Do I need an oil cooler on my 77????
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RE: Do I need an oil cooler on my 77???? - 5/19/2008 5:03:06 PM
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piniongear
Posts: 1621
Joined: 2/13/2006
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My vote is for no oil cooler.\
The engine is air cooled. The heat is transferred to the engine oil. The air flowing over the cooling fins keeps the engine temp correct, so the same must be true for the oil. I have never had my oil 'overheat' and I have never felt a need to run a cooler on any bike I have ever owned. Apparently the factory feels the same way........pg
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RE: Do I need an oil cooler on my 77???? - 5/19/2008 6:53:19 PM
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pyro
Posts: 231
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I have heard arguments for both sides. As PG pointed out, HD didn't feel it needed one. However, at the same time, they also couldn't keep the oil of the showroom floor. The explination that I have heard that makes sense to me is that by dissipating the heat with oil also, it helps to keep the pistons that much cooler and you can go further before a top end rebuild is needed. What I remember is about 35,000 miles with no cooler vs. 50,000 with. I don't have any personal experienc to confirm or dispute this but I trust the sources. I think more important is where you live and how you drive. I live in GA where every day is 95+ degrees with 3 billion % humidity, but my daily commute to work is 12 miles with two stop signs and one light. By the time it gets to full operating temp, I'm 1/3 of the way there. If I still had my old commute time of 55+ mins. I MIGHT put one on it. Just another opinion.
Rich
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RE: Do I need an oil cooler on my 77???? - 5/19/2008 7:39:46 PM
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supr2nr
Posts: 249
Joined: 12/26/2007
From: West Tennessee
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sorry to hijack your thread here, but pyro are those 16" apes on your bike? I just ordered a set of 16's for mine! They should be here tomorrow!! I'm like a 5 year old waiting for christmas to come, I can't wait! I also didn't realize that you lived just around the corner from me. Where at in GA do you live? My folks live down in Albany.
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RE: Do I need an oil cooler on my 77???? - 5/19/2008 8:00:21 PM
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pyro
Posts: 231
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Just had to re-check the height... yes, they are 16's.
I'm in Greensboro, which is the halfway point between Atlanta and Augusta out I-20 East. Look for Lake Oconee on the map. I've got an old Navy buddy that lives 10 min outside of Tellico Plains on 68. I've done the Dragon/Cherahalla Skyway loop with him once so far and will do it again once the bike is done and I get a day or two off work.
Rich
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RE: Do I need an oil cooler on my 77???? - 5/20/2008 5:59:52 AM
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83XLX
Posts: 213
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I put an oil cooler on mine a number of years ago. Living in the deep south, my motor's happier and pings less, so I'm sure it's running a little less hot.
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RE: Do I need an oil cooler on my 77???? - 5/20/2008 6:12:18 AM
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ragrat64
Posts: 160
Joined: 7/17/2006
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Thanks for the replies, gents. I just figured that since my 92 did not have one, why would the ironhead? With the advancement of oils, I figured that it could not hurt it plus it would be less places for possible leaks....
1 week till shes on the road, will post some pics!!!!!!!
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77 IRONHEAD
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RE: Do I need an oil cooler on my 77???? - 5/20/2008 6:39:36 AM
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83XLX
Posts: 213
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quote:
ORIGINAL: ragrat64
Thanks for the replies, gents. I just figured that since my 92 did not have one, why would the ironhead? With the advancement of oils, I figured that it could not hurt it plus it would be less places for possible leaks....
1 week till shes on the road, will post some pics!!!!!!!
I'm sure that Ironheads will do OK without an oil cooler. As piniongear said, if they required one, the factory would have put one on. That said, in hot climates, I'm sure they help the motor's longevity a little, and I'm not worried about leaks or road damage - mine's up out of harm's way and adds just two extra hose connections.
You can't really compare a 92 to an Ironhead. The aluminum heads and cylinders dissipate heat MUCH better than the cast iron ones, and a cooler isn't necessary on an Evo except under extreme conditions, like racing.
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