What do you guys do in the winter about engine oil emulsification.?

 

I never worry about it but I’m down south where we ride all year.

 

My bike is in storage during Winter, so I don`t worry about it.

 

If you live in a location where you won't be able to ride during the winter, as I do, make sure you're on fresh fluids first of all. Then, never start the bike during it's winter's sleep; that will quickly lead to engine oil emulsification as you can't get the oil up to full operating temperatures to drive off the moisture. In spring I'll take the first ride of the season, get the bike up to full temperature, and change out the fluids again. Overkill? Most likely, but fluids are cheap and my bikes are not

If you are able to ride during the winter you need to make certain you are riding long enough to bring the oil up to full temperature; no short trips or you will begin to have a problem with engine oil emulsification...

 

I ride in the winter using 10/40 semi synth diesel/pet oil.

 

The oil I use is already emulsified.

 

The problem is when water/condensation is developed in the oil, then temps where the bike is stored reaches 32*F. (0*C.) the water could possibly freeze causing problems in the circulation when the bike is started. I believe HD recommends a 1500 mile change during winter riding.

 

What is your evidence? Do you have the thousands of hours of dyno and wear and failure testing like companies like GM and Ford do?

Do you have multiple oil analysis tracking the levels of wear components present in the oil?

 

My problem is getting oil to temp in the winter. I guess that’s the one drawback of oil coolers on both bikes. I ride until the salt is layed down, and then only after a good rain. But now, with temps in the lower 40’s, if I ride to work I can’t get the oil temp over 205 after my 30min commute (which is really only 8min, but I take the really long way specifically to let things heat up). Wondering if I should make some kind of cover to block wind off the coolers... I don’t think 205 is hot enough. I want to see >212f to vaporize water...

 

I ride to work everyday regardless of temp unless they're calling for snow. I've found that even in low 30s, my engine temp still hits 220-240 on the highway. Not sure what my oil temp is since Powervision doesn't have that option. I don't have an oil cooler but if I did I would fab a cover for it like you talked about. I do make a point of letting my bike run for a good 5 min or so before I take off. The other day I was stuck in traffic from an accident, and found that after about 10 minutes my engine temp was getting too high (280) , so I had to stop and shut it down once it got close to 300. This was on a 35 degree day by the way.