Oil Coolers Worth It?
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
RE: Oil Coolers Worth It?
ORIGINAL: thehueg
I'm new to Harley's having just bought an ' 08 Ultra Classic. I knew going into the buy that these bikes can run hot. But having rented them in Texas and Las Vegas at 100 degrees plus, my wife and I still really enjoyed the rides. Anyway, is an oil cooler a good investment? How much will the temperature drop with one of them installed versus leaving the bike stock? Last, what's a reasonable expense for parts and labor for the dealer to install?
Thanks,
I'm new to Harley's having just bought an ' 08 Ultra Classic. I knew going into the buy that these bikes can run hot. But having rented them in Texas and Las Vegas at 100 degrees plus, my wife and I still really enjoyed the rides. Anyway, is an oil cooler a good investment? How much will the temperature drop with one of them installed versus leaving the bike stock? Last, what's a reasonable expense for parts and labor for the dealer to install?
Thanks,
In terms of coolers being a good investment, it appears that more then 99.9% of the engineers agree that they are not only a good investment but are absolutely necessary on air cooled engines. Your only choice is, which engineers to listen to. (Pretty easy choice for me at least).
I am not real sure but I wouldn't think that simply looking at the change in the oil temp at the point of reservoir would indicate anything meaningful whatsoever if you consider that a "less heat soaked oil" is or should be collecting or transfering and pulling back more heat to that reservoir. I would think that to measure the effect correctly would include measuring temps of different components of the engine not the oil itself.
In terms of cost, I don't know that off hand but, I again would direct your attention to aircraft and automotive engineer's opinions. They seem to agree that it don't matter what it costs because the motor will be junk without it. Having said that, I think everyone can agree that the quickest way for an engineer to find himself "standing outside the gate looking in" is to include something in a design that isn't absolutely necessary. The fact that those other 99.9% of engineers that insist on coolers are still employed makes the whole issue self evident huh?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 2
From: USA
RE: Oil Coolers Worth It?
Presently running the H-D Premium.
I bet they work better then they look,and are nice looking too.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,663
Likes: 7
From: Northeast Ohio
RE: Oil Coolers Worth It?
Think of it this way, most autos now have electric fans either in front or behind the radiator. Going down the highway, the fan does not run as there is enough moving air to remove the heat from the radiator. Same for a HD oil cooler, moving it will lowerthe engine temps due to airflow. Stopped, the fan on the car now runs, moving air across the radiator to help cool. For a HD, there is no fan and therefore the oil cooler is ineffective at slow speeds or stop and go traffic. Do I run one, yes, as going down the road engine temps are maintained at a lower level. Does it help in stop and go traffic - no, no air flow, no cooling. Will it work with fairing lowers- yes.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,590
Likes: 444
From: Ohio
RE: Oil Coolers Worth It?
ORIGINAL: cleanandfreerider
Anybody else got feedback regarding the fans??
Anybody else got feedback regarding the fans??
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Oil Coolers Worth It?
Idont do alot of parades butIdo ride in alot of traffic from time to time.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,590
Likes: 444
From: Ohio
RE: Oil Coolers Worth It?
ORIGINAL: liftgator
Anyone have a problem with debris coming off the front wheel and damaging the cooler? It seems to be located in a susceptible area for damage. Thanks
Anyone have a problem with debris coming off the front wheel and damaging the cooler? It seems to be located in a susceptible area for damage. Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,003
Likes: 11,441
RE: Oil Coolers Worth It?
This one is made by Lenale fan is nice but the horn that comes with the kit is almost worthless recomemnd you just relocate factory horn. If you want other pictures or longterm test just give me a yell.
219 dollars 20 minutes to install.
[IMG]local://upfiles/52318/7A26D7BAC0CF4279A900E7DDB9F4BFD2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/52318/BB6014F1BF9A4A649519806B272BBD54.jpg[/IMG]
219 dollars 20 minutes to install.
ORIGINAL: cleanandfreerider
Anybody else got feedback regarding the fans??
Anybody else got feedback regarding the fans??
[IMG]local://upfiles/52318/BB6014F1BF9A4A649519806B272BBD54.jpg[/IMG]