temperature concern
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 2
From: MKE, WI
Not to sound like an a$$ but I dont get concerned. With the current way oils are made today I think they can handle about anything we through at them. I toss new fluids in every 3K and just enjoy the ride. I'm no expert by any means so I will be interested to see what other have to say. I could be TOTALLY wrong in my assessment.
Ride safe...
T
Ride safe...
T
When the oil gets around 260* I would start looking at ways to keep it below that.
Kevin
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 262
Likes: 22
From: South of Indy
I've read that HD says under 300 and your fine. Highest I've seen mine go is 261 and that was on a 97 degree day in slow traffic (103" and no cooler). I figure as long as I run full synthetic it'll be ok.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
With modern synthetics I don't fret over it too much. I am currently taking steps to help it run cooler, but for the first 50,000 miles this bike was totally stock and I never had an issue even in this punishing heat of the desert southwest.
Stock this bike usually ran 240-260* in summer when cruising on a warm/hot day. On a cool evening it would run 230*. On two occasions it got to 275* once and 280* another time. Both times were after a slow (15 mph) uphill ride up the 2.5 miles of dirt road (uphill about 400' elevation change) to my house. Due to the dirt I have to take it slow n easy so the bike warms up in doing so. When I get off the bike I check the dipstick thermometer usually.
I run Redline 20W-60 so I'm sure this oil will take those temps in stride, but ideally I want it to run cooler, so am in the midst of doing a Stage I upgrade with a PC-V, V&H Powerduals and a SE Ventilator air kit (still running stock mufflers). I'll update you on the cooling results when it's all been done. An H-D oil cooler will be next to complete the entire package...
Stock this bike usually ran 240-260* in summer when cruising on a warm/hot day. On a cool evening it would run 230*. On two occasions it got to 275* once and 280* another time. Both times were after a slow (15 mph) uphill ride up the 2.5 miles of dirt road (uphill about 400' elevation change) to my house. Due to the dirt I have to take it slow n easy so the bike warms up in doing so. When I get off the bike I check the dipstick thermometer usually.
I run Redline 20W-60 so I'm sure this oil will take those temps in stride, but ideally I want it to run cooler, so am in the midst of doing a Stage I upgrade with a PC-V, V&H Powerduals and a SE Ventilator air kit (still running stock mufflers). I'll update you on the cooling results when it's all been done. An H-D oil cooler will be next to complete the entire package...
Last edited by Arizona; Aug 3, 2011 at 03:58 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
Same here.
If you measure temp, where are you measuring...
Twin Cams spray oil at the underside of the pistons to aid in cooling, so that portion of oil gets way hot.
I have had (twice, on my Evos) oil get hot to the point where my oil pressure dropped drastically. I changed it as soon as I could.
It is counter-intuitive, but higher revs, means more oil volume and pressure, which carries more heat away from the motor- so don't lug or idle for long periods.
I use syn 3 and look to change every 2500~3000 miles, aside from the heat we also have alot of dust here in AZ
mike
If you measure temp, where are you measuring...
Twin Cams spray oil at the underside of the pistons to aid in cooling, so that portion of oil gets way hot.
I have had (twice, on my Evos) oil get hot to the point where my oil pressure dropped drastically. I changed it as soon as I could.
It is counter-intuitive, but higher revs, means more oil volume and pressure, which carries more heat away from the motor- so don't lug or idle for long periods.
I use syn 3 and look to change every 2500~3000 miles, aside from the heat we also have alot of dust here in AZ
mike