COOLERS

Energy One

Whistler

Active Member
I have a 1000 miles on my 2008 EFI K-9 and continue to ride it easyyyyyyy. How would I know or what indicates you need an oil cooler? If you avoid riding long and slow, like in a parade, and use good quality 20W-50 oil, why would you need an oil cooler? I'm asking cause I want to know from you more experienced, high mileage riders. Thanks.
 

woodbutcher

Mr. Old Fart member #145
Staff member
don't have coolers but i know they are one of the next things i need to get, especially since i live in the hot south. i have been in a few uncontrollable situations where i was very much worried about the motor overheating (daytona). from what i have read, i will probably go with the double and try to have them thermostat controlled to maintain between 180 and 220 degrees. i know that unless the bike is moving, oil coolers won't do much more to help keep the motor cool but, like has been said, the extra oil won't hurt anything.

but,,,,,, something else i just thought of. if the coolers are mounted high on the downtubes, will the oil not drain back out and possibly overflow the filler neck under the seat and also possibly cause and airlock in the coolers??????

it's getting late, i need to go to bed.
 

BDWB

Active Member
How much do they cost? Do you need 2? How difficult are they to install? Thanks!!
 

Fibersnake

Banjo Playing PsychoBilly
Interesting question but it may even be more interesting to see how many run a cooler at all!

If one does decide to run a cooler, it is best to make sure there is a thermostat or a by-pass valve that will allow the cooler to be by-passed during the colder temps. If the oil get to cool, can be just has bad as having it too hot and with a cooler on, during cool weather, without accounting for such, one is likely to have more issue with the cooler than one would with hot out one during the hot weather.
 

BBChopper

Supports 2 Disabled Vets
Troop Supporter
Have a singe but want to add the second!! Any Idea if there is a kit for the second??
 

BigDogBro1

Made in the USA
Here's another point of view, for what it's worth!

Can You Ever Be Too Cool?

Personally, I feel any device that has fins on it will provide some cooling regardless of air flow. Air flow only increases the cooling effect. However, my concern is the already low V-twin oil pressure and clutter on the downtubes. Cylinder head temperature is a better realtime method of overheating monitoring in my opinion - the reason for my CHT gauge product.
 

TCALZ06

Well-Known Member
How much do they cost? Do you need 2? How difficult are they to install? Thanks!!
The BDM Coolers are about $240 each. They are easy to install. I think they increased oil capacity by no more than 1/2 qt.
With the Amsoil in I have seen oil pressure increase to 35psi on the freeway from 30 and nothing less than 18psi at idle hot where I had seen 10psi before.

with the temp in AZ hitting 110 last week I thought I would try them.
Since the temp in AZ is in the 90+ range a lot and not below 60 much I don't think I have to worry about cooler temps much.

I'm waiting for temps to get back up to 100 to evaluate more
 

Dawgboy

Active Member
Here's another point of view, for what it's worth!

Can You Ever Be Too Cool?

Personally, I feel any device that has fins on it will provide some cooling regardless of air flow. Air flow only increases the cooling effect. However, my concern is the already low V-twin oil pressure and clutter on the downtubes. Cylinder head temperature is a better realtime method of overheating monitoring in my opinion - the reason for my CHT gauge product.
Interesting discussion. I don't live/play where the temperature is consistantly 100+. Further, if they were a must have I believe BD/S&S would include them. But then like they say, opinions are like assholes - everyones got one.
 

Moespeeds

Well-Known Member
I have an oil temp guage on mine, and since switching to Harley full synthetic, I rarely see tank temps above 200. I'm in NJ, and do allot of stop and go riding.
 

gearsmithy

Active Member
IMO, oil coolers are worthless. the benefit they provide is only material at speed, which is when you least need an additional cooling effect. oil pressure gauge is all i run now. i used to run them since i ride in the city and would always get stuck in traffic jams. I also had a cylinder head temp gauge that that loops under the spark plugs that I ripped off a go cart. i didn't see much of an improvement.
 

BigDogBro1

Made in the USA
The higher the ambient air temp gets to the oil temp the less cooling affect you will see standing still or moving. I've been told by the guy's in Arizonza that they park their bikes and work on them on the hot summer months, like we do here in the winter in Michigan. I may be moving to Phoenix AZ soon, so this thread intrest me.
 

f-okie

AllGaveSome-SomeGaveAll
BDM told me that one would be enough, and NO increase in oil. They did suggest to use a thermostat for cold weather.:confused:
 

AZ_BigDog

Active Member
Got my two from Nelson....love 'em...and like TC said - gets pretty hot here in southern AZ...so definitely a good investment. but i do have a question...anyone know where i can get some leather covers for them for when winter gets here.
 
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