Oil Cooler Question - Tech Help
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
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Oil Cooler Question - Tech Help
Hey guys, so far this forum has been kick a$$ for answers. I have my 08 Softail Nightrain and am in the middle of modifying it this winter. I recently purchased an oil cooler for my bike. I love the look of it, plus I want the perks of having it.
Now, I have been told by some that it is good to have, and some say it's a waste of money. I just want to make sure that it will not harm my bike by installing it.
I live in Connecticut (Northeast) so you know how crazy the weather can vary etc.
So I have a few questions:
Now, I have been told by some that it is good to have, and some say it's a waste of money. I just want to make sure that it will not harm my bike by installing it.
I live in Connecticut (Northeast) so you know how crazy the weather can vary etc.
So I have a few questions:
- Will it cool my oil too much and be a potential danage to my motor?
- Are there any real benefits to running an oil cooler on my bike?
- Would I have to install like a peacock valve to only limit to when I use the oil cooler (say shut it off on a really cool day/night?)
- Or am I just over thinking it? lol
Last edited by Tunernetwork; Feb 12, 2010 at 05:54 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
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don't really need one I live in arizona and ride during the hottest months in traffic stop and go and having a cooler might help you still need air flowing through the fins to work properly and if air is circulating that means ur engine is getting air.. I think its a waste of money imho
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: WA
No harm will be done to your bike. Without an oil cooler there is a higher potential for failure due to the oil breaking down due to high temps. It will decrease the oil temp by about 30 degrees and that would be ideal because it prevents the oil from breaking down fast. Some oil coolers are run off a thermostat some are just free flowing either way you dont have to worry about how much oil you flow. I hope I answered your questions have fun and ride safe.
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I'm not so much looking for the most performance out of an oil cooler, to be honest. I know at the level modifications I am at that it is not needed, but I wanted to make sure I wouldn't cause any issues either by installing it. Plus I think it looks killer on a bike. Appreciate the input guys!
I've been running the HD Oil Cooler for 2 years on my 08 Train and I notice about a 10 to 20 degree difference. Keep in mind that it only cools the oil while you're moving; doesn't do much while sitting in traffic on a hot day. The install is quite easy too.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 147
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From: Gatineau, Quebec
Ultra Cool has a cooler that will fit most Harleys, even the Rocker C. It has a waterproof fan and should work great sitting in traffic on a hot day: http://www.ultracoolhd.ca/index.html
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 550
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From: Arlington, TX
You can put a weather proof fan, for about $30 off e-bay, that you can switch off when ever it is not needed. I had one on my touring bike but don't see the need on my Softail. Good luck
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I would mount an evap cooler (swamp cooler) to maximize airflow when stopped in traffic...Just need a long, very long garden hose.
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Joined: May 2009
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Just a thought. If Harley Davidson engines needed an oil cooler it seems to me the factory would send them out that way. They have been cookin oil for about 106 years right? I think if you're worried about burning your oil it might be smarter to use a very good oil and change it every 1500 - 2500 miles. But there I go thinking again.
Last edited by Bearsoftail; Feb 13, 2010 at 09:16 PM.
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2009
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Oil coolers are a great addition as they will lower your overall temp in riding conditions . That is a plus considering the rear jug does not get the air the front jug does . The reason HD does not put them on stock is there is a market for them after you buy the bike , kind of like the cheesey plastic battery cover on my 09 x-bones . Lets not forget fellas HD stands for hundreds of dollars . Just my thoughts Dennis