oil temp gauge
Novice
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
Don't install the type that replaces one of the gauges on your fairing. It can create problems for you where the sending unit taps into the oil lines. I had an HD unit dealer installed on my 05 Ultra and it kept causing oil pressure problems. When the bike was hot it would lose pressure at idle to the point that the pressure gauge would go to zero and the oil warning light would come on. Dealer traced the problem to sucking air around the fitting where the sending unit tapped in. But never leaked oil. No matter how many times the dealer or I would tighten the fitting, after a couple of hundred miles, same problem. Had him remove the damn thing. I'm curious about the temp on my current ride - 2102 Limited - but will not install the temp gauge.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Installed mine last week, only takes about a hour, and that was with a few breaks. The new one is all plug and play. Its just nice to know the temp. I know how hot it is outside. Should be stock with one IMO.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
Don't install the type that replaces one of the gauges on your fairing. It can create problems for you where the sending unit taps into the oil lines. I had an HD unit dealer installed on my 05 Ultra and it kept causing oil pressure problems. When the bike was hot it would lose pressure at idle to the point that the pressure gauge would go to zero and the oil warning light would come on. Dealer traced the problem to sucking air around the fitting where the sending unit tapped in. But never leaked oil. No matter how many times the dealer or I would tighten the fitting, after a couple of hundred miles, same problem. Had him remove the damn thing. I'm curious about the temp on my current ride - 2102 Limited - but will not install the temp gauge.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 189
Likes: 3
From: North Ga.
My sensor is in the oil pan. (2012) BUT, I do notice a bad drop in oil pressure when it is 275-300 degrees and at a stop light, or just idling. That was another concern of mine too.. My 2010 FLHTC never lost that much oil pressure. But that was a 96"er, not the 103 I have now. And there are no leaks, anywhere. Oil is full. I check it often. I have read that the 103's run hotter than the 96" motors. But not this much....
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 189
Likes: 3
From: North Ga.
If It's 300 degrees, it's hot! I don't need a red dot or line to know that.. Never yet have I heard anyone say their bike has reach that temp. And believe me, I ask everyone I know and people I see at bike rally's, HD shops, hell, I've even asked a man at Walmart in the parking lot. I want to say ride it and get it fixed when it happens. Just as soon I'm not 800 miles from home tho. That's my biggest worrie.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,948
Likes: 54
From: The Burgh
My gauge has never hit more than 260F even when stuck in traffic on a hot summer day. Synthetic oils can withstand temps well above 400F before breaking down.
I'll have turned the engine off long before it happens because any temp above 300F would be unbearable for me, sitting on top of the engine.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 189
Likes: 3
From: North Ga.
You got that right! BBQ'ed to say the least. M1 v-twin 20w-50 is the oil I'm using. I figure the oi wouldl be good beyond 300 but I'm not! Still worries me tho.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 20,530
Likes: 2,305
From: texas panhandle
Don't install the oil temp gauge. Mine has failed twice in two years. Install an oil cooler if you don't have one. If you do, from looking at your bike spend the money to paint the inner faring. Bike has safety items to control high temp.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 189
Likes: 3
From: North Ga.
This is a picture of the bike off the show room floor. My inner fairing is painted now. looks good, but still feel the heat. It came stock with an oil cooler. I'm thinking of going to a Jagg oil cooler, and getting this H-D one off there. I already took the plastic cover off the cooler to get more air flow to it. Maybe the Jagg will help the temp drop some. Some say it has dropped their temps as much as 25*...Hard to believe, but worth a try.