Heard that Softail models run hotter than other Harleys. Fact or fiction?
Thanks.

hb

 

Mine seems to be running at a normal temp. Did you read that in a magazine?

Ryan

 

Hotter? Yes probably, and for a shorter life expectancy than the 88 (not 88B) because of all the extras going on in the B model. You should get a reputable "Dealer" to check that out. (Harley is having touble finding reputable dealers too!) They have all the answers...

BClem

 

Here's my £'s worth (sorry $'s worth), all 88's run slightly hotter than the EVO, more like the Shovel. This happens for different reasons but it does seem to be the case. Most people accept that a Shovel benefits from an oil cooler and so it is with an 88, A or B. The UK is not known for high temperatures but on a good summers day and in traffic my Fatboy runs very hot, definitely needs a cooler.

 

From what I've read on the Twinkie engines, Softail or otherwise, they do run hotter than an Evo. I think most of it is due to the oil jets that squirt oil directly on the lower (or underside? can't remember exactly) area of the pistons to aid in cooling them. That makes the oil hotter as it is doing one of its jobs in removing heat. I s'pose there might be other factors involeved, but I ain't heard of 'em.

As long as you are running a synthetic oil, you really don't have to worry about the extra heat. They can run at the ragged edge of regular dino oil breakdown temp, especially in the heat of southern/western summers. I know several guys who've had their engines drop back to 1 cylinder during a hot summer parade.

As stated earlier, an oil cooler is a definite plus.

 

Fiction....the TWIN CAM has more fins that any other harley in history, the piston jets cool the engine by 30 degrees and the piston thrust surface is coated with Moly Disfulite for less friction.

 

Sorry to have to disagree but, 1> the exhaust valves on the 88's are small (smaller than the EVO) even though it has more cubes 2> this means exhast gases are restricted on exit so the pistons hold more heat, this is probably to aid cleaner emmissions, so 3> they put oil jets to squirt on the underside of the piston heads to take some of the heat away, 4> this increases oil temp hence the need for an oil cooler, IMHO.