Differences Between Harley Oil Temps & Engine Temps

Optimum Harley Temps are Essential for Peak Performance & Longevity. We Discuss the 2 Different Types of Temps, Where the Temp Sensors are Located on Each Engine, & More.
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💥 LINK TO VIDEO on Us Getting Called Out on Harley Temps - • Understanding Harley H...
💥 LINK To VIDEO Series on Why & How To Cool Down a Twin Cam & M8 Engine- • Multi-Part Series on W...
💥 LINK To VIDEO on Infrared NOT Accurate for Measuring Harley Temps-
• Infrared Heat Gun / Th...
💥 LINK To VIDEO on Normal Operating Temperatures From the Manual-
• Harley-Davidson Dealer...
💥 LINK to EFI & AFR Tuning Devices - www.dkcustompr...
💥💥 LINK To VIDEO with More Charts on what happens when a Twin Cam or M8 run at the Temps that most HD Dealerships say is "Normal, they all do that"- • The Big Harley Lie! Do...
💥💥 LINK To VIDEO about Why Some Harley Riders are in Denial About Their Harley- • Why Some Riders Are In...
💥 Link To Sleeper Mods Report- www.dkcustompr...
💥 LINK to VIDEO showing what happens to the Power on a Brand New M8 that has No Heat Damage when it gets too warm- • Harley's - The RESULTS...
💥 LINK to WHY & HOW Written Report- www.dkcustompro...
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[@Charger1908]

Great video guys, you are always coming up with some new info to help the people that don’t understand all the complexities of the Harley engine. Thanks.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you find the videos useful/informative! Thanks for commenting! 😎👍

[@jimmeyer9075]

Love you guys. 2 of my bikes are 17& 13 years old now. Both have large capacity oil coolers. Keep telling the truth.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you for your comment and for your support! Ride Safe! 😎👍

[@TheRiverYeti]

I came here to ask about the M8 Softail, as I have found that my Softail Standard doesn't get super hot. Not as hot as other guys say (typical head temps in the 240/250 range according to my Dynojet). I didn't realize that previous models did not come with the large oil coolers, which definitely explains a lot of what I've heard. With that said, I'm hopeful that a tank lift combined with the deflector wings will be enough to bring temps down to 230 range. Love your videos, and your business. So glad that y'all are around to help people like me enjoy (and understand) their bikes better!

[@DKCustomProducts]

First off thank you so much for the kind words. We are very glad that you find our videos helpful and informative. We appreciate you!!!!! For the M8's 260* F in everyday warm weather riding, with no more than 270* F in extreme circumstances is fine and normal. (at 270* F you will feel the sluggishness in power, and accelerated engine wear begins) *On the M8 the factory sensor is in a different location, which results in higher readings than the same overall metal temperature as the Twin Cam. Yes, cooling deflector wings and a tank lift should help get your temps down even more. You can see a written report with numbers at this link - www.dkcustomproducts.com/why-how-to-cool-down-your-twin-cam-engine-part-ii-dk-cl-tc-dn-2.htm Please feel free to contact us with any questions; [e-mail] 662-252-8828 Thanks for commenting! MB

[@richardrussell500]

Oil breaks down at 270* regardless of brand... most of the oil claims are bogus. I use the HD digital dipstick, which I like as it works well. I have hit 231* oil temp one time before I installed the HD oil cooler fan. My oil temps now run between 180-220*. I also avoid a lot of stop and go traffic. I change my oil once a year even though I only ride 1500-2000 miles annually. I have no way to read cylinder head temps. I am comfortable knowing my oil is well below HD's oil temp recommendation. Good video :-)

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for sharing! Glad that your oil cooler is keeping your oil temps down! Thanks for commenting! 👍

[@gg31]

Best technical videos on the web

[@DKCustomProducts]

I am glad that you like the videos! Thank you for your support and for commenting! MB

[@sylwestermichalowski]

