What is too hot?
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
What is too hot?
I recently re did the top end on my 1980 shovelhead. Since i've started breaking it in it seems to be running a little hot. I did about 10 miles today avrg speed of about 50 mph in low 80's temps outside and I was running at about 220 degrees (oil temperature). Aside from temp concern, the bike seemed to be running very well. I'm not running an oil cooler. I'm not positive my timing is perfect. Still using stock electronic ignition and my $80 craftsman timing light wont read the bikes rpm's for ****. I put my front cylinder advance mark in the window and based off where the rotor on the cam side was in relation to the timing plate vs how the engine was running and kick starting very easily I have to be pretty damn close. I'm running 20w-50 oil. I also got rid of the sealed primary and converted to a belt drive if that matters or changes the overall oil capacity. Could there be too much oil now since I eliminated a component?
My main question however, what is too hot? At what temperature do I actually have to worry about overheating and or damage caused by that?
My main question however, what is too hot? At what temperature do I actually have to worry about overheating and or damage caused by that?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Having bought a new shovelhead back in the '70s I agree with Scott, to run straight 50 during summer, I only used 20-50 during the winter, but did ride all year round. My bike was a kicker only and I also used 20-50 in the trans during the winter. Your change to the primary doesn't change anything as far as lube or heat is concerned IMHO.
Personally I would upgrade your ignition system for a modern one, partly to get the benefits of a modern system and improved performance. However even that won't improve heat. I never used a temp gauge and never had any problems, so I'm tempted to suggest you get rid of yours! There is too much emphasis put on oil pressure and temps these days IMHO.
Let your rebuild bed itself in and see how goes.
Personally I would upgrade your ignition system for a modern one, partly to get the benefits of a modern system and improved performance. However even that won't improve heat. I never used a temp gauge and never had any problems, so I'm tempted to suggest you get rid of yours! There is too much emphasis put on oil pressure and temps these days IMHO.
Let your rebuild bed itself in and see how goes.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
Thank you for the suggestions. I'm going to try to get my hands on straight 50w. Multiple people I know with shovels said the same thing about not having a temp gauge. They said "it runs ****ing hot". I'm just more **** than that haha. That's why I'm curious as to what oil temp is considered overheating? Above 300? Under 300? When is an actual concern permitted?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 817
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From: Central Ohio
Approaching 300�f is getting HOT. The engine may be able to take it to some extent, but the oil itself won't for long.
220 isn't a bad place to be, but for just cruising at 50mph it's probably a touch warm. Let the motor loosen up a bit and then see where you are. IMO leave the gauge on and try not to get it hot during break-in.
220 isn't a bad place to be, but for just cruising at 50mph it's probably a touch warm. Let the motor loosen up a bit and then see where you are. IMO leave the gauge on and try not to get it hot during break-in.
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