Engine crash bar as oil cooler?
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: DFW
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 87
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From: Western New York
crash bars as oil coolers.
I tried that idea just once a long time ago, and to be up front it's not very effective at all. The idea for the most part is completely inefficient, all it winds up being is a large straight pipe run your oil through. This whole idea has been really around for quite some time! I too can remember, when I first had the idea I saw it on a pan had. In those days some people learn the hard way through oil starvation that this was not a very bright idea. In those days Harley oil pumps were not as efficient as they are today. To make a long story short a specifically designed oil cooler is just plain, way more efficient at cooling oil! Take a look at Jagg's web page and they will give you a complete rundown along with diagrams, that will help you understand why their product is so efficiently designed. Save your money, buy the product that's designed specifically for the job.
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Macon GA
The crash bar is just a big heat sink and the added volume of oil will reduce operating tempature. Thats just science, cant dispute that.
My concern would be that after shutdown gravity will allow the oil in the crashbar to drain back into the lowest point. The oil pan. If the level of the oil is high enough to come in contact with the crankshaft, on startup the crank will whip the oil into foam. Aerated oil will not be picked up by the oil pump in sufficent amounts to properly lube the engine.
Im curious what the oil level is before startup when 1.5 qts are added for the crashbar.
My concern would be that after shutdown gravity will allow the oil in the crashbar to drain back into the lowest point. The oil pan. If the level of the oil is high enough to come in contact with the crankshaft, on startup the crank will whip the oil into foam. Aerated oil will not be picked up by the oil pump in sufficent amounts to properly lube the engine.
Im curious what the oil level is before startup when 1.5 qts are added for the crashbar.
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Midwest
I don't think that anybody who would tackle a project like this is worried about getting work done at the dealership. And as to why would you do this? Why the hell NOT? That's part of the fun.
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