Bardzo pouczający film. Mam Fatboy 114 i chcę wymontować fabryczną chłodnicę i zamontować chłodnicę z wentylatorem od Road King. Zastanawia mnie tylko dlaczego w Touring rurka po lewej stronie ma większą średnicę niż rurka w Softail? Dzięki wymontowaniu fabrycznej chłodnicy uważam, że znacznie poprawi się chłodzenie głowic. Pozdrawiam.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Dzięki za Twoją wnikliwą opinię i pytanie! Różnica w średnicy rur między modelami Touring a Softail wynika głównie z różnic w projektach, które dostosowują się do różnych potrzeb chłodzenia i konfiguracji podwozia. Chłodnice w modelu Road King nie są tak duże jak chłodnice (chłodnice oleju) w modelu M8 Softail, więc ich zamiana nie poprawi działania motocykla. Jeśli szukasz sposobów na ochłodzenie swojego motocykla, oto link do pełnej playlisty na temat tego, dlaczego i jak ochłodzić motocykl, który może Cię zainteresować - kzbin.info/aero/PLb3bvZgbH92_3s-2vv63QggFJ3nteFd_C Oto link do pisemnego raportu na temat tego, dlaczego i jak ochłodzić Twój motocykl, który może być również przydatny - www.dkcustomproducts.com/why-how-to-cool-down-the-twin-cam-engine-part-i-dk-cl-tc-dn-1.htm and www.dkcustomproducts.com/why-how-to-cool-down-your-twin-cam-engine-part-ii-dk-cl-tc-dn-2.htm Dziękuję za komentarz! 😎 MB

[@DKCustomProducts]

The Road King Radiators are not as large as the M8 Softail radiators (oil cooler). It will run hotter if you make that swap. One of the things HD did right, the first time, is the oil coolers on the M8 Softails. We have a video on it here- kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmiolZ2IbdFrd8k KP

[@franksagi8779]

Only came upon DK Customs about a year ago. Had front tank lift installed when bought my 2017 Freewheeler new This last winter had a stage 4 plus installed. Zippers 128 sleeper ( sleeper as lower comp. as was thinking in future supercharger or turbo) updated pretty well everything even though not high mileage. From Darlhorse crank, HPI 64 mm manifold and injectors, stage 3.1 zippers heads, bandit clutch Hayden tensioner, heavier comp. Grudgebox tranny Trask tranny vent. Almost everything to pulley. Have Dk rear tank lift added, deflector wings, oil cooler relocation. Instead of oil cooler suggested went with California cool as has fan. Have HD rear fan. As an aside your intimidators for new second up Progressive fork springs, plus your 606 air intake with EBS. Added Dakota digital Rear head temp gauge and a Dakota Digital dual gauge for engine oil temp and pressure. Now not to knowledgeable as was aero engine tech on jets So figure as larger engine temps may be higher. Live in Canada so temps not like gentleman from Texas. My head temp can be from mid 230's at lowest ever on interstate but but to high 280's. City has been up over 300. I change oil routinely sometimes early as disabled vet and just can't ride at times plus during Covid missed over half a season due to part delays. Is there anything you can tell me about this, should I be worried about my temps. Oh as trike could not put on dyno Friends drove to your open house, but no trike dyno, hope to be there next year , so someone told me you may have a trike dyno next year, is that true ( cager shop would not let us dyno with my tech doing tje adjustments) Sorry so long but I as a tech wanted all the info I could get to troubleshoot) Thanks love your videos

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for your comment, and glad you are finding the videos useful/interesting. Thank you for your business, we appreciate it, and good to hear that you are enjoying the parts! Easy question first- We do not a trike dyno lined up for our next open house....would if we could, but we do not know anyone with a mobile trike dyno. Sounds like you have a pretty sweet setup on your Freewheeler!!! 👍 When talking about "engine temps" if the numbers you are seeing are the ET, as displayed on the power vision, at 270 F you are starting to get some accelerated wear. If you go with a supercharger or turbo, those temps will go up even more. The complete list of what can be done to keep temps under control are at this link- www.dkcustomproducts.com/why-how-to-cool-down-the-twin-cam-engine-part-i-dk-cl-tc-dn-1.htm Here is a video that talks about Optimum Temps- kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIiylYSFqampbKM And here is a written report that you may find interesting (sleeper mods)- www.dkcustomproducts.com/sleeper-performance-mods.htm Always feel free to email or call with any questions: [e-mail] 662-252-8828

[@BlancoFlaco]

Looking forward to your head temp video, great info on oil temps tnx

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you are finding the videos useful! Thanks for commenting! 👍

[@JCunningham21]

im putting a Auto Meter Oil temp gauge in my M8 FXLRS. Im sure it will read higher in one of the ports near the oil filter then in the tank. I have a Fluke 88V with temp probe. ill have to check the difference.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thanks for the comment. That sounds like a very interesting experiment. Even more interesting if you try the different locations, to see the differences. Look forward to you posting your findings here...and if you want to share pictures, video & findings with us, I am sure Kevin would be interested in seeing them. If you emailed them to ATTENTION: Kevin in the subject line to: [e-mail] That would be appreciated

[@cryptowade3194]

