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MIke, 306F, after shutdown and sitting for a few minutes is not all that unheard of.....

265F, riding, idling, etc, normal. in my experience.

below, my 006 FXD (big motor), on an 85F day, recorded with SERT.......
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.................startup....engine temp 81F....
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...............idling for seven minutes...... engine temp... 217F
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............. at 20 minutes.. hard riding...real hard riding..... speed 88 mph.... engine temp 259F..........
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...................slow it down to 78 mph..... 250F
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I'm kinda new at paying attention to this oil temp thing ... but is it fair to compare the "oil" temp that Mike is referring to to the sensor temp you list below. Won't the oil temp be considerably cooler then the temperatures listed by the sensor?

 

Another long debated subject is the use of an oil cooler. Oil Coolers aren't as effective in stop and go traffic as when moving at any speed. The O/C will still shed oil temp. heat sitting still like an old fashion radiator heating a room, again not quite as effective. To me an oil cooler is just like a little bit of insurance or peace of mind. BUT, I am still weary or cautious when idling in high heat situations and will change oil when caught in extreme traffic situations. My 2 cents

 

What temp. gauge did you use? If it is a H-D solid state did you like it? Thank you. Tom C.

 

Alrighty then... changed the oil, so everybody can relax!! Put AMSOIL in it... damn if it didn't drop the temp about 10degrees (home to shop--228deg. Shop to home--218deg).

Don't know what kind of synthetic I had in it before... but it wasn't in terrible condition. I still feel better having changed it out though. You live, you learn.

Thanks a hoops for all the information.

Mike