Oil cooler question
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,444
Likes: 1
From: SC
The oil cooler will help the engine, but I don't think it will fix an oil leak. You may have built too much pressure running hard cold, My oil pressure is hi when I first start and goes down as the engine warms. That was just the weak point in the gasket. Or, nothing really caused it other than a bad place in the gasket.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
I'm sure every thing you can do to cool the oil will help. I've heard from several sources that Amsol oil by itself will reduce the oil temperature by 20 degrees. I'm not completely convince of that yet.
Something I do know for sure, for those planning on mounting chrome display stand. You can not have an oil cooler with a display stand mounted.
Something I do know for sure, for those planning on mounting chrome display stand. You can not have an oil cooler with a display stand mounted.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
Sounds like I agree with you guys. I have been told, and believe that if you don't let the engine warm up....you will get oil leaks. That makes sense. I could even believe that an oil cooler in Texas or SoCal could be recommended, but not in South West Ohio.
I plan to get one, if for no more reason then it can't hurt.
Thanks for the input.
I plan to get one, if for no more reason then it can't hurt.
Thanks for the input.
Having a oil cooler or not having a oil cooler will not cause a oil leak we all know that. Having installed a oil cooler, and seeing a drop in my oil temperature, is a good thing here in the high desert of Nevada. Remember Summer is just around the corner.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
It is probably an exaggeration, but the fact is that any high-quality synthetic will provide cooler running, probably more on order of 10° than 20°, however. Amsoil is a fine product but there are other fine products on the market.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
As oil increases in temperature the stock itself and additives oxidize, and that is what causes the oil to break down. The higher the temperature the faster the oxidation, so it is important to keep oil temps under control. Most oil engineers I've spoken with like to see oil temps between 180-200° in normal operation, which is hot enough to quickly dissipate water yet not hot enough to cause abnormal oxidation.
My '07 with a cooler installed runs up to about 205° while running 45mph or more in summer, up to 230° in traffic, though this happens rarely. I consider this to be an acceptable range, but if I wouldn't be comfortable if it exceed this. When air temps are 70° or lower 180° is the normal peak while moving, maybe as high as 195° in traffic.
Some riders without coolers report oil temps as high as 300°, and there's no way I'd want my oil getting anywhere near that temperature.
My '07 with a cooler installed runs up to about 205° while running 45mph or more in summer, up to 230° in traffic, though this happens rarely. I consider this to be an acceptable range, but if I wouldn't be comfortable if it exceed this. When air temps are 70° or lower 180° is the normal peak while moving, maybe as high as 195° in traffic.
Some riders without coolers report oil temps as high as 300°, and there's no way I'd want my oil getting anywhere near that temperature.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 280
From: North Cental Iowa
I think what the mechanic was trying to get across was that running hot contributes to a head gasket failing, that's the reason for the oil leak. Oil temps below 250 are acceptable especially with synthetic oil, 220-230 is a lot better.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 6
From: Lapeer , Mich
I think first thing I would is get a oil temp Gage and see what it is running and then go from there if one is needed. Your oil needs to run at a certain temp and needs to get hot enough to burn the moisture out
Last edited by 1st 96 ultra; Apr 3, 2010 at 07:26 PM.
