oil temp??
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Joined: Apr 2009
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Milan
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,108
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From: New England
OK, why even install the gauge? If it's not accurate (as one or two have already suggested thus giving another useless number), why bother?
I mean if you're sitting in traffic and the motor got so hot that damage was eminent, wouldn't you have noticed (like your legs are on fire) and taken some action before the thing locks up???
I mean if you're sitting in traffic and the motor got so hot that damage was eminent, wouldn't you have noticed (like your legs are on fire) and taken some action before the thing locks up???
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 578
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From:
PineTree, I installed mine because I wanted to know my temperature. I agree it is useless above 230* but does provide accurate info up to that point. What I have learned is my need for an oil cooler, the gauge has shown me just how HOT my bike can get.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 209
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Funny you mention McEwen saying the gauge is not accurate above 230. I called him last year and asked what the graduations between the numbers on the gauge were. He told me that the gauge was calibrated to be close to the posted numbers on the gauge all the way to 300.
Now I wonder if thats true. I have an oil cooler and synth oil, but WTF with the gauge?
Now I wonder if thats true. I have an oil cooler and synth oil, but WTF with the gauge?
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,108
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From: New England
But allow me to play devil's advocate for a minute...most of the damage/wear/tear done to an engine is done upon start up when the oil is cold. And for most engines (especially an air-cooled one) cold running is very damaging.
I use to fly air-cooled single-engine airplanes in northern New England in the winter...we would never attempt to start one without pre-heating as doing so was far too damaging (read costly).
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 367
Likes: 5
From: Draper, Utah
I installed a Roger McEwan on my 08 EGC. Install was ez, just follow the directions. The gauge itself, however, is only accurate between 170* and 230* (spoke to Roger McEwan who said it is within 5% in this temp range). The problem I had was my gauge was constantly pegging out at 300*, worried I contacted Roger who gave me the above information. On a recent trip when the temp was hovering around 300*, I pulled over and checked it with a digital dip stick. Took two readings on two seperate occasions..the first was 269 and the second was 255. Not saying the McEwan gauge is bad as it works for what it is designed to do. All said and done, I wished I would have purchased the HD gauge..if you notice it reads to 350* (for a reason!!!) Good mod though, I just don't panic anymore when my gauge pegs out.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
have the adapter in the package.
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i just ordered the fairing oil temp gauge and oil cooler. is there any way that the oil temp will read correclty with the oil cooler installed at all times. HD manual says it will not read correctly untill the oil cooler's thermostat opens.. any photos where u connected the oil temp pick up sensor on the oil pan.. curious. i might do install myself.
