Today we went on a big ride and on our way back i stopped and noticed some smoke. When i looked down i saw i had no dipstick!!! I have no idea how it became unscrewed but there was oil everywhere!! I had another litre in the bike so i poured it in to see how much i had lost and it looks like i was down mabye a litre. I dont think i travelled far when it blew judging i had only lost that much. I was towed back to the truck and ordered a new stick. I am wondering if there was any damage done and how would i know. I cant start it untill i get another dipstic. I am praying everything is allright!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

 

The other day I found a dipstick that I had definitely tightened, and it was half loose. Not quite sure how it happened.

I would worry about the dirt that might have gotten in there while the dipstick was off! If it were me, I would change my oil and filter, ride it a little, then change them again just to be sure.

 

I am definately changing the oil and filter, but that is odd that they would loosen like that. I hope there is no long term damage.

 

Just on that note, when we were on our way back we were blasting down the road where the thing would have come off. I would think that there is lots of pressure upward keeping any dirt out of the crankcase. Thus all the oil that spewed out.

 

I always use a pair of pliers to give mine an extra 1/8 turn for goo measure. Keep a set in your tool kit for when you need to check your oil. Also make sure the o-ring is good on the stick, if its worn or missing it will no longer help keep the stick tightened. (should be round, not flattened out or oval.)

 

funny thing you mentioned that i dont think there was any o-ring on that one!! The new one should ..( i hope for 30 bucks!!)

 

what kind of machine are you riding, corky? Did you notice if the oil light was on at the time? I think if the oil goes low enough, the pump wont be able to pick it up to cool it and the light will come on. If the light wasnt on, I think you'll be alright. Just fill it with oil and start it up. If it sounds normal, then you're probably ok.

 

...sorry it is a 91 300 fourtrax. The oil light never came on, but i never trust those things anyway. I'm keeing my fingers crossed.

 

Well changed the oil today and fired her up and everything sounds good...no somke and no strange noises. Good old honda, will see another day. Turns out the dipstick was missing the rubber o-ring which keeps a seal from vibration. Should be good to go now.