New engines overheating?
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 171
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New engines overheating?
I've done a search here and in Google about the newest V Twins overheating due to a number of reasons.
I've not seen much of anything definitive and was wondering what the experts here have to say about it.
From what I have heard and read is seems some of the issues may be:
Design: 'new fly by wire' tech places a solonoid inbetween the cylinders, this moved the fuel injector up, the moved the motor mount to the front of leading cylinder. This all blocks air flow. When you add lower fairings like the ultra, even more air is blocked.
The Government: The EPA has mandated lower emissions. Part of lower emissions means running leaner. A lean fuel mixture makes heat.
HD: I have heard HD has a modified fuel/air mix software profile that can loaded that helps. In part I have heard this will actually shut one cylinder down at idle to reduce heat.
Riders: Various peole are saying they are spending thousands of dollars on new bikes to replace/modify fuel injection and exhaust so the engine get a richer fuel mixture and the engine runs cooler. MPG also goes down.
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Is this the gist of it? Is it true in part or entirely? Has HD made any additional changes? What years are affected?
I am considering a new Ultra but if all the above it true ... I would be hesitant.
I've not seen much of anything definitive and was wondering what the experts here have to say about it.
From what I have heard and read is seems some of the issues may be:
Design: 'new fly by wire' tech places a solonoid inbetween the cylinders, this moved the fuel injector up, the moved the motor mount to the front of leading cylinder. This all blocks air flow. When you add lower fairings like the ultra, even more air is blocked.
The Government: The EPA has mandated lower emissions. Part of lower emissions means running leaner. A lean fuel mixture makes heat.
HD: I have heard HD has a modified fuel/air mix software profile that can loaded that helps. In part I have heard this will actually shut one cylinder down at idle to reduce heat.
Riders: Various peole are saying they are spending thousands of dollars on new bikes to replace/modify fuel injection and exhaust so the engine get a richer fuel mixture and the engine runs cooler. MPG also goes down.
-----
Is this the gist of it? Is it true in part or entirely? Has HD made any additional changes? What years are affected?
I am considering a new Ultra but if all the above it true ... I would be hesitant.
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,108
Likes: 1,964
From: New England
RE: New engines overheating?
ORIGINAL: Stache
Design: 'new fly by wire' tech places a solonoid inbetween the cylinders, this moved the fuel injector up, the moved the motor mount to the front of leading cylinder. This all blocks air flow. When you add lower fairings like the ultra, even more air is blocked.
Design: 'new fly by wire' tech places a solonoid inbetween the cylinders, this moved the fuel injector up, the moved the motor mount to the front of leading cylinder. This all blocks air flow. When you add lower fairings like the ultra, even more air is blocked.
As for the motor mount, it looks more like an adjustable rod with little perceived impact on air flow.
Hope that helps!
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 711
Likes: 0
From: Bothell, WA
RE: New engines overheating?
Rented an '07 UC on a trip to Las Vegas last summer where the wife and I rode 2-up to Hoover dam. The air temp was around 80 at the start of the ride and 100 at the end. I rented the bike for three days, but brought it back after 6 hours of riding. My left inner thigh was badly blisterd from the heat, scabbed over and scared for life. I have heard that removing the lowers in hot weather makes a difference, but I will never know - I'm back riding my coool '06 Heritage softail.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 265
Likes: 14
From:
RE: New engines overheating?
Go to this site and read about the several possibilities of fixing or semifixing the problem.
http://www.nightrider.com/parts/
http://www.nightrider.com/parts/
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
RE: New engines overheating?
Stache HD has mapped out the 07 and 08's to run leaner to comply with EPA. The end result is an engine that runs hotter cause it is lean. Most owners have fixed their own bikes with fuel mngt systems, air kits and different exhaust. Depending on what you get it can get a little costly.
But before you say forget it and walk away consider this. Most owners would have done exactly the same thing anyway even if it didn't run hot to get the most from their bikes. The pipes is always the first thing to go so you get that nice Milwaukee sound that they are famous for.
The newer HD's are a whole new breed of the species. They've come a long way from the AMF years.
At the least spend a few dollars and rent one for a day and see for yourself.
But before you say forget it and walk away consider this. Most owners would have done exactly the same thing anyway even if it didn't run hot to get the most from their bikes. The pipes is always the first thing to go so you get that nice Milwaukee sound that they are famous for.
The newer HD's are a whole new breed of the species. They've come a long way from the AMF years.
At the least spend a few dollars and rent one for a day and see for yourself.
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