Doc i've watched a lot of your videos and YOU BY FAR as the most knowledgable som bitch i've ever seen on HD bikes. Thorough, great radio voice, and informative. Keep up the great work and ride on!
I bought a Harley Davidson oil cooler for my 1983 FXWG in 87 before Squadron moved to Japan. Left it on when I got transferred to the Philippines. Still have it installed!
Great addition, I put a Harleydavidson fan assisted oil cooler on my 2018 RGS after it got installed with a hotted up SE stage 4 , I like it and it does help I've put 32000ks on bike since install.allso I put a fender skirt on my front gaurd and mounted it 1/2" lower to protect my fan assisted oil cooler , I get no mud,dirt, stones on cooler ,still looks brand new , I do across the board , riding.
I live in Arizona and none of us run oil coolers. I bought the Harley oil cooler with thermostat, always leaked around the adapter. I took it off and have never used it since. We ride all year even above 110 deg. HD does testing on new bikes out here in the middle of the summer. If they needed them they would come from the factory with them. Just ride and don’t worry about it. There are a lot of high mileage Harley’s out here in AZ without coolers and no problems.
While your at it take the transmission cooler off your cars transmission. How do you know how hot the oil temp gets on your harley. An oil temp gauge is also a good idea.
What bike do you have and what oil temps do you see? I live in Canada and ride a 2014 Fatboy Lo. Oil temps on the dipstick show 250 - 270 degrees at temp. I’ve got an S&S 124 with 585 cams… Seems hot cuz the old 103 usually ran around 220 degrees.
Glad to hear Harley Motorcycles are updating their engineering. USA built Victory adapted this 20 years ago. Welcome Harley. Keep the improvements coming.
@trigun890. You need to look into why Polaris halted production of Victory, The reason had nothing to do with Harley & everything to do with Indian. Typical response!
I have ridden a HD for years and the one thing that always comes to mind is how so far behind the curve HD are when it comes to adding positive innovations. This is a prime example. Always playing catch up.
Just because its not standard on all models doesnt mean its new. Harley had stock oil coolers on their bikes since the 70's. Its just a different package, like how some cars could get the power window upgrade back in the day.
@@ryanmoore2779 I am a motorcyclist!!! Everything cycle related interest me , itchy boots videos are great ,about her travels. Moto GP videos are great because of the balls those racers have!!! But lots harley videos are about fixing problems with their bikes !!! I just find it interesting that they seem to think that straightin out that crap is normal !! Watch the " our ride life " new video, 95.000 miles on the chrome air compressor and it needed cams,oil pump and other stuff and they were smiling going to pick up the bike . I would be PISSED paying $$$$$$$$ for all those repairs!!!🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🏍🏍🏍🍺🍺🍺
Doc : thanks for having such clear , concise , and informative videos for us ! I’ve owned quite a few H-D’s since the 70’s , and remember back in the day , the bikers added oil coolers like the Jagg , which as you know mounted to either side of the frame’s down tube . This allowed “ clean “ air to run past it and STILL allowed said clean air to hit the V- twins forward cylinder . I traded my 83’ beloved FXWG Wide Glide in for a brand new FXLR Low Rider , and was SO DISAPPOINTED that Willie G and da boys installed the oil cooler smack dab in front of the engine’s front jug ! Now in the Texas heat , the air is preheating the air to the forward cylinder , and sending a blast furnace of scalding air to the rear cylinder … YOUR opinion please , sir ?
My opinion is strong. Every one is under the misunderstanding that this large "oil cooler" in front of the front cylinder is for the motor. It is not! It is only to cool the front and rear exhaust valves. With the size of the M8 motor the Motor it self need a 10 row with fan oil cooler besides the center oil cooler. Like the old days. Yes I would rather have two oil coolers on each side of the frame tubes and let the front cylinder receive fresh air. I am stepping down from my box now....Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thanks for that most detailed response ! I was “ happy “ to see them install this oil cooler ; I was just shaking my head and asking myself - “ WHAT were their engineers THINKING ? “
One of the thing you didn't mention is that oil temperature at crank bearing and rod bearing while driving it is lot hotter, if you take stock bike and you put cam and pistons and ride like sport bike, yes you should use oil cooler.
Liked Sunday late afternoon 18 April 2021! Okay, when I have my pre-owned 2001 Sportster 883 tow-trucked in to the “vintage Harley-Davidson repair shop” for its imminent internal cylinder head rebuild, I will have them install an oil cooler. A short story about the Harley-Davidson Customer Care Department: they do not care about their own customer’s motorcycles once they see it as vintage. 😀
07 FLHT. Dealer fitted the Harley CVO oil cooler (my request) which was located low on the front tubes as per all CVO's. Lasted maybe 2-3,000 mile before it was holed and credited under warranty. Guess I was one of the unlucky ones.
If you have it installed at a Harley dealership they can do it correctly and then no worries. I do know from watching Doc, the computer on the bike looks at everything and if it sees something it doesn't like, it causes problems.
I put a Harley on my 08 sglide and 09sbob hoses bent to fit. And was hoping they had thermostats. Thanks for informing me. Not much room for a fan though 🍻
I have a 05 FXSTDI, live in Southern CA Hermosa Beach, in the summer I can't get high enough on my toes to get away from my oil tank. Going to put an ultra Cool w/a fan on my bike. I'll take 20⁰ temp reduction, smaller blister😬 my bike now has 10k miles on it, so I do ride a bit.
My 2017 Freewheeler did not come with fan. Heating at rear of back cylinder head can be diminished by removing that cat that adds major back pressure in a short distance to back cylinder. Also using the EITMS ? to kick out fuel heating in back cylinder in summer traffic is a must imo.
I almost thought you were going to down them like a lot of techs do. I am all for function over looks (unless it is as ugly as a Suzuki Maduro or B-King). I am thinking about getting one for the crazy hot summer rides.
