I have built stroker 106 that can get hot. While stuck in heavy traffic with no option for splitting, the bike has actually gotten so hot it started to misfire. This has happened probably 3 times since the new build. The problem with an oil cooler, they do not work without airflow. In the few instances where I had heat issues...an oil cooler would not have made any difference.
I have an 07 with a 103 SE build with 10.5:1 compression, and I have never needed an oil cooler yet. I have been stuck in stop and go traffic, for many a mile since the build in 08, and it still runs just fine.
I had a 1983 FXSB and it came equipped with an oil cooler. Last summer at the H-D museum they had a 1980 FX on display, damn near the same thing, and sure enough it had an oil cooler. So yes the MoCo has been installing them as seen fit over the years.
I am of the camp that I would rather have it and not need it, than not have it and need it. Ive ridden in heat here in AZ where I was running nearly no oil pressure at 70mph. Anything that can assist in cooling this thing down here is a big plus. It may not cause immediate damage, but the oil WILL break down over a certain point, and that can lead to long term damage. I dont put much stock in the factory desert tests, as sure they can last in the short term, but how many miles can it go with that constant abuse. I dont want to find out. I would rather have the cooler, and help it cool quicker once I get moving than allow the slow boil to continue, and yes, I have had mine hot enough that it was detonating after stop and go traffic. Summertime aint no joke around here
Very interesting read over a night cap!. 1st of all anyone that doesn't run synthentic oil is absolute crazy, especailly in an air cooled engine that runs extremely hot. 2nd, no one mentioned this but I have heard that the heat from the oil cooler also destroys the life of the Voltage Regulator. 3rd I replaced my Voltage Regulator recently but couldn't tell you if it was the age/miles or the heat from the oil cooler. I haven't done this but have considered to remove my oil cooler to prevent a possible failure point and then install an extra large baker oil pan. I have a 110 motor with 80K miles and have ran Amzoil since day one and change the oil every 5K miles sometimes a little sooner in the summer becuase of the heat. Each time the oil comes out still looking clean and light brown. Ride on!
Something to think about. Porsche, who knows a thing about both air- and water-cooled engines, spec'd an oil cooler on the water-cooled Revolution engine. And it's a big one (it's the bottom third of the radiator assembly):
I can't imagine an air-cooled engine NOT needing an oil cooler, even with the dry sump setup.
The 110 Screamin Eagle in my '17 Fatboy S gets hotter than a firecracker in hell. You get caught in slow traffic and you'll see north of 300 in no time at all. I plan on getting a Lenale fan AND an oil cooler.
02-27-2019 | 04:04 PM
