Oil dip stick

It doesn't matter how long it is, rather how well you use it!

This is actually a serious issue, much discussed. However, given the time of night I will put off composing a proper reply until tomorrow.

HaveMk1A and Mk3 850 Commandos. Dipstick on Mk1A is muchshorter than the one on Mk3 (by about an inch and a half) - both dipsticks are the originals.

I always maintain oil level at midway between high and low marks on both - filling to the max mark results ina smokey exhaust on both bikes. There's beena couple of threads before on the Commando dipstick max level mark resulting in overfilling.

FYI, there is no dipstick on a 1968 Commando

And the answer to the question is?

Previously Chris R. Cabaj wrote:

And the answer to the question is?

I personally believe the dipstick is not important on a dry sump system. On most British iron its a visual check. I check oil level after a ride as the sump is fully scavenged. Anyway,the Mk1's had a shorter stick.

  For those in any doubt, how's about this for an idea ?

 When next doing an oil change, refill the oil tank with the correct quantity according to the owners book, then take it for a ride. Check the oil level and if it coincides with the marks on the dipstick then you're quids in, if not purchase the correct one !

Ps, always check the oil level when the engine is hot, ie after a run and not when its cold in the morning coz your oil will be on holiday in your sump !!

There's a well-known problem of short (wrong) and long (correct) dipsticks. I'm attaching a picture of mine:

Measured from the underside of the rivet fastening the rod to the cap, we have

1. 91 mm from domed pressing to end of dipstick (or 3.5 in., as in Henshaw's book, meaning it is a short one)
2. about 78 mm to "L" (approx. 3.125 in.)
3. 61 mm approx. to "H" (approx. 2.325 in.)

So about 17 mm [0.8 in.] difference between high and low)

Henshaw suggests filling no more than 0.25 in. above "L" on "short" dipstick, i.e. to approx. 72 mm [2.875 in.] 

From an earlier forum discussion

* Martin Peacock has

• Original dipstick: H at 74mm, L at 90mm down (which corresponds to Henshaw's recommendation)
• New dipstick: H at 68mm, L at 88mm

* John Holmes

• 72 750 and 74 850 MK2A. both H 63mm L 79mm

Next oil change put the correct amount of oil in, run it so the oil filter fills up (if fitted) then file a new mark on the other side of the dipstick.

Picture Andover Norton