Here's my question. Are there any studies out there comparing the longevity/reliability of an engine that has an oil cooler installed verses one that doesn't, all other things being equal?

I run quality synthetics in my crankcase and tranny while running HD Formula + in the primary and I have Xieds installed to richen up the AFR. This is on my stock 96" with factory exhaust and no stage 1. From everything I've read an oil cooler will lower the oil temp around 25*, not really noticeable to the rider. Would that 25* really make a difference to the life of the engine??

I ask because I want an oil cooler but am hesitant to buy one because of the expense.

Thanx.

I deliberately did NOT state what type synthetic I run because I do not want to turn this into an oil debate. There are plenty of threads on that. I am looking for hard evidence that an oil cooler will extend the life of the engine.

 

May want to consider slip-ons, stage one and some type of fuel management before worrying about oil cooler and which oil to use debate. You'll notice a huge difference in performance and the bike will run a little cooler. Try a 75w-110 in Tranny and you may notice a smoother shift, especially in hot weather.

08' RG, SE's, HD stg1, PCV-retro

 

Sorry I can't quote any studies but since you didn't ask I'll give my perceptions. I don't consider an oil cooler to be any sort of engine radiator. That's simply based on my Stage 1 bikes only being around 10 degrees "colder" with the oil cooler installed. IMHO, the oil cooler keeps the oil from breaking down too quickly thus ensuring the longevity of your engine oil. The longer the oil maintains its protective properties, the better it is for you engine. So in a round about way, I figure the cooler IS enhancing engine life. As has been said before, an oil cooler is cheap insurance. Personally, I think failures in the TC era are more attributable to cheap engineering or materials and shoddy assembly work. YMMV.

 

Jagg has a 10 row cooler now....

 

ive been on the fence about it for a while, i have developed the following general guidelines.

compression over 10.5 to 1: YES
heavy touring, 2 up, big time desert runs: YES
Lost of steep grades in your area: YES

if your ridding style dosnt fit in the above anywhere, i would say, just keep running the best oils you can afford, and keep up on the maintenance.

Im planning on a compression boost, so im planning on a Woods kit.

 

The answer is obvious without any pole. Don't we all think that if the MOCO thought it needed an oil cooler...it would have installed one?

Some other rides, like most metric bikes and even the Victory come with a professionally installed oil cooler. Some of the Sporsters have one factory installed too. Their engines must run much hotter that our Twin Cams...don't you think.

Obviously, I am being a bit facetious. Most people that ride in hotter climates know full-well that an oil cooler is practically a necessity. I think we would be willing to just go ahead and pay a bit more for one thoughtfully designed and installed with professional-looking plumbing and fittings as opposed to having to go out and purchase a bunch of rubber hose and worm-gear clamps to hang one off the side of our Harley. But then...the MOCO could not sell one as an accessory could they.

 

Not necessarily.

 

Oil cooler required NO.
It is another tool in caring for you bike. They will NOT no madder how fancy a model you buy reduce oil temps by more than 20 Degrees under the best condition. You do not need a very expensive one.
Next they will NOT reduce heat on rider. The heat comes from exhaust and Heads.
OIL to the heads on all but 1 HD is for lube only and provides little cooling.
If you have 150-200 bucks burning a hole in your pocket it is a good move.
The basic HD model is a good one comes with everything you need, easy to install and works as well as any over the fancy over priced ones.