Anyone experiencing high oil temperatures?

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Jul 23, 2010 | 03:41 PM

#21

frenchbiker

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 3,948

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From: The Burgh

Quote:

Originally Posted by iclick

HD claims fairing lowers will actually aid in cooling while moving but may hinder it while stationary because they trap heat. In my experience over three summers, oil-temps have run about 5° cooler at highway speeds after installing lowers and I've seen no change at slower speeds or while stationary. I don't know where fairing lowers gained the reputation of increasing engine heat or what effect they have on other bikes, but this has not been the case with mine. Keep in mind I'm also running an oil cooler, which may be a factor.

I don't think removing the lower fairings reduces the engine temperature one bit either. I did it and didn't fell any difference. On the other hand, taking them off reduces protection against the elements so as far as I'm concerned, they're back permanently.

Jul 23, 2010 | 04:58 PM

#22

nytryder

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 4,012

Likes: 298

From: Central Fl

I run Amsoil and have never seen oil temps over 265 deg and that was after 45 min of pretty much stationary running. Read my sig also. My bike is far from stock. HD claims oil temps of 300 deg is acceptable even with their dino oil. 230 deg is considered normal. I ride pretty much daily in all kinds of weather and at 23000 mi the bike looks and sounds good as new. On a recent road trip air temps were 100 deg F for hrs of interstate riding and oil temps never went over 253 deg. That was with 450# of rider, passenger and travel related crap. Speeds ranged from 70-80 mph. I have no oil cooler and at this point see no need for one in my future.

Jul 23, 2010 | 05:13 PM

#23

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 11,475

Likes: 3,001

From: Charleston, SC

Not trying to march into a debate but my legs got cooler when I took my lowers off. It was only because I now had direct wind on my legs. The lowers trapped hotter than ambient air behind the lowers while riding and while in traffic.

How do I know. I'm burned around my lower legs (motorcross fire). My skin is very sensitive to heat or changes in temp.
Bike just feels cooler with the lowers off. No science to my observation. Just sayin.

I put those puppies back on in winter though...

Jul 23, 2010 | 09:04 PM

#24

Harleyboyddk

Road Master

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 862

Likes: 3

From: Henderson, Nevada

My '03 FLHTI with stock 88" and SE air filter. Has the first gen 103" oil cooler w-thermostat. Run Mobil 1 V-twin. Not sayin' oil temp gauge is accurate, but highest I've seen is 230. Typically 210-215 riding secondary desert roads. If caught in stopped traffic for accident or road construction, I shut motor down. Observed Las Vegas Motor Patrol units doing this. Also the only heat issue I have with this bike is from the oval air cleaner cover. That bastard is the hottest part on the bike. Going to round cover when see the right one. Riding the White Lightning in the heat is brutal. That motor runs really hot, good thing theres no temperature indicator of any kind on it.

Jul 23, 2010 | 09:29 PM

#25

DaKingMan

Intermediate

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 32

Likes: 0

From: Friendswood, Texas

Oil Temp gauge

I have to Oil Temp gauge and it stays pegged. It is real hot here in Houston but I know my engine is not running 360 degress! Just took delivery of it today and it goes back to the dealer tomorrow to replace the gauge or sensor or whatever is not working.

Jul 24, 2010 | 12:10 AM

#26

King Crimson

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Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 340

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From: Illinois

250? Hell that ain't hot, these engines are designed to run much hotter. You sound paranoid with your oil cooler. digital temp gauge and all. Just ride the bike, enjoy it, and stop putzin around.

Last edited by King Crimson; Jul 24, 2010 at 12:12 AM.

Jul 24, 2010 | 07:48 AM

#27

OnTheFence

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Joined: May 2005

Posts: 440

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We have mid 90's here in Central IL/IN as well. I am guessing our mid 90's is the same as Florida's. Without an OIL cooler, 230-240 is the norm on my bike. Dino and Synthetics run the same temp.

Given the parameters of the OP and assuming the bike was moving when reaching 250. I'd think the cooler isn't doing anything. Maybe the thermostat is bad?

There are a bazillion posts where folks with coolers state 20 degree temp drops.

Of course there are just as many posts that claim that ________ brand of synthetic makes their bike cooler. That doesn't seem to be the case with my bike.

Jul 24, 2010 | 10:12 AM

#28

Ronp42

Account Retired

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 3,245

Likes: 12

From: Here

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Crimson

250? Hell that ain't hot, these engines are designed to run much hotter. You sound paranoid with your oil cooler. digital temp gauge and all. Just ride the bike, enjoy it, and stop putzin around.

LOL, I'm with you King Crimson. I've been riding close to 50 years. I'm 68 now. I've never put an oil cooler on a Harley. I like to ride sometime with the windshield off. Kinda reminds me of why I like riding a Bike so much. I read some of the post on here and wonder what's happened? I hear riders complaining about heat, wind buffeting, vibration...ect. It's a motorcycle for christ sake! Ride the damn thing and quit whining!!!

And for you guy's that are comparing a Harley to a Goldwing, there is no comparison! I know I won't have to, But I'd rather push my Harley than ride a piece of jap plastic!!!!