01.
Everything needed for installation comes in the kit.
Clockwise from top-left is the o
It's not much of a secret that the Twin Cam motor runs on the hot side. It's not unusual to see oil temps in the 275-degree range during normal operation. Not only does excessive heat wreak havoc on your oil (breaking down faster), but the heat felt by the rider can be really unpleasant. Increased motor heat also leads to pinging (detonation) that can harm or even destroy a motor. Sometimes using a higher-octane fuel can overcome pinging (but not the heat), but it's a good idea to just lower the engine temperature.
Sure you can alter the fuel delivery system to overcome the government-regulated lean air:fuel but that could get costly, adversely affect fuel mileage, and most likely it's not the most EPA-friendly solution. One of the best bangs-for-your-buck for the air-cooled Twin Cam is an external oil cooler. The H-D Oil Cooler mounts at the front of the bike to receive the most airflow. By using an adapter that uses the oil filter mount installation is sanitary and easy.
02.
After placing a drain pan under the front of the bike, the oil filter was removed and
At the heart of the oil cooler is what Harley calls Turbulators. Inside the oil cooler the Turbulators mix and evenly distribute the incoming oil, which leads to cooler oil than a cooler that doesn't have the internal baffles. In addition, there is a built-in thermostat that keeps the cooler "closed" until the oil reaches 185 degrees. This is handy during cooler weather; you don't want the oil too cold.
There are three variations of the Oil Cooler Kit that fit '99-to-present Touring bikes. For '09 and '10 bikes, the part number is 26155-09 and retails for $299.95. This install takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on your skill level, but can easily be done by a casual home mechanic.
Conclusion: We really like the Premium Oil Cooler Kit; from its ease of installation to how well it works. Oil temperatures were reduced by at least 25 degrees right off the bat on the 103ci Street Glide we installed the cooler on. In addition, although the EFI and engine management "corrects" for pinging by altering fuel and spark delivery, we could tell immediately that there was less initial detonation. This was from reduced oil temperatures that also cooled the motor.
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03.
The stock oil filter adapter (arrow) was removed...
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04.
...followed by installation of the oil cooler adapter assembly and gasket. The assemb
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The voltage regulator was unbolted from the bottom of the downtubes and lifted up, be
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...sliding the oil cooler mounting bracket (arrow) into place. The bracket mounts to
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For ease of installation, each of the preformed oil lines is clearly labeled.
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08.
Both hoses were attached to the adapter assembly with the supplied worm drive hose cl
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...before being attached to the oil cooler core.
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10.
Once the hoses were snugged up, the oil cooler core was attached to the mounting brac
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11.
This is the chrome Bar and Shield Oil Cooler Cover that comes with the kit. It's a ni
Sources
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
See your local dealer or log on to harley-davidson.com