Cooling Fan vs. Oil Cooler
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: MADison County, Mississippi
Cooling Fan vs. Oil Cooler
Which is better to protect the engine, primarily for parades and such, at all times of the year, a cooling fan, or an oil cooler? If you were to pick one, which would it be and why? Thanks.
Elite HDF Member
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From: Simi Valley, CA
If you haven't seen it already check out this link...
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...test-data.html
I've always run an oil cooler, but if I was doing a lot of parades or in a lot of stop & go traffic, I am betting that a fan is going to be better in that situation.
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What year bike? Pre 07 softails oil pumps provide a little less pressure then later models. At idle they do not produce much pressure anyway. And increasing oil flow resistance with an oil cooler at idle speeds would not be the direction I'd go. Fan.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Out of Commiefornia!
The problem with the cooler, which I have, is that they really do little to cool unless they have airflow. Sure, there's a little additional surface area to distribute and dissipate the heat, but you really need airflow to be effective.
Now the coolers that also incorporate a fan are great and solve that problem. I'd say that is probably your best bet, if you are only going for one solution. And as stated, be sure to change over to synthetic fluids if you haven't done so already.
Roger
Now the coolers that also incorporate a fan are great and solve that problem. I'd say that is probably your best bet, if you are only going for one solution. And as stated, be sure to change over to synthetic fluids if you haven't done so already.
Roger
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From: Illinois
Over the long haul an oil cooler is far more beneficial. Why just cool the motor during a parade?
A cooler motor runs stronger and lasts longer. Gee, I should copyright that saying.
A cooler motor runs stronger and lasts longer. Gee, I should copyright that saying.
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
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Wait for the Ultra Cool FL version for the softail which is coming and incorporates and fan and oil cooler into one. I am still waiting for this so i can get one too.
Drew
Drew
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From: Simi Valley, CA
But they both have their place. If you're stuck in traffic, the "parade" fan is probably the better choice. Under normal riding conditions it would be the oil cooler.
The other choice, an oil cooler with integral fans, would help in the "parade" mode but I think the "parade" fan is even better. I'm actually in the process of some testing to prove or disprove that theory.
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