All,

I have tried looking to find some info on typical head temperatures, my ride seems to be running around 200 C or 400 F ( using PV5 ) and I'm concerned this is a bit hot.

She runs well but after a while I believe the oil gets too thin and may break down.

Please respond with any info you have available.

Regards to all.

.

 

i'm running about the same and higher. i went crazy over it after messing with my engine.

your temps sound okay

my madness started here and went on for a while. bad tune was the culprit... i think. i put it behind me.

 

Standard?....too many variables.

Here is an write-up that was just sent out by DK which includes info on temp
http://www.dkcustomproducts.com/slee...mance-mods.htm

 

Its typical for someone to measure temp or install a temp gauge then think an engine is running hot. Suddenly you think something is wrong or you NEED an oil cooler.
I see this all the time about motorcycles and cars, Corvettes, Mustangs, etc.

 

All, yes, all answers are correct, when you are able to monitor you ask if this or that is standard. Happily mine is just another statistic.

 

What are your oil temps? Your oil temp will be less than the head temp.

Lately I have been seeing Head Temps of ~ 350-360 F and my oil temp is right around 190-200 F. I usually ride very conservatively

If you are one to run your engine in the 3500+ rpm range you would likely see head temps 30-40F higher and oil temps closer to 230 F.

By the way in the 2013 HD Sportster Service manual, it lists the normal oil temp as 230 F, in the oil pressure testing section.

 

aside from the air the oil cools the motor too.I switched to a aviation oil for rotary engines and find the oil and engine temps cooler and the motor quieter. Phillips 25W-60

 

1979-1985 FSM under oil pressure testing states", run the engine until oil becomes hot".
"MC should be driven 20 miles at or above 50 mph".

Read oil temperature @ 226F on 5.7hemi ram recently with 100F ambient air temperature.
Normal temperature is 215F
Usually takes about 25 minutes at highway speed to reach normal operating temperature
For what's it's worth

230F engine oil temp, seems reasonable.

 

400 F is a bit warmer than ideal, but still not in the range of accelerated wear on the engine.

If your oil temps are not exceeding 230 F, then it is doubtful the additive package is being damaged, specifically the viscosity modifiers. When you start seeing oil temps in the 250-270 F range or higher, that is when the viscosity modifiers are suffering damage, resulting in "thinner" oil.

hscic posted a good link to a full report on ideal temps for performance. Below is an excerpt, specifically for Sportys.

Sportster Notes: Unlike the Twin Cam & M8 (which all need help cooling the engine metal & oil), the Sportster Evolution engine generally does not have a heat issue. It will still run stronger in cool weather, and will benefit greatly with a cool air intake and unrestricted exhaust. BUT, most do not need help cooling down the cylinder walls.

The heat sensor on the Sportster is in a different position (top of rear cylinder head), and as long as it is reading between 310 and 375, the cylinder walls should be close to 190, which is the optimum for power.

If you are getting more heat than that, or if your oil is going above 230, then a few effective options are relocating your oil filter, using a permanent performance oil filter, and/or using an oil cooler.