Am I worring about nothing?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
I've done both and could do without either LOL. Give me mid-nineties with low to moderate humidity and I'm happy.
At least the bike doesn't know what the humidity is, it only knows temperature.
This past summer's trip in early July was the most uncomfortable I've ever done. Miles and miles through the south and midwest with temperatures near and above 100 with equally high humidity. I've done days in the desert at 115 that while hot, were not as uncomfortable as those.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,074
Likes: 12
From:
+1 go to 20
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 18
From: Orange, VA,
Mine was also very low at idle, almost 0 on the gauge and noisy when very hot out, I put a stiffer spring in my oil by pass and now have 8 to 10 psi at idle and 36 psi over 2,000 rpm, engine is also much quieter.
I have visited the South West and South East in summer, I will take 110 in the South West over 90 in the South East any day, that South East humidity is a killer.....
I have visited the South West and South East in summer, I will take 110 in the South West over 90 in the South East any day, that South East humidity is a killer.....
Last edited by fwb35; Nov 13, 2012 at 11:00 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 184
From: Indiana, USA
I have owned 4 Harleys,only 2 with an oil guage and both of them did as you described. My '03 twin cam has the low pressure system and the early cam chanin adjusters, my '12 has the newer high volume system. Both drop to just above "0" per the fairing guage when hot at an idle and bothe raise to 30 plus or minus when moving. I wouldassume that you will see a low oil pressure light if it drops too low and if no light, the lifters will let you know when they start clacking and your performance drops off with no valve lift.
After making 653 Posts, I'm amazed you don't already know the answer to that question
Harleys oil system is high volume low pressure. That spring makes it high pressure low volume.
Absurd. The oil is still a 50 grade at operating temp. The first number is the viscosity in winter(think sub 0 temps). In fact a 10w-50 will flow faster at start up. There is no operational difference between a 10w-50 and a 20w-50 once at operating temp. The 20w-50 is thicker when cold.
Op. In Florida a straight grade is ideal. A straight grade will not shear(thin) over time
Op. In Florida a straight grade is ideal. A straight grade will not shear(thin) over time
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 123
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis IN
My 99 Ultra runs similar to yours. Had a HD mechanic tell me that is normal. Only need to worry about it if the red oil light comes on after it's been up and running.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
Everytime I read a post like this I cringe. That stronger spring makes the system more restrictive. You are not pumping more oil,you've increased the restriction. Seriously bad idea.
Harleys oil system is high volume low pressure. That spring makes it high pressure low volume.
Harleys oil system is high volume low pressure. That spring makes it high pressure low volume.
and tell them your take on the spring and get back to us with the outcome.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Everytime I read a post like this I cringe. That stronger spring makes the system more restrictive. You are not pumping more oil,you've increased the restriction. Seriously bad idea.
Harleys oil system is high volume low pressure. That spring makes it high pressure low volume.
Harleys oil system is high volume low pressure. That spring makes it high pressure low volume.
As far as I know the pressure relief setting (the spring in this case) has nothing to do with making the oil system more restrictive. It simply allows oil to by-pass the system at a pre-determined pressure. The only way to add restriction to the oil system is by orificing or otherwise restricting an oil galley. Simply changing the pressure relief setting will not do this.