OverHeating
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
OverHeating
Hello:
I been riding for 2 years and the bike just now starting overheating. It's a Ironhead is there anything I can do to keep the bike running cooler, other than shutting it off at lights? Are the EVOS much better at staying cooler?
Thanks
I been riding for 2 years and the bike just now starting overheating. It's a Ironhead is there anything I can do to keep the bike running cooler, other than shutting it off at lights? Are the EVOS much better at staying cooler?
Thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,718
Likes: 1
From: manhattan beach
agree- and changing the air/ fuel mixture to more rich will also help. got mine down below 200 degrees with synthetic and richer setting.
Novice
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
I would be suspect as to why (if no mods were done) has it all of the sudden started running hotter? maybe an intake leak or a plugged jet making it run lean? I would definately do some further investigation...
Guest
Posts: n/a
Absolutely. Any time you have a sudden change, there is something wrong. If you aren't mechanically inclined, take it to a competent mechanic (even the stealership if that's the only place nearby to find one) and have it checked out. Once you sort out the actual issue, then get an oil cooler, run synthetic, and set the carb a little under stoichiometrically "perfect." That is to say, be sure that you aren't at 14.7:1, but more like 14.2:1 A/F. Your milage will suffer somewhat, but you and your bike will be much happier.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Thanks the bike has about 3 thousand mile since A complete rebuild. I am running straight 50 oil. I don't have a oil temp gauge, I am going to have to pick one up. I have been riding more in urban areas like Philly. I normally can feel the bike oil tank heat up and then it idle rough and cut off on me. It seems to over heat in all the wrong places.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 913
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I was reading a magazine article and they suggust you run a multi grade oil - why ? The 50 grade can`t get into the real small channels so by running a 20-50 the lower viscosity can run free into the small channels.
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 990
Likes: 10
From: Redondo Beach, California
If everything has stayed the same over the last two years and it is just now overheating, something may be wrong. The IRONHEAD Sportsters are a little bit of a different beast than the EVO engine Sportsters are. I run a Lockhart oil cooler myself and I have only used straight 60 weight Valvoline oil and 70 weight Kendall oil (when I can find some) and I have never had any problems with engine overheating in my '77 in almost 30 some years of riding it around. Can you give some of the symptoms as to why you think that it is overheating? Does the oil light come on at all? A little more information please! Also, you might try posting your questions in the IRONHEAD section of the forum for some feedback from a group of very COOL Ironhead owners that are very helpful as well.