is there an M8 larger capacity oil pan?
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More oil means it spends more time dropping heat before recirculating. Reportedly cools the motor about 10 degrees, at least on Twin Cam models it did.
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Others more knowledgeable will chime in, but if I recall what was said, a larger pan does not keep the engine cooler, it just takes longer to get to operating temp.
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Fact: Additional oil means longer time before overheating occurs.
Fact: Keeping oil below 270 degs helps with oil and engine longevity. (Oil traveling over the heads is superheated)
Fact: An oil cooler fan helps with slow speed oil cooling.
Fact: Synthetic oils are more heat tolerant than dino oils. Air cooled engines are not temperature controlled like liquid cooled engines so its normal to experience huge swings in temperature on air cooled engines so the better a lubricant can deal with these big temperature variations while riding down the street.
Opinion: Additional oil coolers are desired when operating in high temp environments, such as Arizona or southern heat and humidity. Ask Bob Wood (wood cams) how many oil coolers he reccomends for high heat environments.
Just my facts and opinion based on my experiences as a mechanic and tuner.
Bob
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M8 oil pan
Doesn't Harley make a high capacity oil pan ? Screaming Eagle part 24400099 for 09-16 various models. Baker drivetrain makes one also ,1.5 extra quart and a half of oil capacity.
Last edited by TheMurf; Sep 5, 2019 at 04:46 PM.
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+1 to others more knowledgeable than me chiming in. Its my understanding that oil is lubricating and cooling the engine. The cooler the oil the more it pulls temps down. The larger the pool of liquid the slower it heats up in general, it also means more of it is cooling in the pan before being sent back into the plumbing to circulate. The engine is constantly changing temps based on motor use/load, and ambient temps. The oil is always a cooling influence, even when warm it does not generate additional heat, it merely conducts it away towards the pan where it cools.
I dont remember a lot of controversy about the larger oil pan being of benefit, more about the cost to benefit ratio. Some felt 10 degrees cooler was not enough to justify the cost. Others combine it with oil coolers and head fans and claimed all combined they significantly reduced temps.
Personally I havent had any heat issues with our two M8s.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: SE Michigan
+1 to others more knowledgeable than me chiming in. Its my understanding that oil is lubricating and cooling the engine. The cooler the oil the more it pulls temps down. The larger the pool of liquid the slower it heats up in general, it also means more of it is cooling in the pan before being sent back into the plumbing to circulate. The engine is constantly changing temps based on motor use/load, and ambient temps. The oil is always a cooling influence, even when warm it does not generate additional heat, it merely conducts it away towards the pan where it cools.
I dont remember a lot of controversy about the larger oil pan being of benefit, more about the cost to benefit ratio. Some felt 10 degrees cooler was not enough to justify the cost. Others combine it with oil coolers and head fans and claimed all combined they significantly reduced temps.
Personally I havent had any heat issues with our two M8s.
I dont remember a lot of controversy about the larger oil pan being of benefit, more about the cost to benefit ratio. Some felt 10 degrees cooler was not enough to justify the cost. Others combine it with oil coolers and head fans and claimed all combined they significantly reduced temps.
Personally I havent had any heat issues with our two M8s.