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HOT weather riding

Discussion in 'Pull up a chair and sit for a spell' started by glennpretorius, Mar 15, 2009.

  1. glennpretorius

    glennpretorius New Member

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    Location:
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    I have just done a 400 km trip in temps +42 deg c.

    Had no problems on my Fat Bob but would like to know if anyone out there has had any problems or can give advice on what I should watch out for regarding overtemp/heating of the engine.

    Glenn
    Last edited: Mar 15, 2009
    glennpretorius, Mar 15, 2009
    #1
  3. mwelych

    mwelych Active Member

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    An oil cooler could help keep the oil temps lower so not to over heat the engine. Can go with an HD model or an aftermarlet and get the same results. Bro of mine mentioned his friends in AZ (when he lived there) used an old Ford heater core, mounted that on the bike and hooked it up... Worked fine.... Prolly ;ooked ugly as hell, but it worked...:)
    mwelych, Mar 15, 2009
    #2
  4. glennpretorius

    glennpretorius New Member

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    Thanks, mwelych.

    How would you know if engine is overheating?

    Glenn
    glennpretorius, Mar 15, 2009
    #3
  5. Hrd Rider

    Hrd Rider New Member

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    I have a 2008 Heritage at present and I have an Engine Oil Dipstck with a digital temp readout. On all my previously owned Harleys I've had either an analog or digital temp dipstick. My oil temps will average between 225 to 250 F depending on the weather. The weather temps that I ride in rarely get over 100 degrees unless I'm riding in the Southwest. A Harley Tech said the readings above are about average unless you get stuck in traffic and of course then they will rise. Ride Safe
    Hrd Rider, Mar 15, 2009
    #4
  6. glennpretorius

    glennpretorius New Member

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    Thanks for the info.
    If you do not have a temp gauge would you notice any other cues should the bike overheat?
    My bike performed fantastic - it was really hot at +42c (not sure of farenheit equiv)
    Tks,
    Glenn
    glennpretorius, Mar 15, 2009
    #5
  7. Hrd Rider

    Hrd Rider New Member

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    The temp in Fahrenheit would be 107.6 degrees, that is pretty warm. If your bike ran well at that temp and your right thigh wasn't blistering I wouldn't be to concerned. As far as other cues I can't help you there, maybe someone else on the forum can. I have ridden in South Dakota when it was 103 F and my bike ran well also but on the Interstate at speeds 65--80 mph there was adequate air flow for cooling.
    Hrd Rider, Mar 15, 2009
    #6
  8. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    i bellieve the 08 has sensors that when it gets too hot, it shuts down.....i am not sure of this....
    chucktx, Mar 15, 2009
    #7
  9. Hrd Rider

    Hrd Rider New Member

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    The 2008 Softails have a " Heat Management System " that shuts the gas off to the rear cylinder when the engine gets extremly hot. This feature has to be programmed into the ECM by a Service Tech, it isn't operable until you ask to have it programmed. I don't know at what engine temp they set the gas shut off. It's mainly for getting stuck in a traffic jam or a construction site where you are just inching along yet have to keep engine running.
    Hrd Rider, Mar 16, 2009
    #8
  10. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    There are steps in the manual on how to activate the EMS rear cyl cutoff,
    basically you roll the throttle past closed when at a light and it will start the EMS I'll have to recheck my manual to be sure of all the steps.

    If you are going to be riding in those temps I'd add HD's premium oil cooler for softails, it works well and has a thermostat to regulate when it comes on based on a minimum temp

    Also you should be running a good synthetic for Vtwins

    Mobil1 Vtwin
    redline
    amsoil
    etc.

    HD's book calls for 20W-50 over most heat ranges.

    If you regular run over 40 c then you might even want to consider Redine 20W60 Synthetic during the hot months down under.

    YOu probably didn't hurt anything unless you sat in traffic for hours idling, then you should put on the HD parade fan, with the syn oil and cooler for those temps.

    Mostly it will reduce temps 20 to 30 degrees on average and that helps your inner legs as well.

    Also a good tune on the bike with a powercommander or SERT to richen up the fuel mix will help keep the motor cool...
    hotroadking, Mar 16, 2009
    #9
  11. glennpretorius

    glennpretorius New Member

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    Great info,

    Thanks for your input, will follow up and find out more about the Heat management system.

    Glenn
    glennpretorius, Mar 17, 2009
    #10
  12. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

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    I haven't been able to try the heat management system on my 09 Ultra yet. But I do know that rolling the throttle down below the closed position is supposed to work while at a stop. Our temps have been running 40-50s lately and thats F. I think we would love a few days of 104F for a while.

    I for sure would be running a oil cooler and syn oil if I was riding in those temps a lot.
    FLHTbiker, Mar 17, 2009
    #11
  13. glennpretorius

    glennpretorius New Member

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    I now have the answer, contacted our local harley and most impressed with their feedback and help..

    1-Yes,the bike does have a heat management system
    2-the bike has a 3 stage heat management system

    Stage 1 - ECM lowers idle to produce less firing pulses to try and cool engine down
    stage 2 - ECM lengthens injector time to inject more fuel to cool engine down
    stage 3 - rear cylinder spark and fuel shuts off during idle
    These conditions will only occur at idle in extremely high temperatures
    no indication will be given on dash.only engine sound and idle will be affected

    Glenn
    glennpretorius, Mar 17, 2009
    #12

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