I have a 2020 trike and I rode it 150 miles yesterday (temp outside was in the low 90’s)from Memphis to Kosciusko Ms and my oil temp was 200 degree and when I got home my coolant fans didn’t even come on when I shut it off after I arrived home. Also I was running right at 80 mph on interstate 55

[@DKCustomProducts]

The oil temps will be a tad bit higher in the sump, assuming that reading is from the oil tank but glad to hear your bike is staying cool! Thanks for sharing and commenting! 👍😎👍

[@RobertB56]

I have a 2014 fatboy which i added a non fan assisted oil ,10 row oil cooler if i added another one is the oil pump powerful enough to push oil through both, watching your video you mentioned that you added an additional one

[@DKCustomProducts]

Yes, the oil pump will have no problem pushing the oil thru two Jagg oil coolers...you can see them here- www.dkcustomproducts.com/secondary-oil-coolers-c613-197.htm and here- www.dkcustomproducts.com/harley-davidson-softail-models-c151.htm There is no significant resistance to the oil flowing thru these oil filters. The passageways are much larger than many of the passageways in the engine. Feel free to email or call with any questions. Thank you for looking at our parts. [e-mail] 662-252-8828

[@KelvinWeiss-yv2zh]

Another great video. Thanks!

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you are finding the videos useful! Thank you for commenting! 👍

[@boscodog4358]

Can I Read these Temp on the infotainment center on my 24 Tri Glide Ultra

[@DKCustomProducts]

No. The oil temp is best read via a dipstick that has a temp gauge built in. Harley makes a digital one, and JES Custom has an analog one, which is what we use. For the engine temp, there is a sensor in the rear cylinder head, and that can be displayed via the HD tuner, a Power Vision or an FP4, we use the Power Vision. Here is a video that you may find interesting/useful on the subject- kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIiylYSFqampbKM KP

[@garyiacopucci293]

Engine oil is designed to remove the heat from the engine to help with dissipation and to prevent friction which also creates heat. As the oil is passed through the oil cooler and filter that helps to remove the heat from the oil. So when an oil company says their product can withstand 450 degrees that's great, but by the time it gets that hot you probably are looking at engine damage. Moral of the story is DON'T LET YOUR OIL GET OVER THE RECOMMENDED TEMPERATURE.

[@kb0jeg]

So I'm good then?

[@DKCustomProducts]

Great points and explanation! Thanks for commenting! 😎👍

[@truck43055]

Does the Dakota digital gauge give an accurate oil temp reading. I have 17 road king If so my temp reading is 320 330 on hot days and moving Temp goes down some when I slow down or stop

[@DKCustomProducts]

A few comments about Dakota Digital gauges. 1. We have received may reports (dozens) of guys that had their DD Gauge for ET quite a bit off/different from other gauges that were reading off the same senor. 2. On the oil temp gauge, we have not gotten much feedback on whether it is accurate or not. 3. It is important to note that your engine has piston oilers (see video on that below) and it heats up the oil quite a bit. Starting at the 1:16 mark is showing the piston oilers. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaG4oKV3iq6db7M 4. The other thing to note as a possibility on your 2017 Road King, it may be beginning to sump. This will up the temperature quite a bit. Here are a couple of videos, showing how to check for this, and one little thing that may be able to help it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWXaqXmgpt6Hd7c kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2XaiYOgbd6Xg9k Please feel free to contact us with any questions; [e-mail] 662-252-8828 Thank you for commenting! kp

[@RogerJohnson-j9v]

i have a 04 Superglide and would like a oil temp dip stick gauge , I do not even think they make them for my bike , do you guys have any leads ? much appreciated for your time

[@RogerJohnson-j9v]

i do have a powervision on my bike and ultracool oil cooler and your oil filter I got from you , not worried about over heating but would like to know oil temp.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Hey Roger, yes we use the JES Customs gauges to measure our oil temps. You can see the one that fits your year model bike at this link - jescustomaccents.com/products-1/ols/products/99-05-dyna-air-filledtemp-gauge-15od Thank you for your business and for commenting! 😎 MB

[@DKCustomProducts]

He does only have three in stock and said he will not be making them for older bikes when he sells out. FYI

[@RogerJohnson-j9v]

@@DKCustomProducts thanks got one on order

[@DKCustomProducts]

You are most welcome! Glad to help! MB

[@tex9280]

Love ya work Boyz 🖤🧡🖤 Love my tank lift THANKYOU ♥️ May all your days be Harley days🖤🧡🖤 Safe travels 🙏♥️🐾🐾🇦🇺 🖤🧡🖤🧡🖤🧡🖤🧡🖤🧡🖤

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you are liking the videos and your Tank Lift! Thank you for your comment and for your business! Ride Safe 😎👍

[@Mort88]

Is there any direct oil temp gauges that will work on the M8 in a tri-glide? I have a 2020 and everything I see (both digital and analog) all say they wont "fit" on my trike. I ride in the middle of summer in Texas and I know Im getting warm, I would like to have an idea of how warm Im getting.

