Head Temperature Gauge

[ibilintuc]

I want to install a head temperature gauge on a Twin Cam? Is there an easy way to do this? I don’t want to just blindly add something to the sensor in parallel to the ECU and end up frying it or loading the signal.

[rtb]

When we ran Enduro karts in WKA, we used a "washer" type device that replaced the spark plug lock-washer that sensed head temp. and feed a digital gauge. Also, though not real-time, http://www.daytona-sensors.com/
sells the twin-scan 88 that will capture E.T. and much more while you ride.
I not aware that harley sells a gauge for E.T.

[1711tab]

Originally Posted by ibilintuc

I want to install a head temperature gauge on a Twin Cam? Is there an easy way to do this? I don’t want to just blindly add something to the sensor in parallel to the ECU and end up frying it or loading the signal.

google "The Rodger McEwan Company" they have all kinds of HD gauges.....

[djl]

for less about $100 you can buy a mini infra read thermometer that is very accurate and you don't have to do anything to your bike; you can also check head temp on your buddies bikes. Radio Shack, Fluke and FLW sell units from $30 to $60 that will measure up to 500* but I don't think that will register TC cylinder head temps. You will have to spend around $100 for one that will read up to 900* which should be more than enough, even for the hotter running '07s. Whenever you want to check it, just point, shoot and read.

[HKSkully]

I agree with the hand held IR temp gun but don't aim it at any shiny surface. It can't read the temperature of any reflective (chrome or shiny) surface.

[AzFAL]

Originally Posted by djl

for less about $100 you can buy a mini infra read thermometer that is very accurate and you don't have to do anything to your bike; you can also check head temp on your buddies bikes. Radio Shack, Fluke and FLW sell units from $30 to $60 that will measure up to 500* but I don't think that will register TC cylinder head temps. You will have to spend around $100 for one that will read up to 900* which should be more than enough, even for the hotter running '07s. Whenever you want to check it, just point, shoot and read.

You shouldn't need anything reading over 400°F. I checked my outside head temps wtih an infrared thermometer after riding about 50 miles, 75-85 mph on the freeways on 112° afternoon, temps checked up to 330°. I doubt head temps will get significantly hotter than that. I do use synthetic oils too.

[ibilintuc]

Thanks for the replies. I've used the infrared for heat cycling after a build; it is handy. I just thought it would be interesting, however, to monitor the head temperature under running conditions. Kind of a shins & grits thing.

[djl]

Originally Posted by AzFAL

You shouldn't need anything reading over 400°F. I checked my outside head temps wtih an infrared thermometer after riding about 50 miles, 75-85 mph on the freeways on 112° afternoon, temps checked up to 330°. I doubt head temps will get significantly hotter than that. I do use synthetic oils too.

I wasn't so sure about that. I pulled the below from an article about the overheating problem with the '07 and '08 models and how to control it.

"The OEM engine will go into this "high heat" mode in about 10 minutes of idling at 78 degree ambient temperatures in shady conditions. Exhaust pipe temperature will get as high as 750F degrees about 6" down from the cylinder heads as measured by a thermocouple. Temperatures of 194+ degrees were measured at the heat shields of the same location by IR thermometer."

I am sure, running down the highway, cylinder head temp is not likely to exceed 330, even that sounds high to me. Oil temp shouldn't vary that much from cylinder head temps and mine (south Texas summers) never gets over 230* but I do run an oil cooler. Anyway, get held up by an accident, a traffic jam in town, construction traffic, etc., on that 112* day (it has happened to me more than once) and engine temps will increase quickly, I just don't know how high they will go.

[gr8whyt]

Originally Posted by djl

I am sure, running down the highway, cylinder head temp is not likely to exceed 330, even that sounds high to me. Oil temp shouldn't vary that much from cylinder head temps and mine (south Texas summers) never gets over 230* but I do run an oil cooler. Anyway, get held up by an accident, a traffic jam in town, construction traffic, etc., on that 112* day (it has happened to me more than once) and engine temps will increase quickly, I just don't know how high they will go.

After the engine melts into a large puddle of molten aluminum, the temperatures will begin dropping to ambient air temps once again.

-- gr8whyt

[top-asmc]

Originally Posted by rtb

When we ran Enduro karts in WKA, we used a "washer" type device that replaced the spark plug lock-washer that sensed head temp. and feed a digital gauge. Also, though not real-time, http://www.daytona-sensors.com/
sells the twin-scan 88 that will capture E.T. and much more while you ride.
I not aware that harley sells a gauge for E.T.

Been using the washer type in VWs for years they very easy to intall just make sure you buy the right thermocouple wire for whatever gauge you buy.
VDO makes some nice ones not cheap but accurate.
The big question I think would be which cylinder to run it on?
I would think the front runs cooler than the rear so maybe the rear would be best so you can see the highest temp.

[ViennaHog]

EFI bikes use a temp sensor in the front head, maybe you can tie into the circuit and feed the signal to a gage. Don't know whether the signal needs processing.