Engine Cooling Test Data
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
Nice work! I’ve done my own fan project, so I know what you’ve got going on there. Don’t take this the wrong way, but knowing what I know about Twin Cam cooling, your results at idle at 70F ambient do not particularly impress me. Not to discourage you in any way but I’ve done this type of testing extensively, and you are going to see radically different results at 95F ambient, turning 3k RPMs. Keep your testing in alignment with real operating conditions if you want reasonably accurate results. Keep driving on with the project, its looking good.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 179
From: N.E. OHIO
i can see how this fan theory would work, but you left something out of the equation. the test on your bike was done without the bike moving through the air. our motors were designed, obviously as air cooled motors, and any air cooled engine if it's sitting in still air will overheat. and yes, i was a mechanical engineer prior to retiring 9 years ago. get your bike out in the wind, that's what it was designed for.
Outstanding post! Your repositioning of the horn is also much better than the one offered in the kit! Looks like it belongs there. I think I will go for the Oil Cooler, used to run the old Lockharts on my old shovelhead (78 FLH) out in Ca. Keep us informed of the oil cooler tests. Great Job 
Ride Safe
Ride Safe
Escellent write up!
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 148
From: Augusta, GA
Nice work! I’ve done my own fan project, so I know what you’ve got going on there. Don’t take this the wrong way, but knowing what I know about Twin Cam cooling, your results at idle at 70F ambient do not particularly impress me. Not to discourage you in any way but I’ve done this type of testing extensively, and you are going to see radically different results at 95F ambient, turning 3k RPMs. Keep your testing in alignment with real operating conditions if you want reasonably accurate results. Keep driving on with the project, its looking good.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,421
Likes: 419
From: Northern, Ohio (Yuck!)
Good data, clear, concise write up!
Thank you.
I was planning on installing a Lenale fan on bike this spring just to ensure I don't end up pushing my bike through Sturgis this summer....
I find it amazing that so many people have no idea what the purpose of a parade type fan is. I also find it strange that these same people have never been stuck in traffic on their bikes...
Again, well done.
Thank you.
I was planning on installing a Lenale fan on bike this spring just to ensure I don't end up pushing my bike through Sturgis this summer....
I find it amazing that so many people have no idea what the purpose of a parade type fan is. I also find it strange that these same people have never been stuck in traffic on their bikes...
Again, well done.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 5
From: IOWA
Have had my Lenale fan on for the last 6000 miles. Turns on with my ACC switch and works great. I have the oil temp gauge and when in slow stoplight to stoplight traffic the temps start rise. When the oil temp gets around 230 I flip the ACC switch and the oil temp stays around the 230 mark.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 554
Likes: 23
From: Crawford Co, AR
I think you tested it in the environment it will be most needed.
I have been in traffic for extended periods of time due to accidents (interstate) and no way out. The Fan would shine in that situation.
You are correct, it would not be needed at speed. But sometimes we don't have a choice, we are stuck in traffic.
Good write up; this was not on my todo list, but it may be now...
Thanks,
I have been in traffic for extended periods of time due to accidents (interstate) and no way out. The Fan would shine in that situation.
You are correct, it would not be needed at speed. But sometimes we don't have a choice, we are stuck in traffic.
Good write up; this was not on my todo list, but it may be now...
Thanks,
Last edited by wingfoot; Jan 28, 2011 at 12:25 PM.
