This probably ain't gonna get anyone the 10 points. I'm wondering if other H-D riders are as obsessed with engine heat as I am. I use my Dyna as a commuter bike. Lot's of stop and go. I use 20-50 Amsoil synthetic and am wondering if I should try an additive like Lucas or slick 50. I don't mind the heat coming off it, just want to make my baby last as long as I can before the 7 grand rebuild. Just so you have a clue, it's a TC-88 and I ride in Florida. She's a great gal, and I want to do all I can to keep her in good shape. All info that I can verify is welcome. No Jap tricks though, just big twin. Thanks!
2007-04-07 10:24:50 · 8 answers · asked by rifleman01@verizon.net 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
I know about the fan, looks ugly, not an oprion. and I have had Q & A about the oil cooler. Fact: The oil cooler mounts in front on the motor. Where does the waste heat go? Back on the jugs! If I ain't moving, the oil cooler does squat! Thanks to all who have answered, and I will be be back to pick a winner.
2007-04-07 14:30:08 · update #1
One more item. I run an S&S "E" carb and SE II pipes. My wrench tells me I ain't runnin' lean, in fact I smell a little gas when I first start her up. Don't know if this makes a difference. Thanks again for all the info.
2007-04-08 05:28:43 · update #2
The seven grand rebuild means the cost, not the miles. Some people just have no clue. I'm guessin' you ride rice.
2007-04-08 07:49:07 · update #3
Looks like I'm gonna go with the vote on this one. Got some good answers, but I just can't pick since I have a bias here. Thanks for the info, most of you. Mr. Water Cooled can lick my taint.
2007-04-08 07:51:08 · update #4
They make a fan that mounts on the side for extra cooling. I too am from fl and commute on mine but I just try to follow HD guidlines on oil and such and hope for the best. Some say they were made to run hot and I have never asked HD about it
but you can bet when you get close to 100,000 miles its time to rebuild or buy another one. Hope this helps.
2007-04-07 10:35:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
If it has stock factory specs, it's running lean and will build a bit more heat. I agree with the oil cooler addition as well as the fan option that mounts in place of your stock air cleaner housing. DO NOT USE SLICK 50...PERIOD. You also have to be aware that the heat from a V-Twin comes as part of the deal. I have a friend in Florida that has 2 bikes. A V-Rod for local around town cruising and a Ultra Classic when he's out with mamma on the highway. By the way the synthetic helps as well. Good luck to you!
2007-04-07 12:20:19 · answer #2 · answered by bcre8iv 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An oil cooler would be the way to go. If you are sitting still, the heat will rise straight up. A small fan, added to the cooler would help when not moving. What's this about a 7 grand rebuild? Mine is still brand new at 8600+ commuter miles.
2007-04-08 04:54:16 · answer #3 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont even think about dumpin oil additives in the bag. those are for cagers not hd's. i would get a digital oil thermometer to keep tabs on the oil temp. if its still within factory specs on the oil temps, i wouldnt worry bout it.
stop-n-go traffic is extremely hard on our bikes tho. an oil cooler would help alot in keepin the temps down. another thing is, go a step higher than the standard 20w50. for higher air temps, i see in my manual they call for either 20w60 or even 20w70. the w50 is a thick oil, and that would keep alot more heat. our bikes are officially air cooled, but some of that cooling also comes from the oil.
try 20w60, monitor the temps. if they look too high still, buy and install an oil cooler.
2007-04-07 14:10:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the oil cooler is the best thing to do, and if you ride alot, make sure the cooling fins of the jugs are cleaned out. One thing that really gets overlooked is that it's absolutely critical to make sure the engine runs at normal operating temp. Although "baking" the engine does immediate damage, it's pretty rare for this to happen on air cooled engines. But it's also important to make sure you don't run TOO cool, as this also damages the engine, but it does take longer for the damage to occur. But you will wear out the engine if it never warms up to operating temp.
2007-04-07 12:32:09 · answer #5 · answered by Baron_von_Party 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I got one of the Harley Oil coolers from the catalogue for my 01 FLHT Standard. The oil lives a bit longer with it.
Harley does its development testing in Phoenix @ GM's track. They run @ 115 deg F all day incuding slow speed/idles, etc. The local Harley guys down there run straight weight oil and put on some serious miles on their bikes without a cooler.
2007-04-07 12:17:51 · answer #6 · answered by Bill c 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
have you tried adding a oil cooler?
2007-04-07 12:08:47 · answer #7 · answered by thelovebuzzard 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
you could start by getting a water cooled bike
2007-04-07 10:42:05 · answer #8 · answered by Shakespeare, William 4 · 1⤊ 6⤋