Normal head temperature
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 2,465
Normal head temperature
I use PowerVision with some gauges to monitor things. One of the gauges is Temperature. What I understand is that this is a head temperature, not necessarily oil temp. At times, like today, I saw it go up to 306 degrees in 63 degrees weather.
what would be normal “Head” temp on M8? I think this gauge is causing me little stress every time I see it above 300.
what would be normal “Head” temp on M8? I think this gauge is causing me little stress every time I see it above 300.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,151
Likes: 6,175
From: SE Michigan
If you measure it, you will obsess about it. I often wonder how the 99.99% of riders who never measure head temperature manage to get by without knowing. 
I'm pretty sure most would tell you it's perfectly normal.
I'm pretty sure most would tell you it's perfectly normal.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 426
Likes: 157
From: Lake Wales, Fl
It's common to see 300 - 350 degrees -- That being said , you can lower it with a proper tune. I rarely see over 250-60 That is in Fla. - sitting at a red light or crossing the State at 85 mph on a summer afternoon . My bike cranks at 210 - high compression
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 426
Likes: 157
From: Lake Wales, Fl
That is with a DTT ECM - requires an accurate reading to work properly - The temps are accurate from start up - confirmed with a temp gun - That is on the temp sensor on the front head near to intake - temps are higher at the exhaust @300+
Last edited by Eastcoast Jim; May 1, 2022 at 07:31 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 2,465
Are you sure you are not talking about the oil temperature?
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,004
Likes: 11,441
The non wet heads saw 360 in heat and traffic.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom
Verdad Gallardo
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 468
One of the hottest places on the heads is right behind the spark plug. I use a temperature gun and check there after a ride. If it measures under 350 on a really hot day, I'm good with that. Most of the time it’s below 320. The rear head is always hotter.
I run a Thunder Max ECM. The Thunder Max maps use plenty of fuel. I cooled mine down by removing timing. The maps are developed using very good fuel. Not everywhere has top quality fuel. I had to remove timing to eliminate ping and to cool the engine down. Still runs very well.
The ECM gets its head temperature input from the sending unit located on the front head near the intake port. It’s misleading as that is far from being the hottest place on the heads.
I run a Thunder Max ECM. The Thunder Max maps use plenty of fuel. I cooled mine down by removing timing. The maps are developed using very good fuel. Not everywhere has top quality fuel. I had to remove timing to eliminate ping and to cool the engine down. Still runs very well.
The ECM gets its head temperature input from the sending unit located on the front head near the intake port. It’s misleading as that is far from being the hottest place on the heads.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 426
Likes: 157
From: Lake Wales, Fl
In response to your comments - I get 250 - 60 head temps like I said - I can go back on the data log & verify- confirmed with an IR laser thermometer - the temp readings show a logical increase- starting out cold under 100 degrees @70 -80-90 - I do have a lot of time in tuning it - 95cu, in 210 - 12 ccp - Woods 6h ,head work, Fueling pump & cam plate , oil cooler on the frame down tube - ecjim