Is an Oil Cooler really needed??

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Jul 9, 2015 | 06:09 AM

#11

Notgrownup

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 24,728

Likes: 9,227

From: Snow Hill, NC

90000 miles on mine, no cooler. It's your choice but I am pretty sure your motor won't blow up if it gets a bit hot, just use full syn oil. My answer is No.

Jul 9, 2015 | 11:15 AM

#12

skinman13

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 2,557

Likes: 235

From: Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharpie

...If no wind is flowing over the oil cooler then its not helping anyway...

Not true...the oil cooler core provides some degree of cooling whether or not there is airflow. Of course there is much more cooling with airflow through the core and if you are idling for a long time the engine will overheat, but just the added surface area provided the cooler core will transfer heat and cool the oil some as it flows through even if you are stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic on a 95 degree day. It may not keep you from overheating, but it will give you a little more time to deal with it...and another 1/2 quart of oil.

Jul 9, 2015 | 06:42 PM

#13

seniorsuperglideE8

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Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 15,788

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From: along the shore of Mishigami

All three of my bikes have oil coolers, '13 Road Glide Ultra, 02 Super Glide and 05 Low Rider. Overkill in MI? Some may think so, it does get hot here and I consider the coolers as insurance to get the oil cooler once I'm moving. I do understand convection and conduction cooling. My Dynas I have the coolers mounted mid way up the left frame down tube, out of the road debris zone.