I'm going to have to slightly disagree with the reason for HD putting the fan cooler on the Trike models; rather than because they are moving slower, more stop and go or that they are in traffic more often, I believe its because of the higher 114 displacement, more engine load due to extra weight and rear running gear, and that they typically have or get Lower fairings which tend to block some free flowing air.. I live in the ozarks area, have a 107 Street Glide, and added Lower Fairings and I'm considering adding a fan to the OEM cooler and maybe I will be able to keep the Rear cylinder auto Shut-off feature disable..
Doc, I was listening to Kevin Baxter video on camplate n he talked about oil coolers. He disagrees with Harleys system because it flows dirty oil thru the cooler first n then thru the filter. He uses Jagg coolers.
1979, I bought a brand new Superglide with the new 80-CI engine. No oil cooler, after about an hour of riding, the rear cylinder would get so hot it would start to predetonate. The rear pipe would start popping flames with a loud POW POW POW. I would have to pull over on the side of whatever road, shut the engine off and let the air cooled engine cool. I sold that bike a few years later, I was sick and tired of dealing with it. Yes I told the buyer why I was selling it for only $3000 dollars in excellent condition. I quit riding Harleys for 28 years. I now own two more, BOTH have thermostat fan assisted Ultra Cool oil coolers and the Electraglide also has Love Jugs. Even tho a V-twin engine configured fore and aft is a dreadful design flaw, I'm riding Harleys again. If I ever have a single problem trying to keep a V-twin (incorrectly configured) air cooled engine cool again, I'm selling both damn Harleys and I will buy a brand new, the best motorcycle in the World, a Honda Goldwing. (get a thermostat fan assisted oil cooler.) Have a nice day.
Much respect for your knowledge and expertise. Whadya think about those thingamajig Forceflow Head Cooler fans that blow air over both cylinders? THX, Doc
Awesome insights Doc ! I’m ( still ) highly disappointed that HD didn’t follow Jagg’s engineering by having the location of said oil cooler to either side of the down tubes of the front of the frame to allow “ clean air “ for the oil cooler AND clean air to hit the front of the front cylinder ! ( instead of placing the new HD cooler directly in front of the engine ) This was a poor choice on the Motor Company’s part ; it would have been NO MORE expensive to have chosen this better location. , IMHO . Peace ☮️
Hello Doc, thanks for your videos!! I own a road king 103 from 2011- original-except air intake I believe. EIMTS is often on. I would like to make sure that the engine is cooled enough and improve the comfort. With the catalysator there is also lot of heat from the exhaust: what is the best for my me: cool flow fan, or adding the Harley fan cooled radiator. I believe that each of them can be mounted, possibly not with all the functionalities.
According to my catalog neither will fit your bike. A HD oil cooler will help the motor. I prefer the Jagg 10 row with fan or the ultra cool with fans. To help you feel cooler....stick your knees out in the wind :) Thanks ~ Doc
Here in SE Louisiana its 90 F at 7 am part of the year. Get caught in traffic and you quickly know your 20k motorcycle is going to start overheating . On my 2013 Ultra I had the "Reefer" by UltraCool, it kicked on a lot in the city and traffic, and after I would pull off a long hard interstate run on to an off ramp on the interstate. The 20217 FLHXS had the HD fan assist on the factory oil cooler that did the trick. once i added the S&S cam and High flow oil pump it helped keep it a lot cooler. Now I'm on a 2021 Triglide and looking at DK cooler/filter relocation or UltraCool cooler , but you have to cut part of your lower out to mount it . I know it solves the heat problem no matter what performance mods I do later. My thought is cool engine ='s longevity and better performance.
Thank you for this video Doc. I looked into putting on one of these coolers until I heard from a forum member a while ago...that in cold/cooler temps, the cooler can cause the oil to "froth" up and that would NOT be a good thing. I didn't hear you address this. ???
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I understand that you can also add a bypass valve that you can shut off the flow to the cooler for those of you who live in colder climates.
It would’ve really been nice if Harley would’ve included a light or something to tell you when you’re Harley Davidson fan assisted oil cooler fan is on or off
I have a question I hope you have an answer to..My GF has an 06 1200 Sportster which has the pop up oil cap and the problem is her leg keeps popping up the cap while riding and oil seeps out all over everything and I can not inure out how to prevent this from happening. Do you know of any way to stop this..?
I have a 16 Heritage with true duals and a big air breather. The pipes are wrapped. I recently added a fan assisted cooler with thermostat. I rode yesterday and it was a pretty cool day. The bike temp got up to 273 in stop and go traffic but was running around 250 otherwise. I’m worried about the summertime. Is there anything else I can do to cool it down?
You have checked all the right boxes. Keep the oil clean as much as possible. Make sure your “tune” is correct. Too lean will raise the temperature. And keep moving, this is an air cooled motor👍…Doc
Hello Doc. Thanks for the info. I was curious if adding an oil cooler messes with the PSI rating of the oil system itself on the motorcycle? I was just curious if the stock oil pump can handle the extra oil lines, cooler, and all of the curves and ups and downs. Maybe I'm overthinking it. Anyways just curious and since you didn't mention it maybe it's not an issue. Also while I have you could I add a stock H-D oil cooler from say a 2017 Ultra or Freewheeler to my 2016 Ultra with liquid-cooled heads? Thanks Doc.
Two points, purchasing an oil cooler designed for your Harley-Davidson will work with your designed oil pump. So installing an M8 oil cooler on a twin cam is not a good idea….Doc
My 2019 softail slim came with an oil cooler but without an electric fan. Would it be possible to have an oil cooler with an electric fan installed by the dealership?
Doc, why didn't they also add an oil cooler to the twin cooled as the oil temp at high ambient air conditions gets over 250 deg F? (my test at 102 Deg F outside temp and 75 mph for one hour--255 deg F 2021 HD RG Ltd). I guess full synthetic can handle it but not conventional oil. Cars and liquid cooled motorcycles peak their oil temps at 200-210 F.
