Highest Engine Temp?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,471
Likes: 2,998
From: Charleston, SC
And before all that (on a smaller Twincam even) it was for overheating, not rider comfort. Funny how people forget where it all started.
People want to believe the TC is bullet proof (and maybe it is) but even Harley knew back in the day you could overheat it.
Injected Twin Cam High Temperature Idle:
The 2002 and later fuel injected Twin Cam engines use a three phase heat
management system to reduce engine temperature under extreme conditions.
Be aware that a rider with a very hot engine may notice the affects of this three phase
heat management system and incorrectly assume an idle problem exists.
Phase 1 - At approximately 320F the ECM will gradually reduce engine idle
speed until the engine temperature drops or the engine reaches 800 rpm.
Phase 2 - If engine temperature reaches 338F the ECM richens the air/fuel
ratio to provide additional cooling.
Phase 3 - If the engine temperature reaches 356F fuel injector pulses are
interrupted. The air drawn in and expelled helps cool the engine further.
Since there is no combustion it would be perceived as a misfire. This third
stage will only happen when the motorcycle is stationary.
People want to believe the TC is bullet proof (and maybe it is) but even Harley knew back in the day you could overheat it.
Injected Twin Cam High Temperature Idle:
The 2002 and later fuel injected Twin Cam engines use a three phase heat
management system to reduce engine temperature under extreme conditions.
Be aware that a rider with a very hot engine may notice the affects of this three phase
heat management system and incorrectly assume an idle problem exists.
Phase 1 - At approximately 320F the ECM will gradually reduce engine idle
speed until the engine temperature drops or the engine reaches 800 rpm.
Phase 2 - If engine temperature reaches 338F the ECM richens the air/fuel
ratio to provide additional cooling.
Phase 3 - If the engine temperature reaches 356F fuel injector pulses are
interrupted. The air drawn in and expelled helps cool the engine further.
Since there is no combustion it would be perceived as a misfire. This third
stage will only happen when the motorcycle is stationary.
Last edited by lp; Mar 20, 2017 at 02:54 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 130
From: Now Western TN
So it was an attempt to keep the engine cooler specifically the rear cylinder which typically runs hotter.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,999
Likes: 11,439
Actually EITMS was back to 2009 and in the users manual specifically states "the motorcycle is equipped with an Engine Idle Temperature Management System (EITMS) to provide limited cooling of the rear cylinder"
So it was an attempt to keep the engine cooler specifically the rear cylinder which typically runs hotter.
So it was an attempt to keep the engine cooler specifically the rear cylinder which typically runs hotter.
Had it enabled on my 2007 RG. Before they labeled it EITMS it was called parade mode.
I had a 2007,2011,2013 then went wet head 2016 and 2017.
Last edited by smitty901; Mar 20, 2017 at 06:27 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,471
Likes: 2,998
From: Charleston, SC
The pre-07 system (parade mode) was not for rider comfort. It was their first attempt to protect the engine.
Lots of sources on that including HD but on the web...Nightrider's site being a good one. You can read all about scored pistons, what constitutes overheating etc etc.
07 and 08.5 was a dealer option like smitty said. First time called EITMS. 09 is when it started being user selectable but take in mind it's not the exact same system as the 07/08 system. Different calibrations... works that same nearly though.
EITMS which a loose derivative of the old "Parade mode" was specifically made for rider comfort since it's controls are in the hands of the owner; however, parts of the old parade mode still exist in the ECM. AFR changes and such in certain conditions.
Regardless of what system is being used and why, Harley Davidson motor company understands all engines can overheat and their stance on overheating is this:
"Air-Cooled engines require air movement over cylinders and heads to maintain proper operating temperature. Extended periods of idling or parade duty can overheat the engine, resulting in serious engine damage. (00178a)." - source Owners manual.
So... do what you can to keep them cool. OP, I would change that oil.
Lots of sources on that including HD but on the web...Nightrider's site being a good one. You can read all about scored pistons, what constitutes overheating etc etc.
07 and 08.5 was a dealer option like smitty said. First time called EITMS. 09 is when it started being user selectable but take in mind it's not the exact same system as the 07/08 system. Different calibrations... works that same nearly though.
EITMS which a loose derivative of the old "Parade mode" was specifically made for rider comfort since it's controls are in the hands of the owner; however, parts of the old parade mode still exist in the ECM. AFR changes and such in certain conditions.
Regardless of what system is being used and why, Harley Davidson motor company understands all engines can overheat and their stance on overheating is this:
"Air-Cooled engines require air movement over cylinders and heads to maintain proper operating temperature. Extended periods of idling or parade duty can overheat the engine, resulting in serious engine damage. (00178a)." - source Owners manual.
So... do what you can to keep them cool. OP, I would change that oil.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,999
Likes: 11,439
The managements systems often failed to do much because rides keep burping the throttle Every time they did that the timer rest for it to switch on .
for the systems to work best when you roll to a stop do not burp the throttle .
On my wet heads the rear cyl will still shut down on a hot day in heavy traffic..
You will also notice when they are new they kick in more often.
Put a lot of miles on these engines ,That 07 had 75K when traded. Never had an engine failure. For that madder primary or transmission either. Any failures of that nature where before 1996.
May or may not make a difference but that is the reason I run SYN engine oil. Just helps me sleep.
for the systems to work best when you roll to a stop do not burp the throttle .
On my wet heads the rear cyl will still shut down on a hot day in heavy traffic..
You will also notice when they are new they kick in more often.
Put a lot of miles on these engines ,That 07 had 75K when traded. Never had an engine failure. For that madder primary or transmission either. Any failures of that nature where before 1996.
May or may not make a difference but that is the reason I run SYN engine oil. Just helps me sleep.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 193
From: ohio
im not sure, just know that I lost power, bike would hardly move, finally shut it down, had to wait a long time before it would start, after I got it started, I got out of the jam, and seemed to run fine after, so I figured limp mode?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 298
From: Central Fl
When the engines get really hot the ECM will take a lot of timing out and the bike will be very sluggish until the engine begins to cool off after some movement of air over the motor.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 651
Likes: 72
From: Harleysville, PA
Few years back my FLHR always shut down one cylinder when ambient temps were above 80 degrees when standing at a long traffic light! After installed a fuel tuner, never happened again, even when ambient temps were beyond 90 degrees.
Amazing how well an engine runs from an extreme lean setting to a slightly richer setting, also witnessed absence of pre-ignition & knocking as well, and all this time I thought it was an octane problem....
A good fuel tuner is a good start in reducing excessive heat problems.
B Bop
2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo
Cruise Control, ABS, Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Spoke Tubeless Wheels, Security Package, Saddle Bag LED Lid Spoilers, and an array of accessories that enhances nostalgic appearance & blood curdling performance.
Great spirits have always encountered violent oppositions from mediocre minds.
Amazing how well an engine runs from an extreme lean setting to a slightly richer setting, also witnessed absence of pre-ignition & knocking as well, and all this time I thought it was an octane problem....
A good fuel tuner is a good start in reducing excessive heat problems.
B Bop
2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo
Cruise Control, ABS, Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Spoke Tubeless Wheels, Security Package, Saddle Bag LED Lid Spoilers, and an array of accessories that enhances nostalgic appearance & blood curdling performance.
Great spirits have always encountered violent oppositions from mediocre minds.
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