I have a 2011 Road King with a 103 and the stock oil cooler.


I have already replaced the cooler (the part mounted over the voltage regulator) once because of a pin hole oil leak.


It is leaking again and I am considering removing it entirely.


From what I can tell, then only thing I would need to do is change the oil filter adapter to what was used in the 96


I guess my question is - this oil cooler seems rather small. Is it really worth it??

 

Yep. If the stocker is giving you problems and you think it's too small, there a lotta choices for bigger ones out there.

 

Put one of these on my 2015 SG, excellent quality


https://jagg.com/collections/harley-...hrome-flh-late


You can also change the thermostat if needed


http://wardspartswerks.com/thermostats.html

 

Since your profile doesn't list where you live, I'll assume is south of the arctic...

Is it worth it? Anything that helps keep your engine cooler (within reason) is "worth it" to me. I'd consider replacing with a Jagg unit.

 

I have a 2013 SG. I installed both the Jagg larger oil cooler with the fan and Wardspartswerks fans. NEVER have any issue with oil temp or engine temp no matter where I ride.

 

I would not remove it and not replace it with something. The 103 has to be one of the hottest running motors Harley has ever made.

The issue you are having is it getting hit or failure? If failure would look at one of the above mentioned units great products with good price. If it is getting hit you could look at UltraCool (https://www.ultracoolfl.com/) they have a housing over there unit.

 

I swapped out my perfectly working OEM cooler and installed the Jagg 10 row cooler, the reason being simply I ride in HOT weather and it was a fun plug and play install.
All I did was disconnect the OEM and installed the Jagg. I bought just the Jagg oil cooler and hooked it up to the OEM filter adapter. (translated, I called Jagg and just had them sell me the cooler itself, along with hose and clamps.

One thing for sure you NEED a cooler on the bike, I, again for fun, intensely watch my oil temps with a digital dipstick and the highest need for the oil cooler is at high speeds.
From what I understand, the oil is sprayed on the bottom of the pistons at high speeds and my measured highest temps are always on the highway, so it makes sense.
Of course if stuck in traffic that is a whole other thing.

 

While I foolhardily never added an oil cooler when I went from 96 to 103 (still running 5 years later), the factory doesn't put stuff on they don't think is necessary. I would keep it and if replacing go to one of the bigger/stronger aftermarket units.

 

Was thinking oil cooler was added to compensate EPA lean conditions to 103, making it run extremely hot. For instance, my heat management system was activated every time I came to a traffic light idling more than 4 minutes at 82 degree ambient temperature.

After installing fuel tuner, 12,000 miles back she never went to HMS once, even when idling for 6 minutes at 95 degrees.

B Bop

2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo (stage II)
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.

 

I agree. After de-catting and tuning my 2016, it runs SUBSTANTIALLY cooler than stock. It may still be the hottest Harley ever made, I don't know; all I know is it runs noticeably (and acceptably) cooler after mods.