Do I need an oil cooler or not?
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Do I need an oil cooler or not?
I have a 1972 XLCH with kick and electro start. I plan on taking this on some long trips and I have heard that adding an oil cooler would help the engine run cooler? Would it be beneficial for me to add one to my bike if I'm going to be riding it for long periods of time? Thanks.
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Do I need an oil cooler or not?
ORIGINAL: KBFXDLI
Since the engine has survived since 1972 without one.........I'd say no. Just change the oil every 3-4000 miles and tune it up. Don't switch oils either.
Since the engine has survived since 1972 without one.........I'd say no. Just change the oil every 3-4000 miles and tune it up. Don't switch oils either.
Road Warrior
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From: Colorado Springs, CO
RE: Do I need an oil cooler or not?
Depends on how hot your oil gets.
This comes up a lot, with old and new bikes, stock and modified. Oil has to be within a certain temperature range to work correctly. It has to be greater than 180*, and generally less than 230*'ish. Synthetic can withstand higher temps before break down, but the engine can only withstand higher temps for short periods.
The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind. Literally. Take the bike for a good long ride on a warm day. Check the oil temp. If it's hot, add a cooler. If not, don't. It really is that simple.
I know you're going on a long trip soon. But you won't start out on a long trip without a moderate shake-down cruise, will you?
This comes up a lot, with old and new bikes, stock and modified. Oil has to be within a certain temperature range to work correctly. It has to be greater than 180*, and generally less than 230*'ish. Synthetic can withstand higher temps before break down, but the engine can only withstand higher temps for short periods.
The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind. Literally. Take the bike for a good long ride on a warm day. Check the oil temp. If it's hot, add a cooler. If not, don't. It really is that simple.
I know you're going on a long trip soon. But you won't start out on a long trip without a moderate shake-down cruise, will you?
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Do I need an oil cooler or not?
ORIGINAL: bobcowan
I know you're going on a long trip soon. But you won't start out on a long trip without a moderate shake-down cruise, will you?
I know you're going on a long trip soon. But you won't start out on a long trip without a moderate shake-down cruise, will you?
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RE: Do I need an oil cooler or not?
"a new set of kidneys, with a couple vertebra complete with discs"- Hahahaha that is hillarious but true.
Right now there is no oil gauge but the oil box gets hot enough to where it's hot on the back of my leg after about 50 miles. I took her on a three hour ride and the oil box was HOT enough to where I'd sat with my hand between my leg and the oil box every once in a while (I had mechanix gloves on). I hate to take away from the bikes character but I also wanna make this ol Iron head motor last as long as possible. Thanks fellas
Right now there is no oil gauge but the oil box gets hot enough to where it's hot on the back of my leg after about 50 miles. I took her on a three hour ride and the oil box was HOT enough to where I'd sat with my hand between my leg and the oil box every once in a while (I had mechanix gloves on). I hate to take away from the bikes character but I also wanna make this ol Iron head motor last as long as possible. Thanks fellas
Road Master
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RE: Do I need an oil cooler or not?
A cooler on an ironhead is a pretty easy hookup to boot. Why not, go for it!
Old BSA's are the same way. Either they have no oil filter or one of marginal filtering that looks like a hospital bandage. On non filter bikes, I go 1000 miles max between changes or less if I cook it in traffic.
Old BSA's are the same way. Either they have no oil filter or one of marginal filtering that looks like a hospital bandage. On non filter bikes, I go 1000 miles max between changes or less if I cook it in traffic.
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