I've needed parts.
Another alternative is Buellsterparts.com.
Good luck finding a dipstick and fishing for your busted one. Hope it's not too big a PITA

 

[Brian C.]

Thanks to everyone for the good advice. The tool from Lowe's worked wonders, after a bit of fishing around, I came up with the offending dip stick! Oil is changed and ready to roll for the next track day . . .

Thanks again.

 

[rchuff]

Good to hear you got it out.:up: