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

 

Bob,

I don't have a softail but your not getting much response here so I will try to answer your question. The Twin Cam motor runs hotter than the previous harley motors. That's just the way it is. You really don't need an oil cooler unless you have the 103 ci or you are pulling a sidecar or trailer on a regular basis. The oil cooler does cool the oil down (DUH) but it won't help much in traffic since you aren't moving fast enough to take advantage of the cooling aspect of an oil cooler (ie: wind blowing on cooler to cool oil). I wouldn't waste my money on one.

[sm=biker2.gif]

 

Do a search there is a ton of info on this subject, Im up in the air on wether or not to get myself.

 

I put one on my 04 FatBoy. On a hot South Texas Summer day, I average around 210-220F. Got caught in heavy traffic one day and saw 230F. You be the judge

 

Thanks for the responses. I saw oil temps as high as 240 in traffic one day, and it wasn't that hot out. I guess for now I'll put in Amsoil synthetic and see if that cools it down a bit. I only have 500 miles on the bike so I guess it's still tight.

 

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

 

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.

 

All my HD's run Oil coolers, to me its a necessity. Lowering oil temps means a cooler running engine. A cooler running engine means the oil will hold up longer and protect better. If you got the money to spend for it, get one, its cheap insurance.

 

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

 

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.