Questions About Checking Engine Temps
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Florida
Questions About Checking Engine Temps
Hey gang. Before I get the dreaded "Do a search" answer, please let me say that I already tried searching the forums and (to my surprise) found very little information on this subject. Maybe I didn't use the correct word search but whatever the case, I just figured I'd post the question and get on with it.
I have a 2008 Crossbones with a stock v-twin. I recently decided that I may want to do a simple stage 1 upgrade. Something along the lines of V&H pipes, V&H Fuel Pack and an upgraded breather element (haven't decided yet what kind but I want to run my stock round cover). I understand that monitoring engine temps is one of the key elements to making sure that everything is working properly and that I am not running lean. I figured that one thing I should do is to begin monitoring my engine temps now before I do any mods so that I can compare them against temps that I may get after. I thought about purchasing an infrared temp gauge and maybe an temp gauge oil dipstick to see what the oil is doing as well. My main question is if there are particular areas of my engine that I should monitor temps at? Where can I get the most accurate readings from?
Also, I understand that spark plugs can provide signs of temp issues. How soon after a mod like this can I expect to see any signs of an issue on the plugs?
As always, thanks kindly in advance for any help.
Skeez
I have a 2008 Crossbones with a stock v-twin. I recently decided that I may want to do a simple stage 1 upgrade. Something along the lines of V&H pipes, V&H Fuel Pack and an upgraded breather element (haven't decided yet what kind but I want to run my stock round cover). I understand that monitoring engine temps is one of the key elements to making sure that everything is working properly and that I am not running lean. I figured that one thing I should do is to begin monitoring my engine temps now before I do any mods so that I can compare them against temps that I may get after. I thought about purchasing an infrared temp gauge and maybe an temp gauge oil dipstick to see what the oil is doing as well. My main question is if there are particular areas of my engine that I should monitor temps at? Where can I get the most accurate readings from?
Also, I understand that spark plugs can provide signs of temp issues. How soon after a mod like this can I expect to see any signs of an issue on the plugs?
As always, thanks kindly in advance for any help.
Skeez
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
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From: NJ
analog oil dipstick temp gauge. After having one for awhile you can pretty much tell the temp of the oil by the seat of your pants. When I feel like I'm sitting on a barbecue pit I know the bike it running about 240-250 degrees.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Florida
Guess I have never felt like I am sitting on a barbecue unless I am sitting in traffic during the hottest days of summer in which case I would expect it to feel hot.
So you guys rely on solely a oil temp dipstick?
So you guys rely on solely a oil temp dipstick?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,403
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From: Southern California
1.) The Oil Temperature will give you a really good "Average" temperature of the engine. I tested my HD Dial style Oil Temp Gauge against a fairly high zoot Thermocouple and the HD Gauge was actually 100% accurate . . . what a shock!
2.) If you buy an infrared Pyrometer be aware of three things: First, you have to be very close (1" -2") to what you are trying to measure to be sure that the temperature that you are reading is actually the spot you think it is. Second, Shiny (as in chrome or polished aluminum) objects do not read the same on a pyrometer as a dull finish even at the same actual temperature. Third, The temperature at different parts of the engine will vary widely and will vary significantly for short periods of time depending on what the engine was just doing . . . although it can be quite an education about where the heat is actually coming from on an engine. If you use a pyrometer, to compare before and after temperatures; be sure to measure the temperature in several locations on the engine, and measure at exactly the same locations, in exactly the same way, on similar temperature days, etc. or you may give yourself a heart attack or a false sense of security. Also be prepared that the normal temperatures around the Heads will be very high compared to the oil temperature.
2.) If you buy an infrared Pyrometer be aware of three things: First, you have to be very close (1" -2") to what you are trying to measure to be sure that the temperature that you are reading is actually the spot you think it is. Second, Shiny (as in chrome or polished aluminum) objects do not read the same on a pyrometer as a dull finish even at the same actual temperature. Third, The temperature at different parts of the engine will vary widely and will vary significantly for short periods of time depending on what the engine was just doing . . . although it can be quite an education about where the heat is actually coming from on an engine. If you use a pyrometer, to compare before and after temperatures; be sure to measure the temperature in several locations on the engine, and measure at exactly the same locations, in exactly the same way, on similar temperature days, etc. or you may give yourself a heart attack or a false sense of security. Also be prepared that the normal temperatures around the Heads will be very high compared to the oil temperature.
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