I know this has been beaten to death, and I have read as many of the previous threads that I can find, BUT, it just seems that having an oil cooler when riding in stop and go and commuter traffic can't be a bad idea. I have a new Street Bob and already have been caught in stop and go traffic that I couldn't avoid, and felt the increased heat from the engine. Is there any time, say in the winter with low 30 to 40 degree temps that an oil cooler could be damaging to the engine? I am speaking of the H-D oil cooler for the Dyna. Thanks for any input.

 

The HD unit (i have one) has a thermostat so winter is not an issue. They even help in stop and go and you cool down quicker once you're moving again. I believe an oil cooler is a good thing.

 

tie wrap a piece of carboard over the cooler in the winter .... lol ... it works..

 

The H-D cooler has a built in thermostat. The oil bypasses the cooler until it reaches 185 deg. F when the thermostat opens and allows the oil to circulate. The cooler will not operate unless the oil is over that temperature. If, for any reason, say in winter, the oil drops below 185 degrees the thermostat will close again to allow the oil to heat up.

 

I've got a buddy who's an HD wrench, and I asked him if I should get one when he installed my Stage 1. He told me that it wasn't necessary. He went on to explain why, but I don't remember what his reasons were. I obviously don't think they can hurt an engine, but I didn't get it since he said I don't need one. That may be due to where we live vs. living in TX or FL where you get more extreme heat.

 

I don't let traffic jams slow me down and will lane split or go around somehow. I used to run a cooler but found it to be a pain when changing oil which I do often. I had a temp gauge and didn't see that much of a change in temp. A good tune would probably yield more. The bike I have now is a carb model and runs cooler then any other Harley I have owned. No cooler is in my future with this one.

 

Here's some info from the P/A catalog:

"Premium Oil Cooler Kit for Dyna® Models, p/n 26151-07
This cooler was designed specifically for Harley-Davidson® to out-perform all other coolers in the industry. This cooler features a unique "Turbulator" system that evenly distributes oil across the cooling chambers. The air fins are designed to efficiently dissipate heat. This popular Touring oil cooler has been re-designed to simplify installation and enhance performance. The larger heat exchanger provides additional cooling efficiency. Kit features an adapter plate with integrated thermostat that allows oil lines to connect to the oil filter bracket. The thermostat activates at 185°F (85°C). Kit comes complete with mounting hardware and precut oil lines. Kit includes Chrome Oil Cooler Cover.

Fits '06-later Dyna® models (except FXDSE/2, FXDFSE and California models). Does not fit with Front Spoiler Kits or Definitive5™ Filtration System Kits. Fits with all H-D® Engine Guards."

I have added the link to the instruction sheets to the ***H-D Instruction sheets database***


FXD2003Rider

 

A fuel management device is more important than an oil cooler. If it still gets hot after your bike has been retuned then sure; get an oil cooler. It certainly can't hurt.

I live in the desert SW so I have a cooler on both my bikes and it does make a difference.

 

I have one and I like the fact that the unit uses a theromostat.

 

Me too