I have just purchased an '07 Street Bob, and would like to get some thoughts on the Harley "Premium Oil Cooler kit". Is this a good idea, or not necessary? Does it really make much difference? I live in Phoenix, so the temperature can certainly be an issue.

 

you need to get an idea of the operating temp in your area. An oil cooler does help lower the oil temp and adds about 1 qt to your capacity. Howerever, changing to a GOOD synthetic oil will also drop your temp about 20 degrees. Use Mobile 1 V-twin 20w-50.

 

I installed the HD premium oil cooler on my 06 Wide glide a few weeks ago. I live in Oklahoma and we have had record high temps here this summer (110-111 degrees) and at this time there is not much let up in sight. I see the oil cooler as affordable insurance on an expensive piece of machinery. Heat is a major concern with an air cooled engine and the TC88 engines run hot to begin with. If installing the oil cooler will relieve some of the operating stress on the motor then I see it as a smart investment.

Zyklon

 

I'm running a HD premium oil cooler, Red line 20W60 group 5 synthetic, just to be sure I'm helping all that I can with the air cooled engine. The lower fairings are vented and actually direct air to the cylinders.

 

does it make a difference in stop and go traffic? don't you have to be moving for the air to cool the fins of the cooler?

 

Yes,air must pass thru the cooler fins just like a radiator.No air,no cool.

 

Question about the cooler construction. There are two hose barbs on the cooler. Are these welded in? Or can they be easily removed? When removed, what kind of hole is ft behind?

I want to install the cooler, but I also want to use AN lines and fittings.

 

Removing the hard lines from the cooler will destroy it - no meat for AN lines. Also, on a Harley, I have never seen a 20 degree oil temp drop in a controlled and documented test due simply to synthetic oil.

 

Have rode many miles in Florida with the oil cooler. The real benefit comes from the added oil capacity of the lubrication system. Remember that oil cools, cleans, lubricates, seals, and protects. So simply the added volume is great for your engine. One caveat is to make sure the dealer uses constant torque hose clamps - not the simple worm screw type - or you'll be screwed with a leaking hose to fitting leak every 2,500 miles or so.

 

Thanx. You're the first person who's been able to answer that. Even the service manager at the dealership didn't know. Maybe I'll consider a billit heat sink.