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[springervett]

Has anyone installed an oil cooler on their CVO? Would welcome opinions on the necessity. If so, what did you install? Why?

[Buffy]

I used a Milwawkee Dual Cool oil cooler.  Works good and looks even better!



BUFFY

[mnm327]

Has anyone installed an oil cooler on their CVO?              Yes.


Would welcome opinions on the necessity.         Not necessary. I see 4-8 degrees difference which really doesn't help if your bike runs 300.  But hey, that's normal, RIGHT HARLEY?


If so, what did you install?        The Harley oil cooler (with the chrome cover, which is mounted using gasket sealant, because that's how Harley rolls.).         



Why?              Ummmm, because of the 110 heat issues. (But again, that's normal, RIGHT HARLEY?)

[amarillo_rider]

I have the original installed - which doesn't look too bad either - if you ask the dealer to use steel braided lines and not the original ones which look tacky on a CVO.
 Reason for having one is that I do ride substantial distances sometimes (even if I eluded to the fact in this same forum sometimes that the bike setup lends itself badly for ironbutt journey's - but just to be controversial and because my old man rode a '36 EL across the better part of Europe in his haydays ..I had to embark on a trip to the Dolomites last summer ) Previous experience had learned me that the lean fuel setup , higher elevation and 12 hrs non-stop rides were doable w/o oilcooler but not necessarily healthy for the longevity of the engine (nor my "nuts" hanging above the engine) . So .there you go ..
Oh and why stick to the HD one versus tons of "better" offerings on the market ? For one , I don't think he original is that bad really at all and secondly the '07 I own is still under factory-warranty that would be immediately void if I were so bold to install a non-MoCo cooler.

Rik

[grc]

A well designed oil cooler from folks like Jagg will reduce actual oil temperatures by as much as 30°, but you have to be aware of the limitations.  An oil cooler is just like a radiator in your car, it relies on air flow.  Without sufficient air flow from forward motion, your car's cooling fan kicks in to provide the required flow.  No such thing with the Harley, and without air flow your cooler is pretty much useless.

Look for a cooler with the maximum number of tubes (or rows, as in "10 row cooler") that can be mounted where there is effective air flow.  This is where you can have issues, since the mounting location that's best for cooling the oil most likely will not be the one that looks best.  Even a chrome cover or end caps doesn't turn an ugly radiator and two hoses into anyone's idea of beauty.

Is it worth it?  In my opinion yes it is.  A Harley is cooled by air and by oil, and as hot as the latest versions run even a 10° or 20° reduction is a good thing both for the life of the engine and the life of the oil.

Jerry

[springervett]

Thanks guys. I have an issue with the HD cooler as the '09 catalog says it will not fit with the chin/front spoiler, which will be installed next week. Luckily, I have all winter to think about it.

[Smiler]

What's wrong with the stock oil cooler?

[grc]

What's wrong with the stock oil cooler?

The Springer doesn't come with a stock oil cooler.  As far as I can remember, only the Touring CVO models come with the cooler as standard equipment.

Jerry

[Cyphers]

Southern California commuting doesn't always allow for maximum speeds/maximum air cooling, but I can usually get 30 or 35 mph safely in the #1.5 lane.  I had the HD premium oiler kit installed (part number 26157-07) after owning my '08 Springer for about 6 months.  I figure the 10-20 degree reduction in temperature is a good investment in the longevity of the engine. 

[JMS]

I had it on when I picked my 09 Springer up, I worked a pretty hard deal with the dealership and they had to make some money off the deal.
I think is look good, I will say that the dealership installed it and as ussual it was half a#$ed work.
Chrome cover is held on with silicon, and it was flopping in the wind.
I've put them on other bikes and it is pretty easy to do.

[springervett]

The majority of my riding is to and from work requiring many stops at lights in hot weather. Doesn't sound like a oil cooler will do much good since there is minimal air flow in these situations. Probably why synthetic oil is required in my bike. HD probably didn't install them as standard equipment due to the same reason.

[BLM777]

The majority of my riding is to and from work requiring many stops at lights in hot weather. Doesn't sound like a oil cooler will do much good since there is minimal air flow in these situations. Probably why synthetic oil is required in my bike. HD probably didn't install them as standard equipment due to the same reason.

You might want to consider switching your oil out to Mobil 1 V Twin.  I started out using it in Corvettes years ago to solve some of the airflow/cooling problems and upon finding a 20+ degree difference began using it in bikes when the V Twin oil was introduced.  I can tell you that using a thermal gun under as exacting conditions as possible that the product reduces oil tempts in a HD by 20-30 degrees depending upon model.  I'd rather change the oil than hang a cooler on the bike.

[springervett]

Just so I understand..... You are seeing a 20 deg. reduction in oil temp using Mobil 1 as apposed to the HD synthetic? I have also used Mobil 1 in my vetts, but didn't know they made a product specifically for v-twins.

[Hoist!]

Just so I understand..... You are seeing a 20 deg. reduction in oil temp using Mobil 1 as apposed to the HD synthetic? I have also used Mobil 1 in my vetts, but didn't know they made a product specifically for v-twins.

They do, and it's called Mobil 1 V-Twin!

Hoist!

[BLM777]

Just so I understand..... You are seeing a 20 deg. reduction in oil temp using Mobil 1 as apposed to the HD synthetic? I have also used Mobil 1 in my vetts, but didn't know they made a product specifically for v-twins.

I think they went to the V Twin oil about 3 years ago.  As with the regular Mobil 1 it ranks in the top 3 lubricants available if you check the various oil research sites.  Have had several competition 'vette engines down after a diet of M1 and found the difference to be night and day compared to the previous premium and racing oils that I used.  As you know, not even an HD runs as hot as a big bore engine stuffed in a 'vette .... no problems, no failures.