Oil cooler
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 366
Likes: 1
From: Galveston, Tx
RE: Oil cooler
So you were running Dino oil initially if I understand your post correctly. I noticed 15-20 degree's cooler oil temps in previous V Twins by just going to a synthetic oil. Not on HD but V Twin engines. (Victory) I guess I am wondering if it was the synthetic oil or the cooler that made the difference. As long as I can keep it at 250 or below I am comfortable. I will wait till this summer and see what happens with Mobil 1 in the case. Was it much of a job to install the cooler? Thanks. Mark
I ran dino oil for the first 500 miles during the initial break-in period. That’s what I was referring to when I stated 240F. I switched to syn3 and the oil cooler shortly after the break-in. So I guess it was a combination of both that lowered my temps. Either way, I'm not complaining.
The twin cam is a very hot running motor. That’s why they have the largest cooling fins of any H-D. Add an oil cooler and it creates more surface area for a cooling effect. No rocket science needed to figure this out. Whether you’re cruising at 70mph or stuck in traffic...it helps. As the poster above stated, it's cheap insurance.
Oh....and it takes about half an hour to install depending on how many beers you’ve had
Long story short, syn oil and a cooler are great for V-twins. I don’t take chances on a 16K investment.
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,709
Likes: 640
From: San Ramon, Ca
RE: Oil cooler
I think an oil cooler would be good. My temps avr 220 on most days. Does Harley (or someone) make on that mounts like the FLT cooler. Much better design. I don't know if the Harley one btwn the downtubes would actually block air to the motor.
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,709
Likes: 640
From: San Ramon, Ca
RE: Oil cooler
Let me re-phrase that. I have seen it a tad over 250. That's getting up there. Now granted, that's only on HOT days or in stop n' go traffic.
Has anyone installed that Jagg Low mount cooler?
Has anyone installed that Jagg Low mount cooler?
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 3
From: Sydney, Australia
RE: Oil cooler
I'll let you know tomorrow! Getting installed as I type.
ORIGINAL: FBoy06
Has anyone put the Harley oil cooler on their softtail? If so, how do you like it. Has it helped lower the oil temp in traffic.
Thanks
Has anyone put the Harley oil cooler on their softtail? If so, how do you like it. Has it helped lower the oil temp in traffic.
Thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 3
From: Sydney, Australia
RE: Oil cooler
I have an electronic temp gauge on my speedo and will do oil cooler first, synth in a month or so... so I should be able to let y'all know which does which quite definitely...
DeanO
DeanO
ORIGINAL: sidewinder
So you were running Dino oil initially if I understand your post correctly. I noticed 15-20 degree's cooler oil temps in previous V Twins by just going to a synthetic oil. Not on HD but V Twin engines. (Victory) I guess I am wondering if it was the synthetic oil or the cooler that made the difference. As long as I can keep it at 250 or below I am comfortable. I will wait till this summer and see what happens with Mobil 1 in the case. Was it much of a job to install the cooler? Thanks. Mark
ORIGINAL: TexasFatboy
Howdy Mark,
I was hitting around 240F on a hot day before the cooler and switch to synthetic oil (normal running).
I've been using the Screaming Eagle SYN3 oil with no problems. I've put 15K on my FLSTF in the first year with zero complaints. On average, the cooler and syn dropped my running temps about 20 degrees.
220 on a hot texas day and 230 in traffic is very good. Are you running synthetic oil as well? Do you have any information on what the temps were in the same situation prior to the oil cooler? Thanks. Mark
I was hitting around 240F on a hot day before the cooler and switch to synthetic oil (normal running).
I've been using the Screaming Eagle SYN3 oil with no problems. I've put 15K on my FLSTF in the first year with zero complaints. On average, the cooler and syn dropped my running temps about 20 degrees.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 3
From: Sydney, Australia
RE: Oil cooler
Good to know that it ain't just us Aussies that get those kinda temps during summer... we'll be getting those in about 8 weeks... hence the oil cooler!
ORIGINAL: hotrod351
my 1990 softail came with a harley oil cooler and a thermastat. but then i live in arizona where temp get to 120 in july and august. normaly i run 160-180 temps. dont ride when it 110 and above.
my 1990 softail came with a harley oil cooler and a thermastat. but then i live in arizona where temp get to 120 in july and august. normaly i run 160-180 temps. dont ride when it 110 and above.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 3
From: Sydney, Australia
RE: Oil cooler
So should half the options we have to buy.... at least the Jap clone bikes come with a lot of extras!! Shame HD, Shame! HD is like Holden here in Australia... they rest on their customer loyalty but return litte of it! It's all about the almighty buck these days!
DeanO
DeanO
ORIGINAL: JamieWG
Oil cooler should be standard equipment on HDs.
Oil cooler should be standard equipment on HDs.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Oil cooler
I have a 2007 fatboy, It really runs hot......
Put the HD OEM oil cooler (vertically mounted on the downtubes) The bike runs cooler and it helps in traffic. Mainly because the oil is forced through the fins it cools it down a bit. The other option you have is to use a re-usable oil filter with fins. It is cheaper and it pays for its self in the long run.
there is the expensive option which is to use a fuelling twin cam plate and a bigger oil pump which will increase HP and run the engine colder. I had that option on my FXDL 2001 (stage III mods) and it runs great.
Put the HD OEM oil cooler (vertically mounted on the downtubes) The bike runs cooler and it helps in traffic. Mainly because the oil is forced through the fins it cools it down a bit. The other option you have is to use a re-usable oil filter with fins. It is cheaper and it pays for its self in the long run.
there is the expensive option which is to use a fuelling twin cam plate and a bigger oil pump which will increase HP and run the engine colder. I had that option on my FXDL 2001 (stage III mods) and it runs great.
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Oil cooler
I installed a H-D OEM oil cooler on my 05 Fatboy this summer here in Tucson,Az. At 110, before cooler, oil temp dipstick always showed 250 to 260. After cooler,pretty steady at 230. Now that it's getting alot colder(80 outside at noon)it runs about 190 to 200. I think it a worth while investment.