temperature concern
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
I just put the Jagg Fan Assisted oil cooler on my bike, with that said I didn't worry about the motor giving up because the oil got to hot although it is proven a cooler running motor will last longer , I did it for rider comfort , here in Florida with 95% humidity when it gets to hot the bike still runs fine but I do not , the Jagg oil cooler lowered my temperature 16-23* from where it was running with the stock HD cooler
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
i guess what i was asking was what temperature is too hot for your motor.i just got a digital oil dipstick and it was running about 250.i have high compression pistons and different heads and cams and just trying to keep an eye on it too make sure its not geting too hot .is there a magic number where you dont want to exceed
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,782
Likes: 2,610
From: san antonio
Conventional oil starts to lose lubricating capacity at 250*F; by 270* down 50% and by 300* it's not lubricating. If you run conventional and hit temps above 270*, the lubricating capacity of the oil has been degraded and it should be changed ASAP.
Synthetic oil starts to lose lubricating capacity at 300*F and starts to degrade as temps rise. It's a judgement call but if I ran synthetic and hit 300*, I would change oil at the first opportunity.
The later models run so lean from the factory that an oil cooler should be OEM equipment.
Synthetic oil starts to lose lubricating capacity at 300*F and starts to degrade as temps rise. It's a judgement call but if I ran synthetic and hit 300*, I would change oil at the first opportunity.
The later models run so lean from the factory that an oil cooler should be OEM equipment.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 67
I do not get worried until the temperature of the oil in the crankcase gets 310-325 degrees or so. The rear cylinder cut out which the late model touring bikes have will drop the rear cylinder out at about 278 degrees, (give or take a few degrees) when you are pulled up to a stop light. If that happens, that is my signal to get the bike moving or start looking for a shade tree if I am in gridlock traffic.
Just today, I rode 40 miles @ 70-75 mph in 110 degree ambient heat. When I pulled into the garage, I immediately pulled the oil filler and shot it with an infared temperature gauge. 258.3 degrees F. And that is with no oil cooler. I do have a Dobeck TFI fuel management device. The bikes are going to get hot, they are air cooled. The design engineers who design them know this and build them accordingly. The best advice to heed is to use a full synthetic product because it does not break down at higher temps like most dino oils do. My experience would indicate that when a Harley gets to the point where is is too hot, it will tell you. First, it will probably ping like crazy when you give it any gas at all. Secondly, if it is super, super hot, you will see smoke coming off the engine case and cylinder fins. Lastly, if it is way too hot, you will smell it, and you will not be in doubt.
Otherwise, just ride it. Worry less and ride more.
Just today, I rode 40 miles @ 70-75 mph in 110 degree ambient heat. When I pulled into the garage, I immediately pulled the oil filler and shot it with an infared temperature gauge. 258.3 degrees F. And that is with no oil cooler. I do have a Dobeck TFI fuel management device. The bikes are going to get hot, they are air cooled. The design engineers who design them know this and build them accordingly. The best advice to heed is to use a full synthetic product because it does not break down at higher temps like most dino oils do. My experience would indicate that when a Harley gets to the point where is is too hot, it will tell you. First, it will probably ping like crazy when you give it any gas at all. Secondly, if it is super, super hot, you will see smoke coming off the engine case and cylinder fins. Lastly, if it is way too hot, you will smell it, and you will not be in doubt.
Otherwise, just ride it. Worry less and ride more.
Last edited by texaswiz; Aug 3, 2011 at 04:10 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
I was going to post this, but didn't want to seem like too much of a smartass.
I change my synthetic oil every 5,000 miles, and I've sent samples off for analysis for the last 20,000 miles. I've had no appreciable engine wear or oil breakdown at all.
I change my synthetic oil every 5,000 miles, and I've sent samples off for analysis for the last 20,000 miles. I've had no appreciable engine wear or oil breakdown at all.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 2
From: AZ
I was worried as well living in AZ and I ride no matter how hot or cold it is outside.
I just bought the RK in May and decided to get the Oil Temp Gauge/Dip Stick for the bike. I also bought the Jagg Oil Cooler and came yesterday.
My bike has been consistently running between 250-280 degrees. It is between 95-110 out when I am riding. Did not have the Temp gauge when it has been 118 out, so the weather has been cooler.
will try to install the Jagg this weekend to see how it does
I just bought the RK in May and decided to get the Oil Temp Gauge/Dip Stick for the bike. I also bought the Jagg Oil Cooler and came yesterday.
My bike has been consistently running between 250-280 degrees. It is between 95-110 out when I am riding. Did not have the Temp gauge when it has been 118 out, so the weather has been cooler.
will try to install the Jagg this weekend to see how it does
I would agree..I bought it to ride,not worry about it..
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