I have a 2002 Electra Glide Classic that is fuel injected. It has 40,000 miles and has been well maintained. This Spring I started to have some issues with the engine getting hot and oil pressure dropping. I replaced the oil filter and thought that fixed the issue. Now I have figured out that when the bike is idling, it overheats, and after it overheats I loose oil pressure. The issue is that for 3 years the bike has never overheated, not when it was over 100 in Sturgis, 90 in the mountains, never. Now this year if I idle or get into stop and go traffic for more than 5 minutes it overheats. By overheating I mean it gets much hotter, you can smell the engine, the bike starts to miss (by design to help it cool), and wants to stall. So far I have changed oil and filter, replaced the oil pressure bypass spring (helps with pressure, but does not stop overheating). I had a stage one set up (for last two years) with air filter, mufflers, and a Cobra FI2000. One dealer suggested that the FI2000 was to blame so I got a new one. Same problem. Last night I took off the FI2000 and put on the stock mufflers and air cleaner. The issue continues. Again, I have had the bike for 4 years and it has never overheated, now it overheats every time I take it out. So far here is what four different dealers have told me: I need to rebuild the top end of the engine, I need a high performance oil pump (generally I run about 32 psi when all is well), I need to install an oil cooler, I need to install a fan. I live in MN and the riding temps so far have been in the 60's and low 70's. The problem did happen one day when it was only 47.

I am lost and since each dealer I call seems to have a different thought, once they get done trying to convince me it is normal, I am reluctant to take it in because they obviously do not know what is causing the problem.

I know the bike is air cooled. I know air cooled bikes run hot when idling. I know that something is happening to my bike this year that has never happened before.

Summer riding is my only relief from living in this frozen wasteland. I am hoping someone can help me get this thing running right again before my three months of warmth are gone!

Tim

 

Just a guess.... Check for vacuum leaks. restrictions in fuel flowand psi. Then do a Compression check for giggles. Maybe internal fuel line leak, weak pump, cracked vacuum line, intake, carb gasket, weak injectors or dirty?????

 

Thanks for the help. I am making my way through the list. After visiting with a tech at the dealer I am going to replace the engine temperature sensor. Not overly optimistic, but he says he recently had a similar issue that was fixed buy replacing the sensor.

 

I had a 04RK and it loaded up with fuel and quit running and it was the temperature sensor and the dealer replaced it and never had any more problems.

 

Based on a dealer's recommendation I did replace the temperature sensor. I have had the bike out twice since and it seems to be better. I have a fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator on order and I will throw them in when they get here. I am cautiously optimistic that it is better. We are taking it camping this weekend - two up and pulling a trailer. If the problem still exists, I am sure it will show itself.