Oil Pressure/Temperature guage????

[Novice_imp]

Anyone actually know what steps the bike takes to prevent itself from overheating at idle? I've looked around and can't find anything on the Internet. I would think it would be something like dropping random cylinders, but if it is I sure can't feel it.

Good question. I was always under the impression the only thing you get before you get all the white smoke was just that red dummy light.

[Lord Popgun]

There is an oil overtemp light.

[xNE0x_imp]

The oil overtemp light will light somewhere around 340 degrees F. Also, the ECM will try to make adjustments to prevent it from getting any worse.

Which is yet another argument of why I prefer a 10W40 oil in it. If you are running 10W30, and the light comes on at 340 degrees F, the oil viscosity would be as thin as water. At least with a 40, you know the point of breakdown is at least over 400 degrees F giving you some relief in the event of a catastrophic heat soak.

[Lord Popgun]

xNE0x,

How do you know the ECM will make adjustments? Not being argumentative, I'd just like to know so I can read up on it. Is it in the Common Service Manual?

I'm wondering as other than the oil overtemp, how would the ECU know the engine is hot since there is no coolant temp sensor. Help me out!

[the Ferret]

I worked in shops from 1972 to 1989. Never in all that time did I see a single air cooled motorcycle come in with an issue related to over heating, never seen a bike with an oil temp light on. Never an oil pressure related problem either that I can recall. I really believe this is a non issue.

[Xyzzy_imp]

xNE0x,

How do you know the ECM will make adjustments? Not being argumentative, I'd just like to know so I can read up on it. Is it in the Common Service Manual?

I'm wondering as other than the oil overtemp, how would the ECU know the engine is hot since there is no coolant temp sensor. Help me out!

[Lord Popgun]

Xyzzy, thank you for that. I was thinking the oil temp sensor was just a switch. Apparently it is a temp sensor and that would explain it.

[flynrider]

Since fuel mixtures at idle are typical lean for emissions compliance, my guess would be that the ECM probably enriches the low rpm fuel mixture to provide additional cooling.

If the oil temp is already at 342F I'd consider it seriously overheated, so I'm not sure how much good it would do.

Note: Almost all oils (synthetic or dino) will begin to experience thermal breakdown before getting to 300F, so if you ever see your oil temp light come on, your next stop should be your garage for an immediate oil change.