I recently bought a Dakota Digital Speedo Tach that shows engine temp. I have searched for this and looked through the service annual but can't find what I am looking for.

What is the optimal engine operating temperature not oil? My 2009 softail runs from 245 on the highway to a high of 325 in traffic and averages around 270. There is the option for me to set a high temp warning but no specifics on what that should be.

Thanks!

 

This engine temperature you are seeing is from the sensor mounted in the front head, right behine or near the horn area. By the top engine mount.
It shows the temperature of the running head. The ECM uses this to help figure what it figures.
Best running oil temp is around 200-212 degrees F. Then you have no water in the oil. This will normally run 225-230 maybe in the summer. This is hot enough to think about doing something.

So the way to affect this air cooled engine is with:

fuel mixture
Since oil flows all over the top end, a lot of heat is taken off there and a oil cooler can help a lot. A big oil cooler.
The more oil pressure you can have, above 40 lbs at least puts more oil to the top end taking heat away.
Keep moving if possible.
I also use the best oil I can put in. Syn for sure.

 

Thanks Old Gunny. I think I'll add an oil temperature gauge to help complete the picture.

 

Seem like when I have done TTS V-tuneing the head runs in the 350 area. This is not oil but actual head temp.

I don't really moniture that too much cause it is what it is. Just the natural by product of the process. It does affect the oil temp though and I can help there with a cooler.

You sit at a road construction block awhile and you won't need another alarm. You know it will get hot and you may have to find another way.