Engine Temp
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Mn
Engine Temp
I would like to start a thread about engine temp. I know alot of us have questions on what is normal running temp exspecally us who our doing our own tunning. So here is some info on what I currently have going on. I'm useing a sepro super tunner. put new se intake with 2" rush exhaust on. did smart tune runs updated ve's. My idle is set at 976 rpm with 13.0 AFR no closed looped bais other then what was set by the base map. Bike idle for 20 mins on 70 degree day outdoor air temp. bike engine temp started at 70 and went to 320 before i turned it off in 20 mins. also cursing temp on 70 degree day was around 280 engine temp. Don't know if a stock bike runs around the same our not. Oh yea it is a 2008 fat bob 96. dont know if temps our to high or in the ball park. Going to tune more may but a bais in the clb around 780 which should bring my closed loop riding afr from 14.6 to 14.4 I think will report back later on this. Please post your guys info on what your seeing with your stock or your mod. bike. Please make note of outside air temp(oat) and mods. Thanks hopfulyl this will help all of us.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,763
Likes: 2,597
From: san antonio
Are you measuring cylinder head or oil temp? There is a big difference. No data to share other than my 95" '05 FXSTD runs engine oil temp runs about 210* at cruise when ambient temps are mid 90* but will rise to 230ish if stopped and idling for more than about 20 minutes. I do run an oil cooler. 280*-320* is way too hot IMHO.
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Mn
Are you measuring cylinder head or oil temp? There is a big difference. No data to share other than my 95" '05 FXSTD runs engine oil temp runs about 210* at cruise when ambient temps are mid 90* but will rise to 230ish if stopped and idling for more than about 20 minutes. I do run an oil cooler. 280*-320* is way too hot IMHO.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 123
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
So the temps you list are cylinder head temps. If thats the case, they're perfectly normal! You may even be able to lean the engine out slightly to 13.4 or so without excess temps.
My 124 attains head temps of 325 or so regularily, but oil temps remain around 190/200 under almost all riding conditions. AFR is 13.3 across 90% of the powerband. FWIW Fastrider124
My 124 attains head temps of 325 or so regularily, but oil temps remain around 190/200 under almost all riding conditions. AFR is 13.3 across 90% of the powerband. FWIW Fastrider124
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 84
Likes: 3
From: Cleveland, Ohio
Nwminnesota I may be missing something but are saying you are letting your bike set at idle for 20 minuts with no airflow? I never allow my bike to idle longer than it takes to warm the engine at start up then take off. It's an air cooled engine and needs air flow for cooling. I would never allow my bike to get caught in traffic for any period of time for fear it would damage the engine. I would rather pull into some restaurant and let the traffic clear.
Anyway my S&S 124 is punched out to 128 with head work by Hillside Cycle, running a super G carb and runs just about the same temperatures as Fastrider124. Last time I checked it, with an inferred thermometer, the head temperature just in front of the spark plug was 325* and oil temperature ranges 190/200 on a 88* day. Running straight 50wt oil with an oil cooler.
Anyway my S&S 124 is punched out to 128 with head work by Hillside Cycle, running a super G carb and runs just about the same temperatures as Fastrider124. Last time I checked it, with an inferred thermometer, the head temperature just in front of the spark plug was 325* and oil temperature ranges 190/200 on a 88* day. Running straight 50wt oil with an oil cooler.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 84
Likes: 3
From: Cleveland, Ohio
Dyno sheet attached - The bike is an older dresser - 1989. Plenty of low end power, 143.7tq at 3600RPM. Had to change over to chain final drive, broke a new Gates belt with hard acceleration and two up riding. Of course it is a heavy bike.
I like the older dressers, grbroown I see yours is a 1990. I bought it new in 1989 but plenty of upgrades over the years. It's great because the wife likes to get involved in projects with me. We made up a custom instrument gauge for the fairing. Made a back plate, had it engraved then chromed and incorporated a Dakota Digital MCV 7100 information center to it. Also attached a picture. I guess the projects never end.
I like the older dressers, grbroown I see yours is a 1990. I bought it new in 1989 but plenty of upgrades over the years. It's great because the wife likes to get involved in projects with me. We made up a custom instrument gauge for the fairing. Made a back plate, had it engraved then chromed and incorporated a Dakota Digital MCV 7100 information center to it. Also attached a picture. I guess the projects never end.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 576
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From: Southern Maine
My 95" runs around 200 degrees oil temp in mixed riding. I just put on one of those finned oil filter cooler covers. Bought it used. Haven't ridden yet with it but I'm curious to see if it lowers the oil temp any.
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From: Bedford UK
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Heads will hit 350-360 on a hot day it traffic normal won't hurt a darn thing.
HD will not melt no madder what the internet or some sham company selling a trick to cure it tells you.
No oil cooler made will do anything for head temps HD heads are NOT oil cooled so your wasting your time check the oil fill it with gas and ride.
HD will not melt no madder what the internet or some sham company selling a trick to cure it tells you.
No oil cooler made will do anything for head temps HD heads are NOT oil cooled so your wasting your time check the oil fill it with gas and ride.