[@DKCustomProducts]

I use a dip stick gauge from JES Custom Accents. Here is the link where you can find the available dip stick gauges they have -jescustomaccents.com/products-1/ols/search?keywords=oil%20temp%20gauge&sortOption=descend_by_match Thanks for commenting! 😎

[@whodafokcares]

JES on my 21 Triglide . Using mighty mites and DK cooling wings runs at 230 F most of the time😊

[@DKCustomProducts]

That is Great! Glad you like your parts! Parts thanks for commenting! 😎

[@ChipsPlace1952]

Curious, on terminology, when you talk about softails M8, is that the same as the touring ultra M8's, Thanks

[@DKCustomProducts]

All Touring models since 2017 have the M8 engine in them. All Softail models since 2018 have the M8 engine in them. At the same time (2018) that HD started using the M8 in the Softail, they also made some Very Substantial frame changes. So, to distinguish between the older Softail frame that also had the Twin Cam Engine, we call them M8 Softails. With very minor differences, the M8 engine in the Softails are the same M8 engine in the Ultra Touring models. Always feel free to email or call with any questions: [e-mail] 662-252-8828 KP

[@ChipsPlace1952]

@@DKCustomProducts Thanks guys. Just wanted to make sure I was on the right page. I really enjoyed your Gen I Gen II talk. I had to listen to it again and made notes. Some great information. Did the M8's come with Fork Fangs from the factory or was something people did as an add on? Keep up the good way.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you! I am glad you like the videos!!!! No they do not come with fork fangs. It is an add on some people get.

[@kb0jeg]

My 2016 Softail deluxe oil temp stays around 225-230 on oil dipstick but my fp3 shows temperature around 266-277. Should I be worried?

[@garyiacopucci293]

If you keep the oil clean and at 230 degrees per the manufacturer's recommendation you should be fine.

[@kb0jeg]

@@garyiacopucci293 cool thank you so much. I change my oil bout every 3000 miles

[@Charger1908]

Two different temps, not to be a smart ass but did you listen to the video? Unless you have a dipstick that reads oil temperature you are not looking at the oil temperature. The temperatures your seeing if you have a power vision is head temp and engine temp. I put a 131 kit on my trike and I have a dual fan oil cooler with the reusable oil filter and my oil temp rarely goes above 230 but my engine temp hovers around 260.

[@garyiacopucci293]

If you read his post, he clearly says oil temp stays around 225-230 on the oil dipstick. There is a difference between oil and engine temperature and if everything is going well then the oil should be slightly hotter than the engine.

[@kb0jeg]

@@Charger1908 I did listen to the video but I must of missed that part.

[@aaront100r]

Is 230 the ideal oil temperature for a shovelhead? If not, what is?

[@DKCustomProducts]

Unfortunately, we have done no testing on Shovels, so cannot offer any information. Perhaps going to the Shovelheads section of HDForums will have some good info. 👍

[@thomasborger6548]

That is what we're getting on our Shovel in cooler temps, 250 plus on hotter days and trying to figure out why

[@DKCustomProducts]

I am sorry that I can not offer more help! Definitely go to the Shovelheads section of HDForums. You should be able to find a good amount of information on there.

[@tommartin7026]

How do I get a accurate Engine Temperature reading on my bike without a Tuner ?

[@DKCustomProducts]

Some aftermarket stereo head units connect to the data connection of the bike to display engine temps. It takes an electronic device in some way... a tuner or a stereo. Thanks for commenting! MB

[@ccmlkm]

Seems like I saw a temperature sensor on my twin-cooled 21 Triglide down next to the water pump so I'm in belief that my "ET" is the temperature of the coolant. Yes, No?

[@DKCustomProducts]

On the right side of the engine, down near the water pump, is the oil pressure sensor. It is Not an oil temp sensor. On the Twin Cooled bikes, like yours, there is also a coolant sensor, It is part #32700066 and is located on the bottom of the right side radiator. This coolant temp sensor is displayed on the Power Vision as Coolant Temp. Also on your bike is a heat sensor located in the rear cylinder head. That sensor is what is displayed on a Power Vision as "ET". Here is a link to a video that gives some more detail on optimum temps, and where some sensors are located. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIiylYSFqampbKM Always feel free to email or call with any questions: [e-mail] 662-252-8828

[@williamdavis4511]

If you ride through town and not in town your life and bike is always happier...

