Does anyone know the best way to check if the thermostat in the stock Harley oil cooler is working? i have begun to get suspecious of mine.

 

Wait until the oil is hot enough (the thermostat opens at 185F) and check the 2 hoses in and out of the cooler. They both should be warm.

 

when did they start putting thermostats in oil coolers?

 

Dunno but it's a good thing there's one. You want the engine to warm up to operating temperature as quickly as possible but until it reaches this level, you don't need a gizmo to cool it down.

 

Oh GREAT know you guys tell me there is a thermostat on my bike that controls the flow of my engine oil..............WTF

I guess I'll have to go out and buy two of them Studebakers

I guess that is why I still like old skool stuff............straight oil run through a cooler for heat dissipation,no gimmicks.

 

The thermostat controls the flow of oil through the oil cooler. Makes no sense to cool down the oil if it doesn't need it.

 

Just found out mine doesn't have a thermostat. Explains why it took a little longer than normal today to warm up while riding

 

OEM, HD oil cooler yes it don't start passing oil until around 185! Whats wrong with a cool running bike? From 2010 on with the new bikes having catalytic converters and running a little hot, you will see more coolers on more models. I installed one on my 03 FLHT when new, I do what I can for extended engine life.

You got a cool running bike, don't do a lot of parade duty style riding, in traffic on hot days, you don't need em.

I just reach down and feel the oil cooler, hold hand close first if the bike is running hot to prevent burning your hand!

 

That was a no brainer,should have thought to feel both hoses.Thanks.