Oil Temperature Check

[kingpinman]

     Riding with my brother and his "hot" Harley (temperature wise only), I thought I might need to know what my oil temperature was while riding, and especially during those long waits at lights, or at some biker events where lines are long, and hot. I bought this:
http://www.bikersedge.net/eshopprod_cat_4756-48307-23724_product_585415_keyword_oil+AND+dipstick.DIPSTICK_THERMOMETER.htm

     My temperature runs about 170 degrees on the road, and gets up to 190/200 degrees when sitting for long periods of time. Doesn't seem to be anything to worry about. I use the Mobil 1 synthetic 20w50. Sure is nice to be able to see what the oil temp is though.........

[Mike Walters]

i use the same dipstick in the heat of summer it ran 200 on the run but would go to 210 in heavy traffic now that the temp is in the 60's i'm running about 170 to 180
i also use the Mobil 1 V Twin

[mapmaker2]

Greetings:
I guess I'm running hotter that you both.  On the interstate it goes up to 200 degrees right away and stays there.  In stop and go traffic, it hits 220 but goes down pretty quick when I'm back on the open road.
Does anyone know if there is a "normal" operating range.  I've got a completely stock '08 KP.

Mapmaker2

[King Vic]

Greetings:
I guess I'm running hotter that you both.  On the interstate it goes up to 200 degrees right away and stays there.  In stop and go traffic, it hits 220 but goes down pretty quick when I'm back on the open road.
Does anyone know if there is a "normal" operating range.  I've got a completely stock '08 KP.

Mapmaker2

Mapmaker2, what oil are you using?

[mapmaker2]

I'm using Vic oil.  It's 20W40, semi-synthetic.

I couldn't find the "normal" operating oil temperature in the owners or service manual.  But I did find where it states to have the engine oil temperature between 184 and 212 when performing certain adjustments and/or checks on the engine.

I've got the Victory dipstick with the temp. gauge on it and I was told it is fairly accurate
to + or - 2 degrees.  Also, I just had the 500 mile service completed.
My '07 ran about the same temperature too.

Any feed back please?
mapmaker2

[kingpinman]

Mapmaker....... you might want to check out fully synthetic oil, such as Mobil 1 or Amsoil. I use the Mobil 1 20w50 for motorcycles, and although rider choice of oils to use is varied in these forums, I truly believe that full synthetics provide better lubrication throughout the operating temps of a bike, as well as vehicles. I use synthetic in all my vehicles, even my '07 Ford diesel.

     Might check out some of the threads in these forums, there are hundreds on oils...... definitely owner preference. I think you're pretty safe even at 220, but when semi's get much hotter, I think they start breaking down much sooner than full synthetics. Plus, I believe that synthetics provide better start-up protection, when the engine is usually pretty dry.

[King Vic]

I agree with kingpinman about the use of Full Syn Oils.  I'd be curious to know if you decide to switch to a full syn oil if the operating oil temps fall.  A full stock bike also has more restrictive exhaust and air box which also could contribute to the higher oil temps.  I've used both AmsOil and Mobil 1 and I prefer the Mobil 1 and have been changing it out every 3K to 3.5 K.  I think it feels like I get a little shift feel degradation about then.  As soon as I refresh the oil all is well.

[kingpinman]

    I agree with KingVic also........ that the more restrictive exhaust/air flow might be contributing to the higher temps. I have the stage 1 swept exhaust with the K&N filter and remap. I didn't check the difference between the two setups, cuz I didn't have the temp sensor when I was stock. I'd be interested to see if that makes a difference too.

     Keep us posted as to what you decide to do.........

[Denny Pink]

In reply to "King Vic's" November 21st post it is interesting that my 04 KP begins to shift the same way beginning around 3,100 miles.  I use Mobile 1 as well.  It seems the transmission is telling us, "hey, it's time to change our oil."  Our Victory's talk to us ..... they have a soul!

DP

[mapmaker2]

Greetings and my apologies for not replying to, and thanking you, for the feedback and your opinions about the operating temperature of our Vic's. 

First,.... I would like to thank everyone for their feedback and opinions about the best/preferred motor oil to use in our Victory's.
I did discover that your information about engine heat and the synthetic oils is right on the money.  Synthetic oil reduces friction, which reduces heat, which makes for a happier engine. 
For most of you,... that's a no-brainer.
For me,... I'm learning.

A friend and myself will be changing the oil in my '08 Pin from the stock Victory, semi-synthetic oil, to a full synthetic (Amsoil) oil.  I'm curious to see if the operating temp. will be affected by this.
According to what I've read else where, and your comments here on the forum, there's a very good possibility it could lower the operating temp a few degrees.  Which would be OK with me.  From the temperatures that were posted, I think my 220 degrees was by far the hottest of all reported temps.

I'll post the results of the temperatures in different riding conditions (before & after the oil change). 
AND,... they'll be posted in a more timely manner.
Steve in Tucson
(mapmaker2) 

 

[kingpinman]

One other thing mapmaker2 you might check, is to see if your oil cooler is clean. When I clean up my bike, I generally spray thru those cooling fins up front to get out any road dirt/oil/etc..... making sure it will flow air through the fins. Just another suggestion...... hope the synthetic oil helps the condition.

[BMC]

Using Victory oil temp gauge my Amsoil 20w50 in a 2009 Kingpin Tour runs between 200-220. This machine has 1200 miles on it.

[jiminnk]

After reading this I was thinking about going to full synthetic on my 08 KP; will Victory still honor the warranty?

[lcb]

My understanding is there is a law about oil and oil that meets spec.  Victory will not void the warranty.  I expect Amsoil would take them to task if Victory tried.  The dealer might try to scare you.  Too many Victory owners have run Amsoil (and other fullsynth oils) with good results and I have not seen anyone with a warranty problem on oil used.

[David T]

Do not let your dealer scare you by telling you that you have to use Vic oil for your warranty. That is a tactic that some dealerships use to scare customers. The Federal Magnusson Moss Act requires them by law to cover all equipment failures it would normally cover as long as the oil meets API service requirements and specifications and was not the cause of failure. In addition, the Federally mandated Magnuson - Moss Act states that a manufacturer may not require a specific brand or type of aftermarket product unless it is provided free of charge. If your dealership continues to tell you that you must use brand X motor oil and or/ a specific weight motor oil, then ask them to put it in writing. Their position is inaccurate, and, in fact violates Federal law.