Thanks Doc, one last question--I read on some blogs that the M8 twin cooled oil pump is lower capacity than the air/oil cooled M8's. My 2021, of course, has the upgraded pump from the early M8's. If mine is lower capacity than the non-twin cooled M8, would adding an oil cooler risk reducing total engine oil flow rates?@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson
Hi Doc, I really appreciate your technical advice and you are a godsend to the Harley Davidson Community. I am the second owner of a 2003 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic. The original owner had the Screaming Eagle kit added after buying the bike new and the work was done at a Harley dealership and so the Pistons, Head, and Cam were upgraded and the V-Twin 88 became a 95. Question: I neither baby, nor do I hot rod my bike when riding, so would you recommend an oil cooler for my riding style? The bike has just over 20k on odometer and is a strong runner which was previously well maintained and cared for. PS. If you can also tell me what the Screaming Eagle conversion did for my low end torque, as well as mid to upper range torque? This is my first Harley and don't really know what performance to expect from it.
I do like an oil cooler even though it was not mandatory when building a 95. An oil cooler with a thermostat definitely. The 95 upgrade from the factory gave you more of what you liked in a 88. It favored more torque than HP. The Factory built the kit for reliability so there is room for more with a cam change, better pipe, air cleaner and Tuner. It is getting more difficult to find a tuning device for the older Twin Cams…..Doc
Your reply was much appreciated Doc 👍. I now have a better sense of what I have thanks to your feedback. My understanding is the Power Commander 6 tuner is still available for my 2003 RK and I 'm thinking about adding it because having a tuner to accurately control and measure air fuel mixture as riding. conditions and ambient weather changes should be advantageous for a bike's fluctuating engine temperatures. I am still considering the oil cooler but today my Harley mechanic suggested the tuner over the oil cooler. The thought was any V-Twin larger than a 95, is going to generate considerably more heat and as such an oil cooler is a prerequisite. The evolution of the Harley V-Twin to larger and more power just doesn't cut it with old school Air Cooled. Thanks again Sir.
I’ve been told that HD oil coolers route the oil through the cooler before it goes through the filter…if so, I think it should be reversed as clean oil won’t clog the the cooler over time.
During the years of AMF-HD, they added oil coolers to the Shovelheads. It did not last but a couple of years as it was not efficient. I have had two bikes I added oil coolers to. One Shovelhead and one Evo Heritage. A big waste of money. The best way to keep your bike from damage of overheating, stay out of parades and backed up traffic. I know the traffic is not something you want to be in but that is the biggest problem with overheating engines.
1: Harleys had oil coolers for at least 50 years. Its not standard for all models, but they are not behind. Because they are not always needed on all engines or models, I agree with their route of having the people who do need it pay and let the majority not pay for a part they dont need. 2: Getting the proper grade oil that wont burn off in the temperature you're riding at is far more important, including doing an oil change if that environment is going to change when you do a long haul ride. 3: Shut up and ride while you still can.
I ordered the fan for the oil cooler but once on the lift, they found out the chrome cover I had on it was not compatible and it was either a choice of having the fan and loosing the chrome cover or not installing the fan altogether. After paying $$$ for the chrome cover, I choose not to install the fan. I just have to make sure not to get stuck in stop & go traffic. Oh, the police version have them on from the factory. *** We, the techs and I, re-read the catalog description and it did say it wasn't compatible. DOH!!! Cool thing is they didn't charge me anything for the mishap and kept the fan and restocked it.
How about using steel braided lines n not worrying about stones flying . I had one on a 85 fxr. Can I get one for an 09 heritage softail? Would you know approximate cost of parts?
Steel braid covered oil hoses may well help guard against foreign object damage, however the heat exchanger body itself remains at risk of puncture damage from foreign objects unless protected by a wire mesh screen. Thanks, Ralph K in St Louis, MO
Doc, Will an oil cooler help for my bike? I have a stage 4 setup and it runs hotter than normal with the cams, and heads . But in traffic I dont think this would help? at lights and such.
@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thanks, I watch your videos, some two or three times, they are very enlightening. I just bought a 2012 switchback with low milage but a bit neglected. I've been doing maintenance upkeep myself. One exception so far, abs brakes will be attended to by the Harley dealer.
If Doc hadn't gone the "mechanic" route, he could have easily went into politics and become an ambassador to unfriendly foreign countries. He has a way of explaining where if you read between the lines a subtle message comes through. * oil coolers work. Trikes run hot. Pay attention to your machine. Pay attention to what HD upgrades through production runs.
Doc I have a 2016 Heritage with an add on Harley cooler. It runs in the 220 to 230 degree range with 20w 50 oil. I changed my oil and went to straight 60w oil. its over 98 degrees here everyday. I guess the cooler did not like the thicker oil and doesn't flow as good. My temp now goes up to 270. I have went back down to 20w 50 and the temp lowered back down. Have you ever heard of this? I was following the owners manual with the recommended weight of oil for the outside temp. With the thicker oil the engine was quieter. (stock engine clatter)
This is news to me. You followed all the right thoughts. What type of oil cooler do you have, and how are you monitoring your oil temp? In theory an oil cooler does have very tiny passages for the thick oil to pass through BUT most oil coolers have a thermostat that controls when the oil passes through the oil cooler so the thickness of the oil should have no influence on control of oil temp by oil cooler. This is a question I will ask Harley after you tell me what oil cooler you have and how you are monitoring oil temp. Thanks ~ Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson The oil cooler is a Harley Davidson Brand. I am monitoring the oil temp with a Harley analog oil temp gauge. The oil cap one. I was running 250 to 260 before I installed the oil cooler with 20-50 oil. I also have the Screamin Eagle oil pump assembly to try and flow more oil.
@@georgedishman3276 I ride a 2014 Fatboy Lo with an S&S 124 with 585 cams. My oil measures 250 - 270 degrees also (measured on my analog dipstick). I’d like to shave 40 - 50 degrees but I’ve heard most guys are only seeing a 20 degree drop in temp. I live in Canada…. so no Arizona heat here.
