How long can a Harley Idle without doing engine damage?
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 336
Likes: 1
From: Senoia Ga
How long can a Harley Idle without doing engine damage?
I've got a 09 ultra classic.... and yes I have searched the forum... it appears that this particular isssue was not addresed.. How long can an 09 ultra classic idle (anywhere) before problems arise? OK Lets have the senario where I'm stuck in traffic on an 90 degree day. How long can
i sit there without doing any damage to my engine?
i sit there without doing any damage to my engine?
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 451
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From: Laurel,Ms USA
Your engine will go into limp mode (shutting off the rear cylinder at idle) when the head temp. reaches 280 deg. (I think) which is telling you it's too hot. That's when I start looking for a place to pull off and cool unless traffic starts flowing again. How long it can idle depends on alot of factors to include your A/F ratio, ambient temp and air flow across the engine. Synthetic oil can allow your engine to withstand temps. better but is not an anti cook miricle either.
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Simi Valley, CA
I'm not going to try to predict when engine damage will occur but I can say that the engine gets hotter than I'd like fairly quickly when stuck in the situation you've described- within minutes. "Damage" also needs to be more clearly defined. Are you talking immediate catastrophic damage, or less acute latent type damage that may not manifest itself for many miles?
The best (and only) solution to my knowledge is an engine cooling fan of some nature.
Here's a thread with a significant amount of engineering data and actual test results simulating the conditions you've described... https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...test-data.html
And here's a thread of another system that looks really nice... https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...tem-again.html
Between these two threads you should have all the information needed to make an informed decision. While you may run across some unsubstantiated opinions, you'll also have access to actual engineering data.
Good Luck.
The best (and only) solution to my knowledge is an engine cooling fan of some nature.
Here's a thread with a significant amount of engineering data and actual test results simulating the conditions you've described... https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...test-data.html
And here's a thread of another system that looks really nice... https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...tem-again.html
Between these two threads you should have all the information needed to make an informed decision. While you may run across some unsubstantiated opinions, you'll also have access to actual engineering data.
Good Luck.
Last edited by 2black1s; Dec 13, 2012 at 12:49 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 881
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From: ONT
Before damage to the engine occurs it should shut itself down on high temp. when the cylinder heads reach a certain temperature. Can't remember exact temp. but I believe it's between 320 & 350 degrees F.
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From: Michigan
Got one, but I have to design a modification for the mount because my airhorn is too heavy.
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From: Everywhere
Don't worry so much. Seriously, it can take much more than traffic on a 90 degree day. I've spent 2hrs inching along (feet on the ground) with temp 90 plus in construction during rush hour in Chicago without a hiccup.
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Central Maine
I've seen way to many people break down sitting in traffic at Weirs Beach that it is hard to believe that when your oil is like paint thinner you are not hurting the motor! Shut the thing down while sitting that long in high temp. days 90+ ( The line at weirs beach can be up to 2 hrs. )
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From: Albuquerque New Mexico
Originally Posted by Weavr99FLHT;1??0657824
Don't worry so much. Seriously, it can take much more than traffic on a 90 degree day. I've spent 2hrs inching along (feet on the ground) with temp 90 plus in construction during rush hour in Chicago without a hiccup.