oil temp guage temp differs.
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Tourer
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oil temp guage temp differs.
I just installed an oil temp guage in my 04 ultra and the temp reading on it ( it's about as good as the pos air temp to read) is about 20 degrees different than the dip stick w/ temp & oil level . I installed it on the oil pan next to the drain plug using a bushing with tteflon tape on both the plug and sensor, would this cause the difference? Not a big deal but with all the knowledge on this forum, somebody might have had the same situation. Thanks in advance.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: The Desert SouthWest
RE: oil temp guage temp differs.
The difference is nothing to worry about. With any gauge use it as a Standard of Reference. As you ride establish what's "normal" for your bike in various conditions. Once you learn this "average" then just watch for when it changes radically and that will tell you to stop and investigate.
Out of curioustiy... What temps are the two different gauges giving you?
Out of curioustiy... What temps are the two different gauges giving you?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Roswell, GA
RE: oil temp guage temp differs.
VDO's website says not to use Teflon tape on the threads; HD's instructions say to use Loctite 565 (IIRC) hi-temp thread sealant. The sender operates as an electrical gound sensor between the threaded part and the probe; as the temperature rises the ground increases in the sending unitcausing the gauge to rise. Theoretically, Teflon tape could interfere with the threaded grounding, but unless you really loaded the threads with tape, the tape will tear and expose the metal of the sending unitto provide an adequate ground. JMHO, of course.
Like Arizona said, I use myoil temp gaugesimply as a reference point--if I see significantly higher tempsthan normal, I'll be checking the engine; otherwise, the actual gauge reading is of no concern.
Like Arizona said, I use myoil temp gaugesimply as a reference point--if I see significantly higher tempsthan normal, I'll be checking the engine; otherwise, the actual gauge reading is of no concern.
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: TX
RE: oil temp guage temp differs.
ORIGINAL: TBJOSEY
I just installed an oil temp guage in my 04 ultra and the temp reading on it ( it's about as good as the pos air temp to read) is about 20 degrees different than the dip stick w/ temp & oil level . I installed it on the oil pan next to the drain plug using a bushing with tteflon tape on both the plug and sensor, would this cause the difference? Not a big deal but with all the knowledge on this forum, somebody might have had the same situation. Thanks in advance.
I just installed an oil temp guage in my 04 ultra and the temp reading on it ( it's about as good as the pos air temp to read) is about 20 degrees different than the dip stick w/ temp & oil level . I installed it on the oil pan next to the drain plug using a bushing with tteflon tape on both the plug and sensor, would this cause the difference? Not a big deal but with all the knowledge on this forum, somebody might have had the same situation. Thanks in advance.
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
RE: oil temp guage temp differs.
ORIGINAL: Harleypingman
VDO's website says not to use Teflon tape on the threads; HD's instructions say to use Loctite 565 (IIRC) hi-temp thread sealant. The sender operates as an electrical gound sensor between the threaded part and the probe; as the temperature rises the ground increases in the sending unitcausing the gauge to rise. Theoretically, Teflon tape could interfere with the threaded grounding, but unless you really loaded the threads with tape, the tape will tear and expose the metal of the sending unitto provide an adequate ground. JMHO, of course.
VDO's website says not to use Teflon tape on the threads; HD's instructions say to use Loctite 565 (IIRC) hi-temp thread sealant. The sender operates as an electrical gound sensor between the threaded part and the probe; as the temperature rises the ground increases in the sending unitcausing the gauge to rise. Theoretically, Teflon tape could interfere with the threaded grounding, but unless you really loaded the threads with tape, the tape will tear and expose the metal of the sending unitto provide an adequate ground. JMHO, of course.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
RE: oil temp guage temp differs.
ORIGINAL: TBJOSEY
I just installed an oil temp guage in my 04 ultra and the temp reading on it ( it's about as good as the pos air temp to read) is about 20 degrees different than the dip stick w/ temp & oil level . I installed it on the oil pan next to the drain plug using a bushing with tteflon tape on both the plug and sensor, would this cause the difference? Not a big deal but with all the knowledge on this forum, somebody might have had the same situation. Thanks in advance.
I just installed an oil temp guage in my 04 ultra and the temp reading on it ( it's about as good as the pos air temp to read) is about 20 degrees different than the dip stick w/ temp & oil level . I installed it on the oil pan next to the drain plug using a bushing with tteflon tape on both the plug and sensor, would this cause the difference? Not a big deal but with all the knowledge on this forum, somebody might have had the same situation. Thanks in advance.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
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From:
RE: oil temp guage temp differs.
I have both and used to think they were off by 20 degrees until I figured out I was reading the Harley oil temp gauge incorrectly. Look carefully for the little dots on the gauge. Note that the dot for 180 degrees is actually at the bottom end or left of the numbers 180 on the gauge.200 degrees is pretty much when the needle seems to be indicating 180. There is another dot to the right of the numbers 180 that is registering 220 degrees. Straight up is 230 degrees.
There will also be a little difference if you check the dipstick gauge as soon as you shut the bike off. Hot oil from the motor has just flowed back into the tank about where the dipstick gauge registers the temps. Wait 30 seconds to a minute and you should see the gauge agrees closer to the fairing gauge which is registering at the bottom of the oil tank.
There will also be a little difference if you check the dipstick gauge as soon as you shut the bike off. Hot oil from the motor has just flowed back into the tank about where the dipstick gauge registers the temps. Wait 30 seconds to a minute and you should see the gauge agrees closer to the fairing gauge which is registering at the bottom of the oil tank.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
RE: oil temp guage temp differs.
ORIGINAL: dstockton
I have both and used to think they were off by 20 degrees until I figured out I was reading the Harley oil temp gauge incorrectly. Look carefully for the little dots on the gauge. Note that the dot for 180 degrees is actually at the bottom end or left of the numbers 180 on the gauge.200 degrees is pretty much when the needle seems to be indicating 180. There is another dot to the right of the numbers 180 that is registering 220 degrees. Straight up is 230 degrees.
I have both and used to think they were off by 20 degrees until I figured out I was reading the Harley oil temp gauge incorrectly. Look carefully for the little dots on the gauge. Note that the dot for 180 degrees is actually at the bottom end or left of the numbers 180 on the gauge.200 degrees is pretty much when the needle seems to be indicating 180. There is another dot to the right of the numbers 180 that is registering 220 degrees. Straight up is 230 degrees.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 279
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From: Oregon
RE: oil temp guage temp differs.
I think Iclick is right on, but sure wish the moco would have done a better job with the gauge layout. They will tell you thought that the gauge is ment as an indicator and is not meant for accuracy.
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