Doc, …… i have question: Years ago I had a Sportster (1994) and there used to be an aftermarket round oil cooler that after you removed the oil filter you could screw on the finned oil cooler on and then the new oil filter behind it. It also gave your Sportster slightly more oil capacity along with extra cooling during very hot climates. During the winter time there was a leather sleeve that slid over the cooler to block the now much colder air flow on the fins but still allowed for a tad larger oil capacity w/o having to remove the cooler. I wanna say HD used to sell this product but have not seen one in 26 years. Any ideas on who made these animals and where/how I can get one now for my bike ?
I don’t have enough experience with this aftermarket product. H-D offered a fan as an accessory for police models with side cars. It helped in their line of work. I like oil coolers with fans. Thanks ~ Doc
Doc do you need to re-tune the bike after installing an oil cooler? I ride mostly in city traffic and my 2005 twin cam gets my right thigh medium well while at a traffic light.
If it does, you will see it on the front lowest part of your frame (in front of the engine) with the lines going into the motor right above the oil filter.
Wouldn't it make more sense to use a thicker viscosity, like SAE 50 or 60? I live in Central FL and thinking about 60 in hot months, 50 cool months. The 20w-50 does not seem to cut it. No need for oil cooler, since you are trying to keep the viscosity.
Your observation is correct. Plus HD still suggests changing viscosity oil for temperatures. My personal thoughts are this was the practice in the past when passageways in the motor were the size of an Arby's plastic straw. Our motors have very small passageways in the cam cover, lifters and rockers that a 60 wt oil would have a hard time flowing. Also when 60 wt is cold (not up to operating temp) this creates high pressure. Sometimes enough to pop the pressure valve in the cam cover. 20w-50 is a good oil year round and with an oil cooler with thermostat temperatures can be kept in the designed operating temperature for oil and motor. Thanks ~ Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson With all due respect. If a bike needs a oil cooler it should have one. It always bothers me to some degree when someone tells me that I should have chose this option if I expected the bike to run right. It pains me to say it but I think Harley needs to rethink its whole business model.
Авто/Мото
Doc Harley is the kind of tech we all wish we had at our favorite repair shop. Love to listen to this guy.
Doc, your voice was made for radio!
Agree!!!
I thought the same thing
Like a sports commentator ? !
Ha ha , someone told me I had a face for radio.
We won't have any problem if Doc Harley is Moto GP Commentator . Like Mr Murray Walker was for Fomula 1.
I don’t even have a motorcycle but love listening to Doc Harley and learning about them! So interesting!!!!
Engineering Ph.D.? It's great to listen to someone who delivers a structured narrative and who avoids jargon. Respect!
Thank you for your kind words…..Doc
Doc i've watched a lot of your videos and YOU BY FAR as the most knowledgable som bitch i've ever seen on HD bikes. Thorough, great radio voice, and informative. Keep up the great work and ride on!
Great video Doc, there's so much more to oil than I realized. Thanks so much for explaining it to us non techs.
You bet!
I bought a Harley Davidson oil cooler for my 1983 FXWG in 87 before Squadron moved to Japan. Left it on when I got transferred to the Philippines. Still have it installed!
This guy could star on any documentary! He is the.ultimate professional announcer ,
Great addition, I put a Harleydavidson fan assisted oil cooler on my 2018 RGS after it got installed with a hotted up SE stage 4 , I like it and it does help I've put 32000ks on bike since install.allso I put a fender skirt on my front gaurd and mounted it 1/2" lower to protect my fan assisted oil cooler , I get no mud,dirt, stones on cooler ,still looks brand new , I do across the board , riding.
I live in Arizona and none of us run oil coolers. I bought the Harley oil cooler with thermostat, always leaked around the adapter. I took it off and have never used it since.
We ride all year even above 110 deg. HD does testing on new bikes out here in the middle of the summer. If they needed them they would come from the factory with them.
Just ride and don’t worry about it. There are a lot of high mileage Harley’s out here in AZ without coolers and no problems.
Lobo 176 same thing here in Las Vegas
While your at it take the transmission cooler off your cars transmission. How do you know how hot the oil temp gets on your harley. An oil temp gauge is also a good idea.
What bike do you have and what oil temps do you see? I live in Canada and ride a 2014 Fatboy Lo. Oil temps on the dipstick show 250 - 270 degrees at temp. I’ve got an S&S 124 with 585 cams… Seems hot cuz the old 103 usually ran around 220 degrees.
Glad to hear Harley Motorcycles are updating their engineering. USA built Victory adapted this 20 years ago. Welcome Harley. Keep the improvements coming.
Yet look who went out of business????
@trigun890. You need to look into why Polaris halted production of Victory, The reason had nothing to do with Harley & everything to do with Indian. Typical response!
My 1979 HD low rider came with a factory installed oil cooler
You know Harleys have had Oil Coolers for a long time now right? They are just not included in all models or packages.
Unfortunately victory is gone but Harley is still here. Makes you wonder who's smarter
I watched this oily in the morning. It was way cool.
I love the way he said “Hopefully” 😂
Got my daily dose of Doctor Harley
I have ridden a HD for years and the one thing that always comes to mind is how so far behind the curve HD are when it comes to adding positive innovations. This is a prime example. Always playing catch up.
Just because its not standard on all models doesnt mean its new. Harley had stock oil coolers on their bikes since the 70's. Its just a different package, like how some cars could get the power window upgrade back in the day.
I would never ride a HD but I like your thoughts!! 😆😆😆🏍🏍🏍🏍🍺🍺
@@artmchugh5644 yet here you are commenting on and watching HD material. 🤡
@@ryanmoore2779 I am a motorcyclist!!! Everything cycle related interest me , itchy boots videos are great ,about her travels. Moto GP videos are great because of the balls those racers have!!! But lots harley videos are about fixing problems with their bikes !!! I just find it interesting that they seem to think that straightin out that crap is normal !! Watch the " our ride life " new video, 95.000 miles on the chrome air compressor and it needed cams,oil pump and other stuff and they were smiling going to pick up the bike . I would be PISSED paying $$$$$$$$ for all those repairs!!!🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🏍🏍🏍🍺🍺🍺
Quality of video and presentation is great.I agree with the other guys that you have a great radio presenters voice for sure.
