Extreme Engine Heat!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
In June 2009 I spent 2 weeks at a Harley/Northwestern University motor officer school and we rode police Road Kings for 2 weeks at very slow speeds in lots of circles and hard braking for hours on end in high heat. Generally there was no issue, except one bike did lose power on the rear cylinder. By the time we left the class the dealer they sent it to still had not figured out why it was doing that, as they found nothing mechanical wrong. I am guessing the compression release was staying activated somehow or the rear cylinder heat management shut off was staying stuck on somehow. The bikes shut off the rear cylinder about anytime you were stopped for more than a few seconds since they were so hot.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 670
Likes: 22
From: Umatilla, Fl
Not sure what we are looking at here, a wrist pin and puller? If not, please enlighten us.
In June 2009 I spent 2 weeks at a Harley/Northwestern University motor officer school and we rode police Road Kings for 2 weeks at very slow speeds in lots of circles and hard braking for hours on end in high heat. Generally there was no issue, except one bike did lose power on the rear cylinder. By the time we left the class the dealer they sent it to still had not figured out why it was doing that, as they found nothing mechanical wrong. I am guessing the compression release was staying activated somehow or the rear cylinder heat management shut off was staying stuck on somehow. The bikes shut off the rear cylinder about anytime you were stopped for more than a few seconds since they were so hot.
In June 2009 I spent 2 weeks at a Harley/Northwestern University motor officer school and we rode police Road Kings for 2 weeks at very slow speeds in lots of circles and hard braking for hours on end in high heat. Generally there was no issue, except one bike did lose power on the rear cylinder. By the time we left the class the dealer they sent it to still had not figured out why it was doing that, as they found nothing mechanical wrong. I am guessing the compression release was staying activated somehow or the rear cylinder heat management shut off was staying stuck on somehow. The bikes shut off the rear cylinder about anytime you were stopped for more than a few seconds since they were so hot.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
That was my thought at the time it happened since that was an issue that was occurring on 103 inch engines, but the dealer claimed the valves were OK. Who knows though, with dealers anything is possible.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 19
From: Ashland Ohio
I know for a fact that Olddeadeye is correct. They even place the bike inside of a tent and leave it idle all day long.
Dropping that valve is not that uncommon and isn't really about the heat, it's about the head castings being junk and having the guide too loose to start with.
You can kill these with the timing being off, but just heat itself? Nope... ain't buying it.
Dropping that valve is not that uncommon and isn't really about the heat, it's about the head castings being junk and having the guide too loose to start with.
You can kill these with the timing being off, but just heat itself? Nope... ain't buying it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,145
Likes: 6,168
From: SE Michigan
I know for a fact that Olddeadeye is correct. They even place the bike inside of a tent and leave it idle all day long.
Dropping that valve is not that uncommon and isn't really about the heat, it's about the head castings being junk and having the guide too loose to start with.
You can kill these with the timing being off, but just heat itself? Nope... ain't buying it.
Dropping that valve is not that uncommon and isn't really about the heat, it's about the head castings being junk and having the guide too loose to start with.
You can kill these with the timing being off, but just heat itself? Nope... ain't buying it.
I think Harley would say that the EITMS system is really about rider protection, not engine protection.
And now that I've installed the faring engine temp gauge, it makes me even more nervous, LOL
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 2
From: Northern Colorado
As long as the oil is good then it's something you really don't need to worry about. Just keep in mind that the hotter the oil gets the faster it breaks down, which is why a lot of us use synthetic because of its higher heat tolerance.
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