This was a question I posed to my dealer's service department a few weeks ago (Las Vegas HD). We are definetly hot here in the desert, and as a matter of fact, one of our favorite group weekend rides is out across Death Valley. Heat is the name of the game. Living here made me think about the possibility of needing the accessory oil cooler.
According to the service department, the HD factory testing personnel run the engines in Arizona with boxes around the engines to prevent cooling air flow and run them down the highways in 115 degree heat to ensure the engines will take the strain.
So, I asked about what oil temperatures are acceptable, as I had to buy the oil temp dip stick accessory (I love gauges!) and wanted to "calibrate" myself as to what indicates a problem. I run around 225 to 240 degrees F in the middle of summer and 112 degrees outside. The LVHD folks told me to be happy, don't worry about any accessory oil cooler unless I started seeing readings above 260F.
I asked why HD offered the extra oil coolers if they really aren't needed, and their reply was simply because some people insist on having them, and HD is always ready to supply what the public wants to buy.
My last question was about the need to stick with standard oil or go with the synthetic. Naturally, they think the synthetic is the way to go, but the heat testing is peformed with standard petroleum oil as is specified in the owner's manual.
I can easily understand the reasons for going to synthetic, but I have also read the threads about new leaks starting where none were present before (synthetic is so slick it will find ways out of your engine they say). I just do not need that kind of leak or hassle, and the standard oil is working just fine for me.
I have to give some kudos to the folks at LVHD for having 3 of their senior service personnel answer these questions as well as try to answer my question about spare current capacity in the alternator/battery charging system. I did finally have to go to HD HQ for that answer!
Steve Scott
