no dipstick on '05fse450

[flybars]

My '05 fse 450 came without the dipstick connected to the oil fill cap. So far it hasn't been a problem 'cause I always drain and replace with recommended amount and new oil filter. But if I ever lose oil out on the trail, I wouldn't no how much to add. I've called my dealer and they couln't answer the question and never got back to me. Anyone else who has the same year and
model have this same setup? Thanks, Bob

[MattR]

The 2T bikes don't have dipsticks just the sight glass on the side. I always go by known oil quantity. Sight glass is just for double-checks.

I would be surprised if the 4T bikes have a dipstick.

[eff]

According to your manual, you should have a dipstick.

I'm sure you could order one from a dealer. Frankly I'd really concerned it may be in the frame and potentially clog the fitting/hose into the cranckcase.

[flybars]

Thanks for the heads up eff. Does anyone have an idea how I could locate the dipstick if it has dropped down the frame tube? You know, everyone say's to support your local dealer but if they are not into dirtbikes and especially the brands they sell, I'd much rather give my loyalty to dealer's like Nick and Mark and Steve! These guys ride and know their GG products. Nick has done alot of research on the FSE already, and has helped me find a skidplate and has good advice on dual mapping, rekluse etc. for this bike.
I've called my dealer about this dipstick thing before and they don't know and they don't get back to me. I feel like once my bike left their door's, they forgot who I was.
Sorry for ranting guys, but this dipstick thing worries me and there's little support here. This is why I'm so glad I found this site!!! Actually Oregon Rider mentioned this site when I was browsing another forum. Thankyou very much O.R.!

[MattR]

I did not see the frame-style oil fill cap on the 2007. The oil fill cap is on the left side of engine. Was the frame-style oil fill only the 2004/2005 models?

I also noticed the Corporate GasGas site had the workshop manual for the 2004/2005 (no other years available). They did a nice job with the photos and specs. I was impressed. By the way, page 14 shows the dip stick in this manual.

If you don't have the FSE workshop manual, here is the link:
http://www.gasgasmotos.es/web/rcs/en.../taller_en.zip

[eff]

I'm sad to hear your dealer problems, but there are always a few bad apples in the bushel.

I have know idea how to locate the old dipstick, and it may not even be in the frame. One idea is to remove the hose at the bottom when you have the oil drained and see if you feel it with the end of a paper clip. Good luck with the search.

BTW just like Matt posted the manuals for many of the bikes are found at the corporate site, www.gasgasmotos.es

[Metalefty]

Originally Posted by flybars

Does anyone have an idea how I could locate the dipstick if it has dropped down the frame tube?

Ay Flybars,
Does your dipstick cap have a little round hole on the bottom? If so, then your dipstick has probably fallen down into the frame. Maybe try using a magnet on something flexible to send down the frame or drain the oil and disconnect the frame to engine oil hose located on the lower front part of the frame and see if it falls out of that hole. The dipstick is actually a tightly wound spring 1\16" wide and if you temporaraly want to measure your oil height, it's exactly 9 1\16" long starting from were it comes out of the hole on the cap.

[cladoo]

The '05 450 I brought in was the same way, no dipstick! My dist got one too the same way. I don't think the factory installed them.

[flybars]

Thanks for all the help guys. I've got this telescoping shaft with a small but strong magnet on the end. Looks like a antenae. So I thought I'd give it a quick try. I had to arch it a bit to turn into down tube at about a 45 degree angle from the fill hole. It's made out of some cheap brittle metal I found out. So it broke.
I will do an oil change tomorrow and see if I can retrieve it from the bottom.
If that doesn't work I can take a clotheshanger and reattach the magnet. I'll feel better knowing it's not down there restricting oil flow.
And thanks for the manual website. I had tried another one in the past and didn't have much luck. Bob

[MattR]

Perhaps, the dipstick fell off of the cap (prior to install) or as Cladoo mentioned, the factory missed it on a batch. Either way, You won't know for sure until you make your best attempt at retrieving it (if it's there).

Isn't the frame magnetic since it's steel? I would think sending a magnet down inside would only get stuck to the frame tube.

How big is the openning? I have a flexible shaft retriever (not sure of real name) with 4 retracted fingers. When you push on a plunger on one end, the 4 fingers extend out the other end and spread so you can grab an object. I have used it many times for retrieving "lost items".

EDIT:
Did some searching and found the tool from Snap-on's website:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools...e=snapon-store
There are four choices available.

Here is one example: