Cold weather mods needed?
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 973
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From: West TN
Cold weather mods needed?
I generally ride the 35 mile commute to work all year down to about 25 degrees, (al long as no ice). In my diesel truck I block half the radiator with cardboard to allow it to reach temp, do I need to do the same with the oil cooler on the softail?
HDF Community Team
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,371
Likes: 2,339
From: Wisconsin
It might be a good idea. I would get one of these: https://www.jescustomaccents.com/18-...LK-Oil-14G.htm
The oil should be 200F minimum after extended riding. That will keep moisture from accumulating in the oil.
The oil should be 200F minimum after extended riding. That will keep moisture from accumulating in the oil.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 973
Likes: 440
From: West TN
Thanks for the reply, when I was on the sporty the oil in the bag ran 180- 190 after 45 min at 60+. I call that good as bag temp is always gonna be a tad low. That thermo is my next toy....
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 371
Likes: 146
From: Colorado
It might be a good idea. I would get one of these: https://www.jescustomaccents.com/18-...LK-Oil-14G.htm
The oil should be 200F minimum after extended riding. That will keep moisture from accumulating in the oil.
The oil should be 200F minimum after extended riding. That will keep moisture from accumulating in the oil.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
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From: Carlsbad, CA
I doubt that the oil cooler, or even the wet head radiators have enough cooling capacity to significantly reduce motor oil temperature. Especially when you consider the entire surface area of the motor exposed to the ambient air.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Long Island, New York
Back in the day when we installed oil coolers on all of our bikes, we would just cover all of the oil cooler fins with black electrical tape for the winter. Picture four or five horizontal rows from side to side. One day it will get warm again, just peel it off and put in the garbage. It worked in the 80's anyway, good luck.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2016
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From: West TN
I'm running the 10 w 40. I will have to get in the book and see it the oil cooling system has a thermostat, cause I aint parking it
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,371
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From: Wisconsin
No I have not, but, I was thinking there is nothing I can do about high oil temps so who needs it. I did not consider covering part of the radiator if I ride a lot in the fall at 35-45 degrees.
There is no oil cooler thermostat on the bike as far as I know.
There is no oil cooler thermostat on the bike as far as I know.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 973
Likes: 440
From: West TN
Just read the oil system description in the FSM, there is a check valve, no thermostat. I will ride it in tomorow, temp will be about 26, I will hit the heads and the oil with an inferred thermometer and see what the temps are, then Fri if its way low I will block the cooler and repeat