Installing new Oil Cooler

1341 Views 10 Replies 7 Participants Last post by ToddM, Dec 29, 2005

reg26

Discussion Starter · Dec 21, 2005

I just purchased a new Oil Cooler for my FLHX and in reading the instructions it says like in most HD installation instructions to disconnect the battery first. I usually don't do this part cause it's a PIA but one part of the instructions says to remove the voltage regulator from it's mounts. I'm wondering if by having the regulator loose like that could cause some kind of short ? Or is the mo co just telling people to disconnect the batt as they do in almost all there directions.
Also one other question, I'm not crazy about the hose clamps they give you to secure the oil lines. I want to use the stainless steel type that you screw to tighten. Do I just tighten them to where I feel they are good and tight without cutting into the rubber hose ? Or is there a torque value that anyone knows of?
Thanks

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petelogan

· #2 · Dec 21, 2005

AFAIK disconnecting and/or removing the battery any time you work on a bike is just a general safety precaution to avoid the mayhem that could happen if you accidentally made an electrical connection that span the motor.

I used to ignore it, but adopted it after discovering that my signet ring is a perfect fit between the battery positive terminal and the cylinder head :brows:

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LittleBear

· #3 · Dec 21, 2005

Just remove the negative wire from the battery. No need to remove both wires. Better save than sorry like Pete found out.

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ceraaa42

· #4 · Dec 21, 2005

I have not seen the quality of oil hose HD supplies with their cooler, but I suspect it's not premium quality. This doesn't mean it's bad, just not premium.

This is so important to me I would at a minimum upgrade to premium hose and clamps. But I'm sure I'd put on steel braided aircraft line, it looks so much more professional, even understanding it's not cheap.

Here in Portland, OR we have a company in town called Oil Filter Service. I know they have excellent products, can custom make what you need if necessary and ship nationwide . They can be reached at 503-232-5126.

Hope this helps.

Chris

BTW, unhook the battery cable.

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petelogan

· #5 · Dec 21, 2005

LittleBear said:
Just remove the negative wire from the battery. No need to remove both wires. Better save than sorry like Pete found out.

Yeah, that there arc welding with your fingers may save money, but it's hell on the brain cells

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reg26

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 23, 2005

Thanks Chris, I'm gona give them a call.

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ToddM

· #7 · Dec 23, 2005

reg26 said:
I just purchased a new Oil Cooler for my FLHX and in reading the instructions it says like in most HD installation instructions to disconnect the battery first. I usually don't do this part cause it's a PIA but one part of the instructions says to remove the voltage regulator from it's mounts. I'm wondering if by having the regulator loose like that could cause some kind of short ? Or is the mo co just telling people to disconnect the batt as they do in almost all there directions.
Also one other question, I'm not crazy about the hose clamps they give you to secure the oil lines. I want to use the stainless steel type that you screw to tighten. Do I just tighten them to where I feel they are good and tight without cutting into the rubber hose ? Or is there a torque value that anyone knows of?
Thanks

Just follow the instructions and you can't go wrong. That's what the engineers wrote them for.

Worm-gear type hose clamps are fine. The engine doesn't create very high pressure (60 psi ona very cold day). Just tighten them to the point that they start compressing the hose about .030 inch or so. If it will make you feel better, pull on them to make sure they don't come off. Check them again after a couple of days of riding. The rubber will soften up slightly when heated a few times and the clamps may loosen up a bit.... but not always. I just tighten them with a 6 inch screwdriver to "hand tight". The clamp's gear will strip before you cut into the hose.

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reg26

Discussion Starter · #8 · Dec 23, 2005

Thanks Todd , good info

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Ozzie In Arabia

· #9 · Dec 23, 2005

petelogan said:
Yeah, that there arc welding with your fingers may save money, but it's hell on the brain cells

Just funny you talk about this.............when I was quite young and married to my first wife, I earthed my wedding ring finger exactly how you described it and ended up having the ring cut off with bolt cutters...........and I believe I was number 3 in Australia to have micro surgery to save the finger it was burnt so bad...................just looking at the skin graft as I type this.........

Worst case was to chop the finger if the graft never took..........

Merry xmas............Ozzie

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NHMongo

· #10 · Dec 23, 2005

I always take any rings off when I do anything mechanical. I was soldering a pipe and a bead of solder fell onto my wedding ring once. It was amazing how fast all that heat was pulled out of the solder and into the ring. I had a perfect ring blister around my finger.

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ToddM

· #11 · Dec 29, 2005 (Edited)

Bigguy39 said:
I always take any rings off when I do anything mechanical. I was soldering a pipe and a bead of solder fell onto my wedding ring once. It was amazing how fast all that heat was pulled out of the solder and into the ring. I had a perfect ring blister around my finger.

I was taught at a very young age that you should NEVER wear any type of jewelry or loose fitting clothing when working on machines. I used to help my uncle work on farm equipment, and that stuff can be VERY dangerous if something you are wearing ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time! There are several things on a motorcycle that can cause you grief if you aren't careful. Since I'm a mechanic, I never wear anything except a watch with an easily breakable rubber band.... no rings, necklaces (aren't they for women anyway?

), etc.

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