Doc : thanks for having such clear , concise , and informative videos for us !
I’ve owned quite a few H-D’s since the 70’s , and remember back in the day , the bikers added oil coolers like the Jagg , which as you know mounted to either side of the frame’s down tube . This allowed “ clean “ air to run past it and STILL allowed said clean air to hit the V- twins forward cylinder .
I traded my 83’ beloved FXWG Wide Glide in for a brand new FXLR Low Rider , and was SO DISAPPOINTED that Willie G and da boys installed the oil cooler smack dab in front of the engine’s front jug ! Now in the Texas heat , the air is preheating the air to the forward cylinder , and sending a blast furnace of scalding air to the rear cylinder …
YOUR opinion please , sir ?
My opinion is strong. Every one is under the misunderstanding that this large "oil cooler" in front of the front cylinder is for the motor. It is not! It is only to cool the front and rear exhaust valves. With the size of the M8 motor the Motor it self need a 10 row with fan oil cooler besides the center oil cooler. Like the old days. Yes I would rather have two oil coolers on each side of the frame tubes and let the front cylinder receive fresh air. I am stepping down from my box now....Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson
Thanks for that most detailed response !
I was “ happy “ to see them install this oil cooler ; I was just shaking my head and asking myself -
“ WHAT were their engineers THINKING ? “
One of the thing you didn't mention is that oil temperature at crank bearing and rod bearing while driving it is lot hotter, if you take stock bike and you put cam and pistons and ride like sport bike, yes you should use oil cooler.
Liked Sunday late afternoon 18 April 2021! Okay, when I have my pre-owned 2001 Sportster 883 tow-trucked in to the “vintage Harley-Davidson repair shop” for its imminent internal cylinder head rebuild, I will have them install an oil cooler. A short story about the Harley-Davidson Customer Care Department: they do not care about their own customer’s motorcycles once they see it as vintage. 😀
07 FLHT.
Dealer fitted the Harley CVO oil cooler (my request) which was located low on the front tubes as per all CVO's.
Lasted maybe 2-3,000 mile before it was holed and credited under warranty.
Guess I was one of the unlucky ones.
If you have it installed at a Harley dealership they can do it correctly and then no worries. I do know from watching Doc, the computer on the bike looks at everything and if it sees something it doesn't like, it causes problems.
THANKS clear and clean explanation!!
I put a Harley on my 08 sglide and 09sbob hoses bent to fit. And was hoping they had thermostats. Thanks for informing me. Not much room for a fan though 🍻
Yep I use and still do a.. transmission or power steering cooler loop.. on my shovel
That’s where it all began….Doc
I'm very pleased with my 2018 road king, it's fun to ride.
You sound like a 12 year old.
I have a 05 FXSTDI, live in Southern CA Hermosa Beach, in the summer I can't get high enough on my toes to get away from my oil tank. Going to put an ultra Cool w/a fan on my bike. I'll take 20⁰ temp reduction, smaller blister😬 my bike now has 10k miles on it, so I do ride a bit.
Ambient temp here in inland Australia varies from-6 to +40 Celsius. Oil cooler with thermostat would be great ❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊
Thanks for your time
My 2017 Freewheeler did not come with fan. Heating at rear of back cylinder head can be diminished by removing that cat that adds major back pressure in a short distance to back cylinder. Also using the EITMS ? to kick out fuel heating in back cylinder in summer traffic is a must imo.
Thanks again doc, salute 🤚
Salute👍….Doc
I never got the oil air cool concept but they cleared up a lot for me
I almost thought you were going to down them like a lot of techs do. I am all for function over looks (unless it is as ugly as a Suzuki Maduro or B-King). I am thinking about getting one for the crazy hot summer rides.
I'm going to have to slightly disagree with the reason for HD putting the fan cooler on the Trike models; rather than because they are moving slower, more stop and go or that they are in traffic more often, I believe its because of the higher 114 displacement, more engine load due to extra weight and rear running gear, and that they typically have or get Lower fairings which tend to block some free flowing air.. I live in the ozarks area, have a 107 Street Glide, and added Lower Fairings and I'm considering adding a fan to the OEM cooler and maybe I will be able to keep the Rear cylinder auto Shut-off feature disable..
Doc, I was listening to Kevin Baxter video on camplate n he talked about oil coolers. He disagrees with Harleys system because it flows dirty oil thru the cooler first n then thru the filter. He uses Jagg coolers.
1979, I bought a brand new Superglide with the new 80-CI engine. No oil cooler, after about an hour of riding, the rear cylinder would get so hot it would start to predetonate. The rear pipe would start popping flames with a loud POW POW POW. I would have to pull over on the side of whatever road, shut the engine off and let the air cooled engine cool. I sold that bike a few years later, I was sick and tired of dealing with it. Yes I told the buyer why I was selling it for only $3000 dollars in excellent condition. I quit riding Harleys for 28 years. I now own two more, BOTH have thermostat fan assisted Ultra Cool oil coolers and the Electraglide also has Love Jugs. Even tho a V-twin engine configured fore and aft is a dreadful design flaw, I'm riding Harleys again. If I ever have a single problem trying to keep a V-twin (incorrectly configured) air cooled engine cool again, I'm selling both damn Harleys and I will buy a brand new, the best motorcycle in the World, a Honda Goldwing. (get a thermostat fan assisted oil cooler.)
Have a nice day.
Please stop in Low Country Harley-Davidson in Charleston SC and explain to me why you took the time to post this comment…..Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Good morning Sir, I will do that. I live in Myrtle Beach.
Much respect for your knowledge and expertise. Whadya think about those thingamajig Forceflow Head Cooler fans that blow air over both cylinders?
THX, Doc
Jury is out on my end. My customer base is 50/50….Doc
Awesome insights Doc !
