Oil cooler vs. Fans for cylinder
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,275
Likes: 2,367
From: Florida
Cylinder head temps are what heats up the oil. Lower head temps are the answer to cooler oil. In heavy traffic the twin fan set up is at it's best. On the hiway oil coolers work well. I choose to use neither. My bike has the 110" engine and I live in Fl where air temps on the hiway typically are between 90* and 100* F. My oil temps in standing still traffic jams has never been over 265*. On the hiway my oil temps are usually in the 240*- 250*. I use Amsoil oil and filters and change engine oil every 5000 miles. IMHO any oil temps under 300* in heavy traffic is tolerable for the HD engine as long as a good quality oil and filter is used. Not necessarily amsoil just a good synthetic oil and filter. I am prepared for the bullshit to now begin flowing...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,996
Likes: 655
From: bklyn,ny
Cylinder head temps are what heats up the oil. Lower head temps are the answer to cooler oil. In heavy traffic the twin fan set up is at it's best. On the hiway oil coolers work well. I choose to use neither. My bike has the 110" engine and I live in Fl where air temps on the hiway typically are between 90* and 100* F. My oil temps in standing still traffic jams has never been over 265*. On the hiway my oil temps are usually in the 240*- 250*. I use Amsoil oil and filters and change engine oil every 5000 miles. IMHO any oil temps under 300* in heavy traffic is tolerable for the HD engine as long as a good quality oil and filter is used. Not necessarily amsoil just a good synthetic oil and filter. I am prepared for the bullshit to now begin flowing...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 298
From: Central Fl
I have not. I may do that in the future. My oil when drained has no burnt smell or a watery look when draining. Oil pressure is virtually the same as new when drained. It is a good idea to send in oil samples once in awhile. Amsoil states their oil is good for twice the recommended drain interval but I stay with the 5000 mile as per HD. Most good quality synthetics are good for 400 degree temps little problems. If your oil gets that hot you already have some serious problems. Personally I see little need for oil coolers or fans, but most certainly have no problems with anyone who chooses to do so. My bike is a 110" and a lifter change is in the future. Other than that I see no reason to doubt any long term problems caused by high oil temps. I hope this helps in some way.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 298
From: Central Fl
Wow, wish I could say the same. I have the 110 too and in standing still traffic jams can hit 300 in hardly no time at all. I've had mine north of 300, up to 320 and 330. I live in Florida too. I also use synthetic. My highway temps are similar to yours, and change mine every 5,000 miles. Wonder why there's such a difference.
My bike is twin cooled, that could be some of the difference. Also my temps are taken from the oil pan. It is also a 2015 Twin Cam. The highest temp I have ever had was 267* after sitting at a dead stop 15 minutes. Both fans were blowing like hell during that time. What are you using to measure your oil temps?
That's what I would like to know what's being used for oil temp reading? My powervision has two temp readings one is engine temp/ which I believe is the sensor in the front head. and the other is head temp. Were is the other sensor at or it just a %off the engine temp
how much difference is there from oil temp and engine temp?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 10,734
Likes: 3,755
From: SWFL
Should be substantial. The engine is the source of the heat, and the oil carries it away. Even w/o any coolers, the oil pan is a significant source of oil cooling. A lot of surface area for heat exchange.
On the very hot running 110SE motor on my old LRS, I had a fan assist oil cooler and love jugs mighty mites. Before I did either, I saw engine temps break 300 in summer traffic, and oil temps approaching 270. I want too worried about the oil temp since I ran red line which could take 270 all day long and ask for more.
However after installing the two, engine temps dropped a good 30 degs and oil temps never really broke 240-250. Personally, I like my oil to be above 220, to make sure its hot enough to boil out the water that gets in it as a result of the motors combustion.
On the very hot running 110SE motor on my old LRS, I had a fan assist oil cooler and love jugs mighty mites. Before I did either, I saw engine temps break 300 in summer traffic, and oil temps approaching 270. I want too worried about the oil temp since I ran red line which could take 270 all day long and ask for more.
However after installing the two, engine temps dropped a good 30 degs and oil temps never really broke 240-250. Personally, I like my oil to be above 220, to make sure its hot enough to boil out the water that gets in it as a result of the motors combustion.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,275
Likes: 2,367
From: Florida
I've been focusing on the gauges lately, but the times I've checked both, oil is cooler than the engine by anywhere from 10-30 degrees. It also cools down slower.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post