Oil Cooler Advise ?
I have to ask a question - and please do not jump all over me - but if the HD's required the oil coolers, why didn't MoCo make them standard equip? I mean... I read through all these posts about oil temps and I see where some of you are "concerned" about the bike's well being - now I can understand if one wants an oil cooler so the bike runs cooler for ones own personal reasons of comfort - but to suggest that the bike will suffer without an oil cooler IMO is ludicrous - otherwise I think HD would be having bikes returned in droves.
I rode my Ultra through some serious heat last year and the oil temp never got near the "red" mark of concern on my gauge....
So what is the concern or why does one need or want an oil cooler other than for ones own comfort?
I rode my Ultra through some serious heat last year and the oil temp never got near the "red" mark of concern on my gauge....
So what is the concern or why does one need or want an oil cooler other than for ones own comfort?
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 507
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
My experience doesn't jibe with your friend's, as on the highway I've never seen >210°, although I don't ride 2-up. For me, oil temps with the HD cooler have only hit 230° rarely and only in heavy summer traffic. If your friend is seeing 300° with a cooler I would suggest that he try to find the source of the problem, as this isn't normal. Sumping is the first thing that comes to mind.
No way should he have high temps at 80+ mph even without a cooler. Lots and lots of airflow to the jugs at that speed.
Other common considerations:
Sumping as listed above
Lean afr
Low oil level
Detonation from low octane fuel
Detonation from incorrect timing
Detonation from lugging, but shouldn't happen at 80
Incorrect temp sender or other temp error
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 11
From: Longview, Washington
I know, it's cold outside, but I'm remembering every time I was stuck in traffic last summer that my Ultra got so hot that it would barely idle. It didn't take much either. Even when the temps were in the mid 80's, it would act so bad that I had to turn it off and wait for it to cool down.
I'm using HD syn oil and the oil temp still gets near 260.
I think I'm gonna break down and buy a oil cooler. Which is the best? Some have fans and others don't. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
I'm using HD syn oil and the oil temp still gets near 260.
I think I'm gonna break down and buy a oil cooler. Which is the best? Some have fans and others don't. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
We all know our motors are air cooled but they are also oil cooled by spraying oil on the underside of both pistons.
It only makes sense to have an oil cooler. Even without a fan on the cooler, the oil will run cooler and cool down faster once you get moving.
IMO, all Twin Cam motors should have an oil cooler. Authorities like Donny Peterson agree. If you want more information that you really need on the subject, get his book on Tiwn Cams and read it.
BTW, this is a "HOT" subject here on the forum and many will disagree with me. Each to their own but FYI, it's my way or the highway on this subject. LOL
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, Oregon
Before I had a twin cam. I had an evo. I would be riding somewhere with others and their twincam oil temp would be 40 or 50 degrees higher then my evo's oil. The twincam heads don;t exhaust the exhaust as well as evo heads. They also are running leaner, because of Harley and EPA unless you have a quality tuner.
If your bike is getting too hot at 80* a tuner would be a good idea, especially if you have done any mods.
If your bike is getting too hot at 80* a tuner would be a good idea, especially if you have done any mods.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
they are standard on 103 motors and CVO's
I have to ask a question - and please do not jump all over me - but if the HD's required the oil coolers, why didn't MoCo make them standard equip? I mean... I read through all these posts about oil temps and I see where some of you are "concerned" about the bike's well being - now I can understand if one wants an oil cooler so the bike runs cooler for ones own personal reasons of comfort - but to suggest that the bike will suffer without an oil cooler IMO is ludicrous - otherwise I think HD would be having bikes returned in droves.
I rode my Ultra through some serious heat last year and the oil temp never got near the "red" mark of concern on my gauge....
So what is the concern or why does one need or want an oil cooler other than for ones own comfort?
I rode my Ultra through some serious heat last year and the oil temp never got near the "red" mark of concern on my gauge....
So what is the concern or why does one need or want an oil cooler other than for ones own comfort?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
They are standard on some bike such as the XR1200 and were standard on the Buell Ulysses. I think the 110's have coolers and some of the 103's.
The touring models have an oil pan with baffles in it the routes the oil to stay in contact with the bottom of the pan longer to dissipate more heat.
All HD's are oil/air cooled. Adding an oil cooler helps but HD uses the oil routing to shed heat.
An oil cooler with benefit performance in a small way. The cooler the motor operates the more power it makes. It will promote longevity also.
The touring models have an oil pan with baffles in it the routes the oil to stay in contact with the bottom of the pan longer to dissipate more heat.
All HD's are oil/air cooled. Adding an oil cooler helps but HD uses the oil routing to shed heat.
An oil cooler with benefit performance in a small way. The cooler the motor operates the more power it makes. It will promote longevity also.
Last edited by lh4x4; Jan 16, 2011 at 07:25 PM.
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