I've got my little 80" shovel project going and was wondering if I need to keep the factory oil cooler or if I can ditch it? Few things. I put in a 3.5 quart oil tank w/a remote mount oil filter about 18" away from the tank. I live in Northern Ut where the temp does get to 90-95 for a few months in the summer but usually about 80-85. So do you guys think I need it or can I scrap it? Thanks.

 

On a Shovel, I would keep the oil cooler. I live in Utah also and I always ran an oil cooler on a shovel but never had any problem with the bike related to heat but they do get hot. My 76 FLH is an 82" big bore, stock stroke w/S&S barrels and pistons, I pulled into Moab on a hot day in July and felt something vibrating between my legs, I could not figure out what it was. Much to my horror, when I took off the gas cap, The gasoline was boiling in the gas tank. We went to Woodys. S&S in the day recommended Aeroshell 50W in their motors. We ran it in the trans and engine and never had a problem with either. I still use it in my Shovels to this day. I still enjoy riding Shovels but when you shift a 96" into 6th gear at 80 MPH it makes you glad to have lived this long. Enjoy your Shovelhead. Happy Trails

 

Welcome to the forum hiway. Where the hell is Kenilworth? Ya my shovels just a bar hopper. I've got a night train for the long haul. Although I'm pretty excited to do some over nighters on the shovel. Thanks for the info

 

An oil cooler will make about a 20 degree difference. If you ditch it I would use a heavy weight oil in the summer. In South Florida I run 60 or 70 weight.

 

I've used a cooler (and straight 60) on all 3 of the Shovels I've had. A lot more cast iron on those older motors.

 

I have always used an oil cooler, especially on my shovels. Like another favorite thing in my life, I find if both are well and truly lubricated, the ride is much longer and trouble-free. Oil is the cheapest investment you can make to keep your ride around for decades and decades, rather than just a few years.

Tuk

 

go with a cooler. if you worry your running to ccole you can always buy a oil cooler thermostat or in the winter put a bypass valve of some type.

 

All solid answers.I ran 60wt amsoil with cooler never had an issue.

 

Baker 6into4 tranny? Worth the money? I want one.

 

Cooler is optional, they didn't start putting them on till 75 years later, no good if its 60 degrees or less out. I'm re-doing my Low Rider right now and I'm putting the factory one back on only cause I'm going back to completely stock original with it.