I posted a concern regarding the heat coming off a somewhat new to me '97 Baddoy awhile back. I got a '93 fxr and a '89 Softail, both with engine mods done by the PO, both run about 175degrees via the thermometer oil dipstick. On the Badboy, cam and head work done by PO plus thunder headers and S&S carb and air filter, the dipstick reads 225degrees after a 30 mile run on a cool day (maybe 70 degree weather). Should I be concerned? Would switching to a syntheitc oil drop that temp? 20k miles on bike, spark plug color looks good. Thanks.

 

Sounds like to me it could be running lean.Just my opinion.

 

That definately seems on the warm side for an Evo to me. My Softails oil temp will typically stabilize at 100-110 degrees F. over ambient temp.

 

You mentioned head work. Have the heads or cyls been powder coated. I had my cyls powder coated.. They got so hot that took them off. I bought new ones and sold the powder coated ones to a custom bike builder.

 

Running way hot is not generally one of the more common problem with Evos like it is with twinkies... unless perhaps you are running way lean. Running too lean will heat up any engine, pleasing the EPA, but not a good thing for the engine, or your thighs.

 

id be concerned. i run 180 when its 100 degrees outside. i do have a oil cooler. check your plugs and see what they look like.

 

The plugs look good. What else can cause it to run so hot?

 

My Twinkie bagger runs about 200 degrees in 85-90 degree weather. I have an oil cooler,however,thats running with lowers-and its got a cam with the 95 kit! Something isn't sounding right-I would be very concerned!

 

Also-pretty hard to get a good spark plug reading. Seems to me its gotta be running lean!(Main jet perhaps?)

 

Alright. I'll try checking/replacing jet. Dumb question: are jet's a universal fit or do I need to order them from S&S to fit my S&S carb?