Dip stick Mod??

[Jcol]

One of the few things that I don't like about my new to me 81 is the oil level sight glass. I just find it hard to see through that hole in the chrome side piece and the light has to be just right. I like the idea of the chrome dip stick mod that I have seen pictures of but it looks like it means leaving off the lower fairing piece which I'm reluctant to do. Has anyone installed the dipstick and retained the lower fairing by drilling a hole through it?? If not are there any other options? Perhaps a dipstick at the oil filling hole? Thanks.

 

[dan filipi]

I cut off a dip stick tube and put a clear hose on it. This way I can see the level at a glance.
It seems to be accurate enough.

 

[Jcol]

Interesting,, do you still have the lower front fairing piece in place with this arrangement?

 

[dan filipi]

If you mean the add on "scoop" as I call it no, I don't have one of those. I'm not sure if it would interfere.
I have a pic of what I did somewhere, I see if I can find it.

 

[rock42]

i seen on some web site (can't remember for sure) that they had a dipstick that replaced the oil filler cap. i will try to find the site and get it to you as soon as i can.

 

[AApple]

Doh!! I thought you wuz callin one of the Mods a dip stick!! :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy:

I don't know how the heck you would get anything to stick down into the oil fill hole without hitting something.... :headscratch:

 

[54Greybeard]

Yea, I don't like the sight glass either. Normally a sight glass is a really nice thing but these are truly hard t read

 

[mcgovern61]

One of the few things that I don't like about my new to me 81 is the oil level sight glass. I just find it hard to see through that hole in the chrome side piece and the light has to be just right. I like the idea of the chrome dip stick mod that I have seen pictures of but it looks like it means leaving off the lower fairing piece which I'm reluctant to do. Has anyone installed the dipstick and retained the lower fairing by drilling a hole through it?? If not are there any other options? Perhaps a dipstick at the oil filling hole? Thanks.

I went the easy route. My '81 was also too hard to see....sooo...I swapped out the engine to an '83 which has a nice big circle of a sight glass! Solved that problem! See..there is a real easy fix! :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy:

 

[joedrum]

IMHO the lower ad on peice you are refering to actuly blcks air that the oil filter and waterpump should get .... i would no problem dumping it for a dipstick

 

[89-300ce]

I went the easy route. My '81 was also too hard to see....sooo...I swapped out the engine to an '83 which has a nice big circle of a sight glass! Solved that problem! See..there is a real easy fix! :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy:

I was wondering why this seemed like such a big deal to people. Now I know.

 

[Jcol]

IMHO the lower ad on peice you are refering to actuly blcks air that the oil filter and waterpump should get .... i would no problem dumping it for a dipstick

Thanks for the replies and suggestions and sorry if anyone thought I was calling a Mod a dipstick. I really should not post first thing in the morning. As for the lower fairing piece that is currently on my bike I thought it was part of the original fairing and would have come this way when purchsed? It sounds like alot of people don't have one. I suppose it does block some air to the oil filter and water pump but on the other hand I sort of think it adds some protection for that lower rad hose and the oil filter housing from stuff kicked up by the front wheel. I think I'll go ahead and order the dip stick mod and see when I get it if I can figure out some way to use it and keep the lower piece. If not I'll go without the piece. I'll report back, thanks.

 

[AApple]

...and sorry if anyone thought I was calling a Mod a dipstick. I really should not post first thing in the morning...

:smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy:

I have a hard time seeing the oil level on mine, too, if it's in the garage(tight space). If it's outside, not so much. I do use a brite lite to be able to see...but it's just a pita to have to bend down to check the oil like that.... :Awe:

 

[kah92340]

I went with the dipstick also, I didn't like getting on my knees with a flash light every time I wanted to check the oil. I've seen guys drill a hole in the scoop for the dip stick and it didn't look like to much of an issue.
I saw Dan's tube on his bike and it is pretty cool all you have to do is look at it and you know you have oil. But I'm still sticking with the dip stick I really like it. :yes:

 

[Omega Man]

Here's some pics of the different "MODS" I mean dipsticks. :smilie_happy:

Here's AApple(the dipstick)


Here's Omega


And here's Dan


As you can clearly see, Omega is the biggest dipstick on these forums. :thank_you:

~O~

 

[slabghost]

:smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy:

 

[aslatk]

Dan's tubing sure makes it easy to check. Even though the crankcase isn't under pressure, that oil gets quite hot and I might get somewhat concerned about the tubing failing which would mean a loss of oil that ya might not be aware of while riding, even though not likely unless it gets old and brittle. I have a dipstick but need to mark it as such when full. Been using the sight glass when checking tire pressures but do need to use a light to see it :shock: .
Now if you cut the steel dipstick tube about an inch from the full mark and attached a piece of tubing to it, that might work for me.

 

[joedrum]

that was great strat :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: if i remember right o auction off the biggest dipstick title :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: who was it that wanted it so bad and got it was it tory :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: even feeling bad that me laugh bigtime :mrgreen:

 

[danf]

I cut off a dip stick tube and put a clear hose on it. This way I can see the level at a glance.
It seems to be accurate enough.

Ok, I knew you weren't right Dan, but this confirms it....That's crazy smart man...Good one, tell me that you thought of it please.. :clapping: I have a dip stick but I didn't do that, what lower fairing.?, I never had one..what's it look like..Geee I didn't know of it.. You guy's are flippen funny...

 

[dan filipi]

I've never seen anyone do the hose deal like I did.
The hose wall thickness is heavy so I'm not concerned the hose will suddenly open up like mentioned but I do have a look at it once in awhile.

 

[Flinx]

I cut off a dip stick tube and put a clear hose on it. This way I can see the level at a glance.
It seems to be accurate enough.

Ok, I knew you weren't right Dan, but this confirms it....That's crazy smart man...Good one, tell me that you thought of it please.. :clapping: I have a dip stick but I didn't do that, what lower fairing.?, I never had one..what's it look like..Geee I didn't know of it.. You guy's are flippen funny...

If you goto here and look at the bottom of the rad, you'll see what they mean by lower fairing. Thats a image from Chasrogers gallery.