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[atlasfields]

Since the 110" runs so hot, does it make sense to add an oil cooler?  I've seen some installs using a twin cylinders type cooler mounted to the down tubes.

Thanks in advance!

[vagabond6542]

Some 110's have oil coolers install at the factory. It depends on the model that was bought.
BTW, the engine still runs hot.

[atlasfields]

Some 110's have oil coolers install at the factory. It depends on the model that was bought.
BTW, the engine still runs hot.

I have an 08 FXDSE2 and over the winter I'm adding a Thundermax w/ Autotune, Fatcat 2-1 and the S&S single bore A/E.  I thought since the 110" is such a hot runner, the T-max and an oil cooler would be beneficial.  Am I wasting my time ($$ too) with an oil cooler?

[Chief]

I have an 08 FXDSE2 and over the winter I'm adding a Thundermax w/ Autotune, Fatcat 2-1 and the S&S single bore A/E.  I thought since the 110" is such a hot runner, the T-max and an oil cooler would be beneficial.  Am I wasting my time ($$ too) with an oil cooler?

The oil cooler will make very little difference in the engine temperature. These engines are air-cooled, not air/oil-cooled.

[Gecko]

They are certainly air and oil cooled.  The oil does the majority of moving heat from the hottest parts to the cooler parts. That's why they squirt oil at the underside of the pistons.  Anything you can do to cool the oil will cool the engine.  Whether an oil cooler is the way to go is the question.  It will have the least effect when you need it most - when stopped.  But it does add additional surface area to convect and radiate heat, so has some benefit even then.  For that situation, larger is better.  The twin tube thing that looks like a stack of quarters with dimes between them that mounts on the downtubes is good - more surface area and located in a relatively cool spot at the front rather than tucked in a shroud next to the case like the factory one. 

[Chief]

They are certainly air and oil cooled.  The oil does the majority of moving heat from the hottest parts to the cooler parts. That's why they squirt oil at the underside of the pistons.  Anything you can do to cool the oil will cool the engine.  Whether an oil cooler is the way to go is the question.  It will have the least effect when you need it most - when stopped.  But it does add additional surface area to convect and radiate heat, so has some benefit even then.  For that situation, larger is better.  The twin tube thing that looks like a stack of quarters with dimes between them that mounts on the downtubes is good - more surface area and located in a relatively cool spot at the front rather than tucked in a shroud next to the case like the factory one. 

You are correct in the fact that some parts use oil for cooling, but the pistons are the only ones that are actively cooled with oil. The heads and cylinders rely on air for their cooling, not oil. While it is a fact that oil passing over a hot surface will absorb some heat from that surface, the overall effect on the heat of the motor is negligible. If this wasn't the case, oil coolers would be standard on all models, not just some.

Maybe someday we'll an air/oil cooled Harley, like the Bimmers, but we're not there now.

[GMR-PERFORMANCE]

The engine is a air cooled item for the most part, but if you drive the oil temps up the engine is then being soaked with oil , and it has a harder time to cool back down. So if you are able to keep the oil cooler then it is pulling heat from the engine, or at least not driving the engine temp up. The four row coolers are nice the only thing I do not like is the filter adapter that likes to spin loose and then leak oil.  Some times you can get them to stay tight and others well they like to come lose every time you change the oil.  Lower the oil temps will not cause you any issues.

[atlasfields]

Okay gents, so the consenses is the oil cooler will work to help the lower the engine temp, but marginally?

[Gecko]

It will, but the first thing would be to correct the things that make it run hot to begin with, mostly the lean mixture.  That will make it run better overall.

[atlasfields]

Excellant, thanks everyone.  I'm hoping the Thundermax will solve the lean mixture issue.   

[radavi98]

Even with the upgrades and the oil cooler, it will still run hot especially in parade or idle mode.     AS long as I am at speed, the temp is not an issue.  The problem comes with little to no air flow.  I have heard that the aftermarket fan replacement for the stock horn cover works for helping to reduce temps as well as some DIY fan addition to the oil cooler itself.  But when the engine is knocking in traffic and the digital dipstick is over 285,  its Miller time that cools it the best 

[Talon]

An oil cooler can't hurt, but if you think about it, the cooler is least affective when you needed it most. Because the oil cooler relies on airflow it doesn't do much at low speeds or at a stop.  I think the lean condition of the motor, and timing will affect the heat the most. Use good oil to help protect your motor.

[arcticdude]

This isn't an isolated 110 problem, either.  It's happening with all the 96/110 motors.  We had 2 stock Ultras for the last 2 wks.  Burned the inside of our left thighs on both bikes at anything less than highway speeds.

[hd-dude]

One thing that hasn't been touched on with the oil cooler is the added oil capacity. You gain about a 1/2 qt. with the cooler and lines. More oil pumping through is always a good thing. Oil coolers will typically lower the oil temp about 20 degrees.

[spydglide]

Yep, I'd heard approx. 15 degrees.......so, maybe there's something to that 15 to 20 degree deal.  I know they can't do anything but help on these hot motors, unless it's not letting the motor get warm enough in the cold temp. days to have the oil function as it's designed to do.  And on the air cooled vs. oil cooled debate........It's BOTH, but if you don't believe that it's air cooled, explain why the rear cyl. on a "V" Twin always runs hotter.  har!  spyder