I’m ( still ) highly disappointed that HD didn’t follow Jagg’s engineering by having the location of said oil cooler to either side of the down tubes of the front of the frame to allow
“ clean air “ for the oil cooler AND clean air to hit the front of the front cylinder ! ( instead of placing the new HD cooler directly in front of the engine )
This was a poor choice on the Motor Company’s part ; it would have been NO MORE expensive to have chosen this better location. , IMHO .
Peace ☮️
Hello Doc, thanks for your videos!!
I own a road king 103 from 2011- original-except air intake I believe. EIMTS is often on. I would like to make sure that the engine is cooled enough and improve the comfort. With the catalysator there is also lot of heat from the exhaust: what is the best for my me: cool flow fan, or adding the Harley fan cooled radiator. I believe that each of them can be mounted, possibly not with all the functionalities.
According to my catalog neither will fit your bike. A HD oil cooler will help the motor. I prefer the Jagg 10 row with fan or the ultra cool with fans. To help you feel cooler....stick your knees out in the wind :) Thanks ~ Doc
Very informative mate. Dont think I'll need on in Ireland but just checking, and now I know.
I am going to install the fan assisted oil cooler on my 2017 ultra classic run hot and wanted to not worry on street lights
Well you at least convinced me to get an oilpan cap that has the thermometer for my sporty. After awhile I guess I'll see if I need an oil cooler too.
Just more stuff to break.and increase weight
Where do you ride? I ride in Arizona in the summertime almost everyday, I don’t have any issues
Great video Mike
Thank you
Here in SE Louisiana its 90 F at 7 am part of the year. Get caught in traffic and you quickly know your 20k motorcycle is going to start overheating . On my 2013 Ultra I had the "Reefer" by UltraCool, it kicked on a lot in the city and traffic, and after I would pull off a long hard interstate run on to an off ramp on the interstate. The 20217 FLHXS had the HD fan assist on the factory oil cooler that did the trick. once i added the S&S cam and High flow oil pump it helped keep it a lot cooler. Now I'm on a 2021 Triglide and looking at DK cooler/filter relocation or UltraCool cooler , but you have to cut part of your lower out to mount it . I know it solves the heat problem no matter what performance mods I do later. My thought is cool engine ='s longevity and better performance.
Thank you for this video Doc. I looked into putting on one of these coolers until I heard from a forum member a while ago...that in cold/cooler temps, the cooler can cause the oil to "froth" up and that would NOT be a good thing. I didn't hear you address this. ???
The Harley-Davidson oil cooler mentioned has a built in thermostat that is used to prevent a "froth" up from occurring due to cold temperatures.
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I understand that you can also add a bypass valve that you can shut off the flow to the cooler for those of you who live in colder climates.
Good stuff Doc! Thanks!
HD of Gastonia did my oil cooler. It was hard to make it not leak, but they finally got it right. 2000 Heritage
Its a Harley...... I thought it WAS supposed to leak ??? Y did they fix it ?? Haha
Thanks Doc
It would’ve really been nice if Harley would’ve included a light or something to tell you when you’re Harley Davidson fan assisted oil cooler fan is on or off
Nice idea...Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Curious if those upgraded gauges for the road king on Harley’s website would have anything like that built into them?
I have a question I hope you have an answer to..My GF has an 06 1200 Sportster which has the pop up oil cap and the problem is her leg keeps popping up the cap while riding and oil seeps out all over everything and I can not inure out how to prevent this from happening. Do you know of any way to stop this..?
I have a 16 Heritage with true duals and a big air breather. The pipes are wrapped. I recently added a fan assisted cooler with thermostat. I rode yesterday and it was a pretty cool day. The bike temp got up to 273 in stop and go traffic but was running around 250 otherwise. I’m worried about the summertime. Is there anything else I can do to cool it down?
You have checked all the right boxes. Keep the oil clean as much as possible. Make sure your “tune” is correct. Too lean will raise the temperature. And keep moving, this is an air cooled motor👍…Doc
Brilliant advice
Hello Doc. Thanks for the info. I was curious if adding an oil cooler messes with the PSI rating of the oil system itself on the motorcycle?
I was just curious if the stock oil pump can handle the extra oil lines, cooler, and all of the curves and ups and downs. Maybe I'm overthinking it. Anyways just curious and since you didn't mention it maybe it's not an issue.
Also while I have you could I add a stock H-D oil cooler from say a 2017 Ultra or Freewheeler to my 2016 Ultra with liquid-cooled heads?
Thanks Doc.
Two points, purchasing an oil cooler designed for your Harley-Davidson will work with your designed oil pump.
So installing an M8 oil cooler on a twin cam is not a good idea….Doc
My 2019 softail slim came with an oil cooler but without an electric fan. Would it be possible to have an oil cooler with an electric fan installed by the dealership?
HD does not offer a fan assisted oil cooler for the Slim. I went with Jagg 10 row with fan..I love it! Doc
Doc , would a twin cooled benefit from a oil cooler and filter relocation system?? Who has this available for the twin Cooled?? Thx!
Oil cooler was 1 of the reasons I went with Victory Cross Country instead of a Harley in 2016.
Un-Victorious
How about a coolant oil cooler self contained coolant elect pump just to the oil cooler ?
That’s thinking way outside the box! Too much. An oil cooler with a fan works well enough….Doc
Doc, why didn't they also add an oil cooler to the twin cooled as the oil temp at high ambient air conditions gets over 250 deg F? (my test at 102 Deg F outside temp and 75 mph for one hour--255 deg F 2021 HD RG Ltd). I guess full synthetic can handle it but not conventional oil. Cars and liquid cooled motorcycles peak their oil temps at 200-210 F.
