HD Oil Cooler
#41
06-30-2010, 06:55 AM
I hear ya and understand where you're coming from. I don't think anyone has said that oil coolers are "needed" as an absolute, only that they do help. I don't think there's one thing I've added to my bike since I bought it, and that's been quite a bit so far 
, that could be characterized as an absolute need. Most of it is just cosmetic and some of it is functional, like the oil cooler. Probably the single most expensive thing I've done is have my seat converted by Russell Day Long Saddles. That one was a little over $1,100! Ouch, that sounds bad, doesn't it? Not when my **** is happy as a clam after a 12 hour day, it's not! 
If I had to take everything off my bike that I've added to it so far except for one thing, the one thing I'd keep is that Russell saddle conversion. There's nothing better than "not" squirming all over the place 1.5 hours into a 10 hour ride, which is pretty much what I was doing on the stock seat.
FWIW!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
, that could be characterized as an absolute need. Most of it is just cosmetic and some of it is functional, like the oil cooler. Probably the single most expensive thing I've done is have my seat converted by Russell Day Long Saddles. That one was a little over $1,100! Ouch, that sounds bad, doesn't it? Not when my **** is happy as a clam after a 12 hour day, it's not! If I had to take everything off my bike that I've added to it so far except for one thing, the one thing I'd keep is that Russell saddle conversion. There's nothing better than "not" squirming all over the place 1.5 hours into a 10 hour ride, which is pretty much what I was doing on the stock seat.FWIW!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
The reason I threw that in about the oil cooler, someone had mentioned the higher heat causing the engine to fail quicker. He was saying that wasn't the case. I know oil coolers help with personal comfort. If I did a lot of around town riding, I would have one. I'm lucky to be retired and do 90% of my riding in the mtns. Ride safe!
#42
07-01-2010, 06:27 AM
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#43
07-01-2010, 06:14 PM
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#45
07-01-2010, 09:29 PM
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#46
07-02-2010, 05:31 AM
#47
09-18-2010, 04:31 PM
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#48
09-18-2010, 09:49 PM
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Oh, I have to admit, I was getting pretty nervous on the first start up after the cooler install. Since the engine has to fill the oil cooler, it took longer to develop oil pressure. I didn't get any complaints from the engine during the process and the actual time probably wasn't as long as it seemed but it had me biting nails for a second or too.
Best of luck with yours!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
#49
09-18-2010, 10:11 PM
Like others already said, a cooler is better than no cooler even if the temp drop is 10% or 5%. I do a lot of riding in Georgia and Florida summer heat and welcome anything that can reduce engine heat. I did the Xied's and HD oil cooler this summer. Next up for me is to add the Baker plus one oil pan with the bagger brace.
If I understand correctly the oil cooler. Is now standard on the 2011 Touring bikes ?If so just another example of the MOCO realizing that it should have been standard years ago.
If I understand correctly the oil cooler. Is now standard on the 2011 Touring bikes ?If so just another example of the MOCO realizing that it should have been standard years ago.
#50
09-18-2010, 11:35 PM
Extreme HDF Member
Those that say the oil cooler is worthless in stop and go traffic are ignorant.
Just like the radiator in your house that gives off heat WITHOUT moving around the room, the oil cooler will radiate off heat from itself when you are not moving. The heat rises and pulls some cooler air in. Of course it is not as much as when moving. Just as the cases, jugs, heads give off heat when you are stopped so does the oil radiator which is additional cooling to what is already going on. You know more surface area yielding heat. The oil that is being pumped through does yield some heat off which then goes into the atmosphere.
Now for those that don't think they need a cooler. The engine will have a small increase in power the cooler that it is. The engine will have a longer life the cooler that it runs. HD is helping out. XR1200 has a standard oil cooler. Buell had a standard oil cooler. The Ultra limited has a standard oil cooler. I think that the CVO's do but not sure.
If anyone buys the HD cooler be sure to get the 185 degree one as they also have a 215 degree one. Oh! and the parts guy won't know that.
The optimum temperature to run a four cycle engine is 160 degrees. That doesn't happen any more even in cars because of the emission requirements.
Just like the radiator in your house that gives off heat WITHOUT moving around the room, the oil cooler will radiate off heat from itself when you are not moving. The heat rises and pulls some cooler air in. Of course it is not as much as when moving. Just as the cases, jugs, heads give off heat when you are stopped so does the oil radiator which is additional cooling to what is already going on. You know more surface area yielding heat. The oil that is being pumped through does yield some heat off which then goes into the atmosphere.
Now for those that don't think they need a cooler. The engine will have a small increase in power the cooler that it is. The engine will have a longer life the cooler that it runs. HD is helping out. XR1200 has a standard oil cooler. Buell had a standard oil cooler. The Ultra limited has a standard oil cooler. I think that the CVO's do but not sure.
If anyone buys the HD cooler be sure to get the 185 degree one as they also have a 215 degree one. Oh! and the parts guy won't know that.
The optimum temperature to run a four cycle engine is 160 degrees. That doesn't happen any more even in cars because of the emission requirements.
Last edited by lh4x4; 09-18-2010 at 11:44 PM.