1. After 20+ years it's time to pass the torch. If you are interested in acquiring this forum please contact support@cv-performance.com for details. Any spam will be reported and blocked.
  2. Welcome to Bike Talk, a forum for all bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts. If you are new to Bike Talk, be sure to register for free and join the conversation.

    There's always someone around willing to help out with questions or give a friendly wave back. All Harley and metric riders are welcome.
Bike Talk Motorcycle Forum is For Sale Welcome to Bike Talk

FLHX Oil Temp to warm

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by 08XModel, Mar 16, 2009.

  1. 08XModel

    08XModel New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2008
    Messages:
    183
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Nebraska
    I just installed Pythons 3 1/2 inch slip-on mufflers today on the 08 SG. I noticed on start up that the idle was a little higher than usual. I took the bike for a run down the highway for 10 miles or so and checked the oil temp on the digital dip stick. The highest reading was 246 F. I'm running Amsoil 20/50 and don't know if I'm running to warm. The outside temp is a mild 75 deg. I also have engine guard chaps on and maybe need to remove them. Any info would be appreciated. I was told that I could install these mufflers and not have to mess with computer or intake. Does anyone have any info on nightrider.com? I hope to not have to install the orginal mufflers again. PS The Klock Werks flare windshield isn't worth the money.
    08XModel, Mar 16, 2009
    #1
  3. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2004
    Messages:
    13,682
    Likes Received:
    584
    Location:
    Mouseville USA
    Funny I've heard that about the KW flare windshield from a friend on his Ultra said it didn't do anything for him.

    Remove the lowers to see if it cools things down.

    Just installing pipes shouldn't hurt it but remember the bike is factory lean,
    so in the long run, with an air filter change you need to put on a powercommander 5, SERT or some tuning device to change the fuel curves.
    hotroadking, Mar 17, 2009
    #2
  4. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2004
    Messages:
    18,516
    Likes Received:
    252
    Location:
    Oregon
    Yep like said remove the lowers. On my older Ultra I would remove the lowers when the temps got warmer and it always made a difference.

    Changing just the mufflers should not make a huge difference but changing the mufflers and air filter will. I ran a Ultra for a long time with V&H Ovals without changing the air filter and it was fine.

    One thing to remember is the HD motor is simple a big air pump. They come very choked down when stock for EPA reasons and they are dying to be opened up to breath better. Putting on a air cleaner that breaths better and a good fuel management system or even a stage one download for your system will make a big difference in how the bike runs and performs.
    FLHTbiker, Mar 17, 2009
    #3
  5. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2005
    Messages:
    12,545
    Likes Received:
    10
    i dont run my chaps when the temp is higher than 60..........unless it is raining...
    chucktx, Mar 17, 2009
    #4
  6. kenfuzed

    kenfuzed Administrator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2005
    Messages:
    10,513
    Likes Received:
    140
    Location:
    Las Vegas NV
    I have the same 08 FLHX and it was hot from day one. I've tried the device from nightrider which only masks the actual reading from the O2 sensors. If the only thing you are going to change is the mufflers, take the bike to your dealer and ask for the Stage 1 flash. That should get you in the right range for now. If you upgrade the air cleaner then you'll need to move up to a Power Commander, SERT, or Thundermax. Currently I run the SERT with a custom map but only until the Thundermax comes out for TBW models.

    Personally I think the mixture on these bikes is too lean to switch out the mufflers and still be ok, but you can squeak by until you get tuned.
    kenfuzed, Mar 17, 2009
    #5
  7. 08XModel

    08XModel New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2008
    Messages:
    183
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Nebraska
    Kenfuzed:

    I rode the bike yesterday and got it warmed up then went to my mechanic. He ran a temp reading to the rear cylinder with an IR temp gun. He said temp was ok and not to worry about the oil temp. So for now will ride it and keep a close eye on it. Has anyone used the digital HD dipstick with a stock 96 motor? I should have taken temp readings before changing the mufflers. Ride on.
    08XModel, Mar 18, 2009
    #6
  8. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2004
    Messages:
    13,682
    Likes Received:
    584
    Location:
    Mouseville USA
    Don't get the temp stick

    it's a pos

    it comes apart

    you can't press the button at speed anyway

    All it will tell you is- it's hot

    it's a worry button.

    Don't worry run syn, pop on a cooler with a t-stat if you are concerned.
    hotroadking, Mar 18, 2009
    #7
  9. 08XModel

    08XModel New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2008
    Messages:
    183
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Nebraska
    I removed the engine guard chaps and been on several rides and the temp seems to be fine. The next problem is an exhaust leak at each muffler clamp. I've tightened them as tight as possible. Is there anything I'm missing? I notice the leaks almost go away when everything is warm. Any help would be appreciated.

    Kevin
    08XModel, Mar 19, 2009
    #8
  10. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2004
    Messages:
    18,516
    Likes Received:
    252
    Location:
    Oregon
    Did you put new exhaust clamps on when you replaced the mufflers?
    FLHTbiker, Mar 19, 2009
    #9
  11. Mayor

    Mayor New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2009
    Messages:
    186
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Northeast Alabama
    A must DO!..never had any luck if I didn`t change clamps!!
    Mayor, Mar 19, 2009
    #10
  12. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2005
    Messages:
    12,545
    Likes Received:
    10
    if you use aftermarket clamps, they WILL leak. get hd clamps and torque to specs.
    chucktx, Mar 19, 2009
    #11
  13. 08XModel

    08XModel New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 6, 2008
    Messages:
    183
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Nebraska
    I used the original HD clamps. I was told not to use the clamps that came with the Python mufflers. I may need to get new HD clamps. Any info would be appreciated.

    Kevin
    08XModel, Mar 19, 2009
    #12
  14. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2004
    Messages:
    13,682
    Likes Received:
    584
    Location:
    Mouseville USA
    they say to replace the clamps a one time use item

    permatex makes a copper sealant for exhaust, it's wise to use it in addition

    Simply coat the inside of the muffler opening with the copper and then install
    this helps seal and then install the clamp.

    I've used muffler clamps more than once so you might try the copper permatex first...
    hotroadking, Mar 20, 2009
    #13
  15. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2005
    Messages:
    12,545
    Likes Received:
    10
    i have also used the hd clamps more than once.....but they must be torqued....if not they will either be too loose, or snapped off..........
    chucktx, Mar 20, 2009
    #14

Share This Page

XenPorta © Jason Axelrod from 8WAYRUN.COM