You have pointed out a huge point. Car oil can not handle air cooled motor temperatures. Yes if I owned a Twin cooled, I would add an oil cooler….Doc
Thanks Doc, one last question--I read on some blogs that the M8 twin cooled oil pump is lower capacity than the air/oil cooled M8's. My 2021, of course, has the upgraded pump from the early M8's. If mine is lower capacity than the non-twin cooled M8, would adding an oil cooler risk reducing total engine oil flow rates?@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson
Thank you Doc
On my XR during cool weather I never notice heat, warmer weather my left leg really feels the heat while I'm moving
You ride an XR? 👍👍👍….Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson and NightRod and WideGlide, and just got '19 1200NS
Doc did u go 2 sturgis this yr?
Rained every day!😢
No this time of year is the busiest. Stayed home and worked….Doc
harley's V-twins need all the help they can get, cooling. and oil-coolers work.
Hi Doc, I really appreciate your technical advice and you are a godsend to the Harley Davidson Community.
I am the second owner of a 2003 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic. The original owner had the Screaming Eagle kit added after buying the bike new and the work was done at a Harley dealership and so the Pistons, Head, and Cam were upgraded and the V-Twin 88 became a 95.
Question: I neither baby, nor do I hot rod my bike when riding, so would you recommend an oil cooler for my riding style? The bike has just over 20k on odometer and is a strong runner which was previously well maintained and cared for.
PS. If you can also tell me what the Screaming Eagle conversion did for my low end torque, as well as mid to upper range torque? This is my first Harley and don't really know what performance to expect from it.
I do like an oil cooler even though it was not mandatory when building a 95. An oil cooler with a thermostat definitely.
The 95 upgrade from the factory gave you more of what you liked in a 88. It favored more torque than HP. The Factory built the kit for reliability so there is room for more with a cam change, better pipe, air cleaner and Tuner. It is getting more difficult to find a tuning device for the older Twin Cams…..Doc
Your reply was much appreciated Doc 👍. I now have a better sense of what I have thanks to your feedback. My understanding is the Power Commander 6 tuner is still available for my 2003 RK and I 'm thinking about adding it because having a tuner to accurately control and measure air fuel mixture as riding. conditions and ambient weather changes should be advantageous for a bike's fluctuating engine temperatures. I am still considering the oil cooler but today my Harley mechanic suggested the tuner over the oil cooler. The thought was any V-Twin larger than a 95, is going to generate considerably more heat and as such an oil cooler is a prerequisite. The evolution of the Harley V-Twin to larger and more power just doesn't cut it with old school Air Cooled. Thanks again Sir.
Hi Doc, I decided to go with your advice and am adding an Ultra Cool oil cooler to my 2003 Road King. Thanks for your invaluable tech tips!
Can you install an oil cooler on a Milwaukee Eight with water cooling
The aftermarket world is working on this. Check Ultra cool and Jaggs….Doc
How come the oil cooler that HD makes for the sporsters doesn't come with a thermostat?
Ha Doc, how about the twin cooled model of the 17 CVO with Stage iv? How's that cooling compare?
Twin cooled is awesome in controlling heat. I don't believe anyone is offering a larger oil cooler or fan assist at this time. ~ Doc
Doc Harley Harley tri glide 2012 have an oil cooler from factory? and thanks
Coolers did not come to Tri glide till 2014
I’ve been told that HD oil coolers route the oil through the cooler before it goes through the filter…if so, I think it should be reversed as clean oil won’t clog the the cooler over time.
Good point....Doc
Always helpful thank you
During the years of AMF-HD, they added oil coolers to the Shovelheads. It did not last but a couple of years as it was not efficient. I have had two bikes I added oil coolers to. One Shovelhead and one Evo Heritage. A big waste of money. The best way to keep your bike from damage of overheating, stay out of parades and backed up traffic. I know the traffic is not something you want to be in but that is the biggest problem with overheating engines.
100% right. This is the answer. Jerry knows his shit
I bought an extruded cooler, a thermostat and made my own custom brackets. Hardlines are about to happen.
I have an '82 fxr with an oil cooler, that looks like a little transmission cooler from a car... now I know it is lol!
1: Harleys had oil coolers for at least 50 years. Its not standard for all models, but they are not behind. Because they are not always needed on all engines or models, I agree with their route of having the people who do need it pay and let the majority not pay for a part they dont need.
2: Getting the proper grade oil that wont burn off in the temperature you're riding at is far more important, including doing an oil change if that environment is going to change when you do a long haul ride.
3: Shut up and ride while you still can.
Doc, I own a dyna low rider 2015 it gets hot often I did everything but it's still hot. Would a oil cooler help?
For the motor Yes for you maybe….Doc
If I were HD I would have made the oil pan with proper fins on it. Little grooves on my '99 TC88 Dyna.
Hit a badger punched a thumb sized hole in my 6 month harley. drove the cooler into the fan.
🥲…..Doc
I ordered the fan for the oil cooler but once on the lift, they found out the chrome cover I had on it was not compatible and it was either a choice of having the fan and loosing the chrome cover or not installing the fan altogether. After paying $$$ for the chrome cover, I choose not to install the fan. I just have to make sure not to get stuck in stop & go traffic. Oh, the police version have them on from the factory. *** We, the techs and I, re-read the catalog description and it did say it wasn't compatible. DOH!!! Cool thing is they didn't charge me anything for the mishap and kept the fan and restocked it.
Chrome won't get you home, an oil cooler will!
How about using steel braided lines n not worrying about stones flying . I had one on a 85 fxr. Can I get one for an 09 heritage softail? Would you know approximate cost of parts?
Steel braid covered oil hoses may well help guard against foreign object damage, however the heat exchanger body itself remains at risk of puncture damage from foreign objects unless protected by a wire mesh screen. Thanks, Ralph K in St Louis, MO
Doc, Will an oil cooler help for my bike? I have a stage 4 setup and it runs hotter than normal with the cams, and heads . But in traffic I dont think this would help? at lights and such.
Thanks
Welcome…..Doc
Do I need to drain all the oil in a HD 103 to install an oil cooler? The oil has not run 200 miles. It's new.
