When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
It's only common if they install the sender as per HD's instructions, which is to tee it into the cooler line. This is unnecessary and adds clutter to an already cluttered area around the oil filter. It also may not read until the oil cooler thermostat opens, which doesn't make sense. Most here use an adapter like the Napa#3220 x 6 x 2 (1/8"F-3/8"M), which adapts the sender into the spare plug in the oil pan. This gives readings of the oil in the pan, which is where most oil-temp senders are located in cars, etc.
Iclick is on the ball. There are quite a few posts here on HDF that state clearly how to mount the sender in the pan. Oil temps are also seen as being 10-15 degrees higher in the pan as they are in the cooler lines which can give you a false temp reading.
Sorry to inform you, but no, the chrome bezels will NOT fit on the McEwan gauge. My 01 Ultra had chrome bezels installed when I bought it, going to powder coat them black to match the oil temp gauge.
Hi Geoff, thanks for the confirmation. It's disappointing but not surprising. I like the look of the chrome bezels on the gauges but I'd rather have the oil temp gauge. Looks like I just saved a few bucks!
It's only common if they install the sender as per HD's instructions, which is to tee it into the cooler line. This is unnecessary and adds clutter to an already cluttered area around the oil filter. It also may not read until the oil cooler thermostat opens, which doesn't make sense. Most here use an adapter like the Napa#3220 x 6 x 2 (1/8"F-3/8"M), which adapts the sender into the spare plug in the oil pan. This gives readings of the oil in the pan, which is where most oil-temp senders are located in cars, etc.
True! Harley's web site states up front that the gauge will not read until the oil coolers thermostat opens after the engine has fully warmed up. I never understood why until now. Why they'd place the temp sensor there is beyond me but at least with the help of forums like this one, we can share the alternatives!
Installed both Hd and the one from Wallys, both say no tape and I didn;t, no leaks no worries. make sure if your not using Hd's model that you put the amber cover over the bulb. I can;t say it was easy as pie but even a caveman can do it
Hi Geoff, thanks for the confirmation. It's disappointing but not surprising. I like the look of the chrome bezels on the gauges but I'd rather have the oil temp gauge. Looks like I just saved a few bucks!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Just buy the HD gauge, which shouldn't be that much more expensive if you buy it from Zanotti's or Chicago HD (~$110 + shipping). I've heard they match the stock gauges a bit better.
I have a H.D. oil temp gage that was just installed and when you turn the ing. on the gage goes to 110 deg. and stays there. I rode for about 2 hours and it stayed there. I dont want to take it back and leave it at dealer to see if he can figure it out. It is my only transportation. The cooler feels hot like the therm. is open. Any ideas?
I have been considering installing an oil temp gauge myself. How well does the #gk-61537 match the OEM gauges on the 07 road glide? Also do you replace the drain plug with the sensor or does it install in another location in the pan? Thanks
I have a H.D. oil temp gage that was just installed and when you turn the ing. on the gage goes to 110 deg. and stays there. I rode for about 2 hours and it stayed there. I dont want to take it back and leave it at dealer to see if he can figure it out. It is my only transportation. The cooler feels hot like the therm. is open. Any ideas?
They may have teed into the outgoing cooler hose, which would be still cold if the t'stat hasn't opened. In cool weather your oil may take a very long time to reach 185°, and there are times here when it won't happen even after a long ride. For example, I rode about 25 miles yesterday in high-40's and the oil never did reach 180° on the gauge.
I would eliminate the tee on the cooler hose and install the sender in the pan as has been described on many threads here in the past. Search on "oil cooler". The problem is that these hoses are bent for the purpose and you'll have to buy a cooler "hose service kit" (#62658-05) to replace the cut hose which IIRC is about $35 MSRP (ripoff alert!). The adapter is Napa #3220 x 6 x 2 (1/8F-3/8M). Let us know if you have any questions about this install.
I have been considering installing an oil temp gauge myself. How well does the #gk-61537 match the OEM gauges on the 07 road glide? Also do you replace the drain plug with the sensor or does it install in another location in the pan? Thanks
I haven't seen one of the McEwan gauges, but others have said the match is close but not perfect. It won't say "Harley-Davidson" on the face, but nobody will notice that anyway since the type is small. I've heard little in the way of complaints about this gauge except that it won't fit the HD chrome trim rings.
There is a plug next to the drain plug that you use for the cooler sending unit, which IIRC uses an Allen socket. On some of these threads there have been photos posted that show its location. It may be difficult to remove, so if it is in too tight heat it up with a heat gun or hair drier first, or remove it after a ride when the bike is hot. Mine came out easily. There is no need for Teflon tape or other sealers when you install the sender adapter.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.