[@DKCustomProducts]

HAHA! Good point ! Definitely the bike will be happier getting constant air flow! Thanks for commenting! 😎👍

[@scottwheaton9689]

Well not really true on saying Hd doesn’t show us what oil temp is on their bodies jr’s. My 2013 FLHTK with opt installed Hd oil temp gauge(installs in place of the useless air temp gauge) does in fact display the engine oil temp along with the stock Hd oil pressure gauge are 2 very good items to have on an Hd vtwin that you can’t get stock or as an option on newer m8 hds. 2013 was the last yr that had the 4 smaller gauges in the bat wing faring where you could inst the opt oil temp gauge ge to complement the oil pressure gauge that came as fact equip. My oil temp on my tc 103 never gos above 230 def f in summer heat in traffic ,at 70mph cruise it stays in 190-195deg f range in summer heat,210-215deg in moderate stp/go traffic. That’s because I installed a fan additive oil cooler,love jugs mity-mites,DK tank lift kit,EBS kit & vied’s. Oil temp used to easily hit 250-275+ deg f in summer heat before I installed the above mentioned mods to reduce engine/oil temp making the motor ping,loose power with soggy throttle resp,lifters got noises,hot restarts post fueling up were slow turning,ex esp heat was hitting the riders which has all been fixed/eliminated post installing all the above mentioned mods. If ya like riding big Hd touring bikes you gotta invest the money to get them properly cooled to make the bikes much more enjoyable to t rt ide with less heat hitting me along with better overall engine perf & now better reliability & longevity expected too because all gaskets,seals,rubber & plastic parts & electronics are seeing significantly lower heat in avg from the motor & oil running cooler which extends the Srv’c life of all components associated with or close to the motor due to lower temps.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Sounds like you have your bike dialed in pretty nicely. Thank you for your business, it is appreciated, and it is great to hear the parts are working well for you. 👍😎 KP

[@dictumfactum9468]

Watched the video twice and DO understand that HT (head temp) is not to be confused with ET. I assume the HT sensor is probably used as an input to an ignition retard algorithm? So, on earlier engines, where is a good place to monitor ET, and how? I used to use a thermocouple probe placed temporarily under an engine washer to get an idea of ET. Where is the best point physically to monitor ET if you dont have modern diagnostics? Great videos, thanks.

[@DKCustomProducts]

There is no HT sensor on Harleys. We have a video on the difference between ET readings and CHT (Cylinder Head Temp) on Twin Cam, Evo Sporty, and M8's that will be out in the next week or two. We have not done heat studies on earlier HD engines....Evo's, shovels, pans.

[@dictumfactum9468]

@@DKCustomProducts Thank you guys. Look forward to it.

[@DKCustomProducts]

No Problem! Thanks for commenting! 👍

[@CMFS101]

Won’t the Power Vision show Head Temp and Engine Temp?

[@DKCustomProducts]

It sure will. Although the way Dynojet has it displayed on the Power Vision is a bit confusing. The ET displayed on the Power Vision is the reading from the heat sensor embedded in the cylinder head. The CHT displayed on the Power Vision is a calculated number, that is pretty much useless....at least we have found no good use for it. The ET is what we use and what the ECM uses to make adjustments. Here is a video that explains what the Power Vision displays and why. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqrJeZKooKZ1nLc KP

[@martinwall7297]

reduce the friction, = lower oil temps. try motor coat. it works

[@DKCustomProducts]

Thank you for your comment! 😎

[@garymccourt1509]

So it was said in the video that if you lower the engine temp it will lower your oil temp and they were going to tell us how to lower the engine temp but the only advice was "install an oil cooler"....wow, that's no tip/secret, everyone knows that. I want to know what can actually be done to the engine itself to lower the engine temp.

[@DKCustomProducts]

We referenced the series of videos on How To Lower Engine Temps on M8's and Twin Cams, here is the link to that series of videos- kzbin.info/aero/PLb3bvZgbH92_3s-2vv63QggFJ3nteFd_C Here is a link to a written report on the same subject- www.dkcustomproducts.com/why-how-to-cool-down-the-twin-cam-engine-part-i-dk-cl-tc-dn-1.htm Here is a link to a video of 10 low and no cost ways to reduce heat- kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWS3ZKx3bqd-rac

[@Charger1908]

😅no problem.

[@DKCustomProducts]

Glad you like the video! 😎