seems my oil temps only get to 160 - 180 while riding. even in summer it only get to about 180. im using one of those temp gauges that go in the oil tank filler. i have a inferred temp unit i can point at the tank and get the temps and it seems to be the same. should i be running hotter temps. what would cause the oil temp to be so low. also i have a oil cooler with the thermostat valve in line.

 

Hotrod What bike do you run ?

 

It is possible that the thermostat is stuck open or defective. To check it take your infrared thermometer and see if the hoses going too and from the oil cooler shw that oil is flowing through it. Hope this helps.

 

I would think 180 With a cooler aint to shabby.........@3000 t0 4000 rpm........??

 

"also i have a oil cooler with the thermostat valve in line" Not hot enough here in AZ at this time so that's why you're seeing lower than normal temps with the cooler. "have a inferred temp unit i can point at the tank and get the temps and it seems to be the same" What's the HEAD temperature at? That's the one to worry about. If you're not hearing any abnormal noises from the valve train or the starter is lugging on start-up, I'd say the oil is moving around fine.

 

Geez dude, it's above boiling, WTF is that to be concerned about?

Get a TC and then you'll know what having a hot bike is all about...

 

well then i guess its normal. i also live here in arizona robzuc97, i think thats why the original owner had the oil cooler installed from the dealer when he bought it new, its a 90 fxstc. i did the inferred temps at the heads and believe there where some where around 400 degrees but not sure of that.

 

My temp guage dipstick reads closer to 150, 175 on my '89 Evo with high comp pistons and an oil cooler, although that's in SF Bay area where the temps range from 55-75 right now. Running Redline oil.

 

well then its normal, thanks

 

Yeah, that's normal. 400F on the heads is probably not a correct reading or you're reading the exhaust pipe. I found the Sportster heads to run 180-230-ish F in datalogging from the cylinder head temp sensor bolted to the top middle motor mount on #1.