Oil Temp Gauge Install and Initial feedback...

[CycleRob]

Chuxter,
"My only question is: if the oil system to the coolers is thermostat controlled...why the towels? What am I missing here? If we dont make operating temp, the thermo doesnt open and allow oil to the coolers."

That's true, but they made the thermostat start to open at about 172degF (77.8C). In very cold weather riding, that is the hottest temp the engine oil will attain. Not good!! You'll end up with a scummy white film on the inside surface of the crankcase that's visible on the plastic oil level window. That's moisture deposited from the normal piston blowby gases into the oil. It stays in the oil because the engine isn't hot enough to boil it away (out the breather vent line). Blocking off the coolers gives the engine a better chance to reach water's boiling point and more.

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[jfslater98]

Maybe Cyclerob could confirm, but I believe this is the gauge that started this thread

http://www.aerostich.com/product.php?pr ... dium=email

20% off until this Saturday. I may take the plunge myself.

[klrstix]

For those who have "challenged" the initial solutions offered in this thread, I think your points are well made. Personally, I think skepticism can be a healthy thing. If I have not already mentioned it, I use the Castrol 5W50 Oil December through maybe April. From May through November I use Mobil 1 15W50.

I suspect that most people that have 68k on their odometer do much more long distance riding than I do. I currently have 20k on my 2004 and 90% (or more) of that mileage is due to my daily commute. This type of riding clearly presents different challenges to lubrication than the open highway.

I personally find the idea of "restricting" air flow during temps below the low 40's a viable (and relatively simple) solution given the operating temps I am finding on my daily commute. I think based upon my specific circumstances the months of June through September are going to present a greater challenge to keeping my bike within acceptable operating temps. I have a stretch of road a little less than 2 miles in length than can take me longer to cover than the other 11 miles that I travel coming home each day from work. Add to the fact about once every week traffic is stopped due to a train crossing and suddenly the temp issue becomes much more critical.

I suspect, as long as I am moving the operating temps will not reach critical points. But after having seen my operating temps reach 220F on a day that only had 72 temps, I began to speculate what I might see on a 95 (or greater) degree day. Therein lies my concern!

The bottom line for me is my specific circumstances. Another solution could be to travel a different route that would not expose the bike to that 2 mile stretch of road on the way home. I do have a more lengthy (longer rides are a good thing!!) route that I could take that would accomplish that. But in the end, I have yet to actually "document" the operating temps my bike will have during the hotter temps we will see in Shreveport Louisiana.

I have to say that this has been a stimulating thread for me. I appreciate everyone's input!

[CycleRob]

jfslater98,

Yes, that is a newer version of the same unit. That sale price is very very close to dealer cost !! Act now!


klrstix,

About seeing higher temp readings in 95F+ Summer heat . . . I've seen 230'sF often in traffic and occasionally mid 240'sF. All time high was 268F, just as the traffic backup started to return to full speed. With Castrol Syntec 5W-50 full synthetic, I wasn't too worried.

BTW, when the traffic finally does open up, do NOT redline the very hot engine or blast away on your enthusiasm with the new freedom. The oil will offer slightly less protection and Aluminum parts like the pistons are a little too close for comfort to their upper temperature limit. Just take it easy like you would with a cold engine.

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[ProductUser]

Hey! How come no one else got their hands slapped for being off topic???? No respect, I tell ya!

P-to-the-U