No need to drain. In fact after installing you’ll need to add oil👍….Doc
@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thanks, I watch your videos, some two or three times, they are very enlightening. I just bought a 2012 switchback with low milage but a bit neglected. I've been doing maintenance upkeep myself. One exception so far, abs brakes will be attended to by the Harley dealer.
Is there a oil cooler for 2013 triGlide 103 engine
I don’t see your being Twin Cooled so yes. See your local dealer, Jaggs or Ultra- cool…..Doc
Do any of the oil coolers available for sportsters (any brand, harley, jagg, ultra cool...) have thermostats?
Yes. Each that you posted offer.....Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I am much obliged, doc.
I have a 2019 Street gluid, I put on the Harley Davidson air cooler with the fan behind it. My question is at what temperature does that fan kick on?
If Doc hadn't gone the "mechanic" route, he could have easily went into politics and become an ambassador to unfriendly foreign countries. He has a way of explaining where if you read between the lines a subtle message comes through. * oil coolers work. Trikes run hot. Pay attention to your machine. Pay attention to what HD upgrades through production runs.
Why aren’t oil coolers standard on the majority of Harley-Davidson’s?
jeffry gagnon - That's not unusual in any hobby, people who have model trains, Ham radios or even gaming computers it becomes Non-Stop add ons...
Riding is not a hobby it is a necessity
The Pale Emperor $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
they are.
cause it is about worthless.
Doc I have a 2016 Heritage with an add on Harley cooler. It runs in the 220 to 230 degree range with 20w 50 oil. I changed my oil and went to straight 60w oil. its over 98 degrees here everyday. I guess the cooler did not like the thicker oil and doesn't flow as good. My temp now goes up to 270. I have went back down to 20w 50 and the temp lowered back down. Have you ever heard of this? I was following the owners manual with the recommended weight of oil for the outside temp. With the thicker oil the engine was quieter. (stock engine clatter)
This is news to me. You followed all the right thoughts. What type of oil cooler do you have, and how are you monitoring your oil temp? In theory an oil cooler does have very tiny passages for the thick oil to pass through BUT most oil coolers have a thermostat that controls when the oil passes through the oil cooler so the thickness of the oil should have no influence on control of oil temp by oil cooler. This is a question I will ask Harley after you tell me what oil cooler you have and how you are monitoring oil temp. Thanks ~ Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson The oil cooler is a Harley Davidson Brand. I am monitoring the oil temp with a Harley analog oil temp gauge. The oil cap one. I was running 250 to 260 before I installed the oil cooler with 20-50 oil. I also have the Screamin Eagle oil pump assembly to try and flow more oil.
@@georgedishman3276 I ride a 2014 Fatboy Lo with an S&S 124 with 585 cams. My oil measures 250 - 270 degrees also (measured on my analog dipstick). I’d like to shave 40 - 50 degrees but I’ve heard most guys are only seeing a 20 degree drop in temp. I live in Canada…. so no Arizona heat here.
Doc, …… i have question: Years ago I had a Sportster (1994) and there used to be an aftermarket round oil cooler that after you removed the oil filter you could screw on the finned oil cooler on and then the new oil filter behind it. It also gave your Sportster slightly more oil capacity along with extra cooling during very hot climates. During the winter time there was a leather sleeve that slid over the cooler to block the now much colder air flow on the fins but still allowed for a tad larger oil capacity w/o having to remove the cooler. I wanna say HD used to sell this product but have not seen one in 26 years. Any ideas on who made these animals and where/how I can get one now for my bike ?
Check V-Twin web site and ask the cool dudes at Lowbrow customs...Doc
K
Have you ever looked at Love Jugs? What are your thoughts?
I don’t have enough experience with this aftermarket product. H-D offered a fan as an accessory for police models with side cars. It helped in their line of work. I like oil coolers with fans. Thanks ~ Doc
Doc What's your opinion on Love Jugs oil cooler ?
Nice video, with HD being air/oil cooled, and temp is pretty crucial, why don't they put a temp gauge on the bike ?
Doc do you need to re-tune the bike after installing an oil cooler? I ride mostly in city traffic and my 2005 twin cam gets my right thigh medium well while at a traffic light.
No re tune with an oil Cooler addition. But maybe look into your tune.
Timing might be too advanced at idle....Doc
Whats your thought on the HD 260082-05c cooler for a 2000 RK ? Thanks .
Yes go for it. I am a big supporter of a oil cooler on any Harley-Davidson. Thanks ~ Doc
Do you recommend a oil cooler for 2019 Harley iron 883 ?
Great vid Doc. I own a 2018 lowrider,does it have an oil cooler.
If it does, you will see it on the front lowest part of your frame (in front of the engine) with the lines going into the motor right above the oil filter.
@@CovertOperation13 thanx man
Thank you professor
My 2013 FLHTK ANN came with stock oil cooler.
Have you ever tested whether it's really worth it to purchase a Dooxi Car Adaptation products?
Wouldn't it make more sense to use a thicker viscosity, like SAE 50 or 60? I live in Central FL and thinking about 60 in hot months, 50 cool months. The 20w-50 does not seem to cut it. No need for oil cooler, since you are trying to keep the viscosity.
Your observation is correct. Plus HD still suggests changing viscosity oil for temperatures. My personal thoughts are this was the practice in the past when passageways in the motor were the size of an Arby's plastic straw. Our motors have very small passageways in the cam cover, lifters and rockers that a 60 wt oil would have a hard time flowing. Also when 60 wt is cold (not up to operating temp) this creates high pressure. Sometimes enough to pop the pressure valve in the cam cover. 20w-50 is a good oil year round and with an oil cooler with thermostat temperatures can be kept in the designed operating temperature for oil and motor. Thanks ~ Doc
I thought that flowing problem was called prostate
My question about this is always the same. If the bike needs an oil cooler why didn’t it come with one?
That would leave you without options....We all love options....Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson With all due respect. If a bike needs a oil cooler it should have one. It always bothers me to some degree when someone tells me that I should have chose this option if I expected the bike to run right. It pains me to say it but I think Harley needs to rethink its whole business model.