Engine temp question
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Indianapolis
Engine temp question
I seem to consistently see 230-240* oil temps when cruising 70 mph or so on these hot days. I had never used the FP3 to monitor stuff before and thought I'd see what the engine temps were under these conditions. While the bikes run flawlessly, and the plugs look good, I wanted find out if a possible lean condition was causing the oil temps I'm seeing.
Today the temp is 90* or so, HIGH humidity and sunny. After about 10 miles at a steady 70 mph, some slower speeds, and another 15 miles or so at 70 mph the FP3 never showed a temp higher the 385*. I assume this is being taken at the rear cylinder head? Is a temp of 385* an acceptable engine temp under these conditions? If so, an oil cooler may be in my future...
Today the temp is 90* or so, HIGH humidity and sunny. After about 10 miles at a steady 70 mph, some slower speeds, and another 15 miles or so at 70 mph the FP3 never showed a temp higher the 385*. I assume this is being taken at the rear cylinder head? Is a temp of 385* an acceptable engine temp under these conditions? If so, an oil cooler may be in my future...
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Indianapolis
I'm no expert on the matter but, from what little I've read most problems with the FP3 seem to come with running the Autotune feature. Since my bike runs so well, I have no desire to run the Autotune. I'm leaving well enough alone. Although I still think I will try and get the oil temps down.
Appreciate the feedback!
Last edited by firehawk6; Jun 16, 2018 at 03:17 PM.
Banned
Joined: May 2018
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From: Viet Vet, crossroads
You have to separate engine temp from oil temp
head temp is important.
oil temp is important
Oil temps to 225 is getting pretty hot according to oil experts.
Up too 225 is OK
Short runs to 250 is ok.
Staying there is too dam hot.
head temp is important.
oil temp is important
Oil temps to 225 is getting pretty hot according to oil experts.
Up too 225 is OK
Short runs to 250 is ok.
Staying there is too dam hot.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Indianapolis
My main concern is/was, if the engine temps were extreme I could be looking at a lean condition causing the oil temps to be that high. It appears 385* are not abnormal engine temps in those conditions, so I will address the oil temps with an oil cooler. I'd like the oil temps to be in the 200-210* range
Banned
Joined: May 2018
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From: Viet Vet, crossroads
I have no clue what most M8 are doing, I just kind of know what the oil people tell me
.They like them above the boiling point, and like I said short trips up to 250.
But AFAIK oils don't like it there.
If i say more then that then I just went into happy hour.
.They like them above the boiling point, and like I said short trips up to 250.
But AFAIK oils don't like it there.
If i say more then that then I just went into happy hour.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
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I wouldn't worry about it. Anything up to 250F is fine (don't go looking at Twin Cams or M8's if that worries you). If you're using a good synthetic you've got zero to worry about.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 443
From: Indianapolis
The 2013 Sportster service manual lists "normal operating temperature" of the oil as 230 F in the oil pressure testing section.
From the service manual-
"NOTE
For an accurate reading, engine oil should be at normal operating
temperature: 230 °F (110 °C)."
From the service manual-
"NOTE
For an accurate reading, engine oil should be at normal operating
temperature: 230 °F (110 °C)."
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2016
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From: Charlotte, NC.
firehawk6 you have nothing to worry about. My 1200 with the same FP3 tune is running the same temps (both rear head temp and oil temp) under the same conditions. And it's running great I might add. I noticed these temps last spring / summer and thought I might need to get a oil cooler or maybe some love jugs to cool things down. Then the more I read the more I found out that my engine was right where it is supposed to be under those conditions. They say the evo is damn near a bulletproof motor and I have to agree.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Indianapolis
firehawk6 you have nothing to worry about. My 1200 with the same FP3 tune is running the same temps (both rear head temp and oil temp) under the same conditions. And it's running great I might add. I noticed these temps last spring / summer and thought I might need to get a oil cooler or maybe some love jugs to cool things down. Then the more I read the more I found out that my engine was right where it is supposed to be under those conditions. They say the evo is damn near a bulletproof motor and I have to agree.
Still considering putting together an oil cooler kit. I want to go with a Jaggs oil filter adapter, and an HD cooler. I'm wanting to stick with the HD cooler because I want to use the cover they sell so it won't just look like a black radiator hanging off the frame tube. At this point it seems I'm ok so the cooler might end up being a winter project.
Appreciate your input!