Oil temperature?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
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From: 'Noke, VA
Those are pretty impressive results, another testament to synthetic’s resilience to extreem conditions. So are you gradually extending your oil change intervals? If there is no appreciable breakdown at 5500 miles, why worry about changing it too soon? You didn't mention anything about the temps that oil experienced during its 5500 mile life.
The only reason I went 5,500 miles on the oil was because I was on a road trip. I feel pretty confident I could extend the change interval to 7,500 miles, but I have a warranty and an ESP I'd like to maintain, and they require a 5,000 mile interval.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
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From: The Desert SouthWest
My '09 RK is bone stock. I've got the JES oil temp gauge - an outstanding and accurate gauge.
At long distance freeway speeds of 75 mph or so my temps run 225* to 250* with an occasional 260* in stop n go on a hot day. I've never had the heat reduction kick in (I forget the name of it - rear cyl shut-off?) so far. No oil cooler or fuel management. I plan to add these eventually, but for now it's totally stock. I run Amsoil 20W-50 or Mobile One 20W-50.
I run 20k-30k miles a year routinely. I have the 7 yr extended ESP so H-D will be responsible for it if it fries. I figure if these temps were totally self-destructive they couldn't afford to build them like this or sell such ESP's. Yes it's hot but EPA rules or not they'd build them with radiators if these temps were clearly suicidal as warranty claims would put them out of business.
At long distance freeway speeds of 75 mph or so my temps run 225* to 250* with an occasional 260* in stop n go on a hot day. I've never had the heat reduction kick in (I forget the name of it - rear cyl shut-off?) so far. No oil cooler or fuel management. I plan to add these eventually, but for now it's totally stock. I run Amsoil 20W-50 or Mobile One 20W-50.
I run 20k-30k miles a year routinely. I have the 7 yr extended ESP so H-D will be responsible for it if it fries. I figure if these temps were totally self-destructive they couldn't afford to build them like this or sell such ESP's. Yes it's hot but EPA rules or not they'd build them with radiators if these temps were clearly suicidal as warranty claims would put them out of business.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 20
From: Kafar Hanusi
It all depends on the oil your using, standard answer is the cheapest and that won't due as these engines run too hot.
The HD manual says use HD (heavy duty) SF, SG, SH SI 20-50 desiel oil if you can not get HD (Harley ...) oil so hot is standard.
Again DO NOT USE THE CHEAP SH** your engine will pay for it.
Regards to all,
The HD manual says use HD (heavy duty) SF, SG, SH SI 20-50 desiel oil if you can not get HD (Harley ...) oil so hot is standard.
Again DO NOT USE THE CHEAP SH** your engine will pay for it.
Regards to all,
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 609
Likes: 101
From: Saskatchewan
Well I'm glad this thread is here as I never was sure about how hot the engine could run safely. I know when the Dakota Digital's starting flashing @ 230 I thought that can't be good. I think I'll change that up to 250.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
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From: anacoco, la
..... anyway, this was in august, so ambient temp was more like 97+. rode for a couple of hours, the last part being pretty much stop and go, and when i used the digital thermo, my oil temp was 230*. i was surprised, because as much radiant heat as there was, i figured the oil temp would be much higher.but if you think about it, if there is a lot of heat coming off the engine, then it is doing its job and shedding heat as opposed to holding it in.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 502
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From: Roads of Idaho
I know that my Evo runs cooler than my TC. Both bikes got ridden by me and a friend today and if anything he rode the Evo harder than I did the TC and the Evo ran at 160*-170* while my TC ran 220*-230*
My question would be; If cooler is better, does that mean the Evo is better??
My question would be; If cooler is better, does that mean the Evo is better??
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Honah Lee
Just my opinion but I think air cooled Harley's fall in the same category as lizards. Whole lot of there running temperature is determined by air temperature of the day. They do not have any type of thermostat or stock fan. Pretty much (which would be extremely hard to do) If you drive 60 for 20 miles with the same exact head wind and road and its 90 degrees the bike will be lets say about 210 for mine. If you do it and its 95 my bike will be about 215. In the new Hot Bike Rag this month they have an article on Syn oil and they say it reduced there oil temperature 25 degrees. JUST my opinion but doing my run above keeping track of the air temperature I see little difference in Syn 3 and regular motor oil. So little difference that I can tell no difference in Harley's crude dipstick thermostat. Seen my bike at 230 but it was 100 in the shade and same run and a couple ticks above 60. I ride the above year round and in March it was 35 and I noticed less then 160.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; May 14, 2011 at 09:09 PM.
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