Twin Cam (88 + 96) motor life??? - Page 3 - Harley Forum

#21 09-22-2008, 09:43 AM

I find it interesting that none of the responders state that they have an oil cooler. I live in Florida and ride year round. The heat is brutal for 4 to 6 months of the year. I put a Jagg 10 row on my 07 Fatboy. It dropped oil temps 30 degrees. I'm running a V&H 2 into 1 Propipe, Doherty PowerPacc AC, and a PCIII. I only have 6200 miles so far, as I have owned the bike less than a year. (Bought new as a leftover) I run Mobil 1 20W50 V Twin with Spectro Platinum 6 speed Synth in the tranny. I don't beat it like I did my Sportster, but I don't baby it either. Why have performance parts and drive it like a grandpa? If the top end wears out, I'll fix it. If the bottom end goes, I'll have it fixed. I ride responsibly, but in a way that maximizes my enjoyment.

grandlp Tom · #22 10-18-2008, 11:53 PM

ny 07 flstc with almost 16 is still runnign a ok.. A friend of mine has 02 RK with 93K on it and it is still running fine only added i believe a 510 ss cam nothing else, he is waiting for any sign of problems to do 95 kit, He says it might out last him before that happens....

Briancar49 · #23 10-26-2009, 12:24 PM

Well, this forum is couple years old but.... Ive got a 97 flht, hit 100K last year. I had a slight whine in the cam. It was gonna cost as much to look at it and replace bearing (if needed) as it was to have engine remanufactred. I had the job done over the winter and love the new engine. So yeah, 100K on these engines is not a problem. As stated before..... lubrication, lubrication, lubrication.

shovelmike · #24 10-26-2009, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Briancar49

Well, this forum is couple years old but.... Ive got a 97 flht, hit 100K last year. I had a slight whine in the cam. It was gonna cost as much to look at it and replace bearing (if needed) as it was to have engine remanufactred. I had the job done over the winter and love the new engine. So yeah, 100K on these engines is not a problem. As stated before..... lubrication, lubrication, lubrication.

Welcome to the forum, Brian. Your bike being a 97 would be an EVO as opposed to Twin Cam but you are very much correct on the importance of lubrication, keeping clean oil in the bike.
It certainly seems that Harley's remanufacturing program is too good to pass up in most cases. I'm pleased that it worked out well for you. Visit us often. Ride safe and God bless, Sincerely: Shovelmike.

Briancar49 · #25 11-01-2009, 08:47 AM

Hey,
Yeah i guess I should have been more specific. LOL.. My point was, Harley engines are designed for the long haul... but you have to make sure that oil is changed as needed. I change mine at 2000 miles if Ive been riding a long hot trip. last year going to Sturgis, I changed it on Friday a.m. just before we pulled out. Changed it in Sturgis Saturday night after only 1500 miles. Im gonna ride this motor another 50 or 60k and let my son have the bike.
Thanks all.:

steve dennis · #26 11-01-2009, 10:07 AM

I've got an '02 classic,54,000 on it.Had tensioners,cam plate,oil pump,cam bearings and cam changed at 40,000.Amsoil in the motor,red line shock proof in the tranny and chaincase oil in the primary.Put a Jagg oil cooler on it as soon as I got it home,and I ride year 'round pulling a trailer.Planning on taking it to 95" this winter,not sure how many more miles I could get from the top end,but it burns absolutely no oil.This bike does everything I ask for,so I'm keeping it forever!Old + paid for = great!!!

sgtcowboyusmc · #27 11-01-2009, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve dennis

Old + paid for = great!!!

I agree Steve!

springer82 · #28 11-01-2009, 10:16 PM

I've got a 03 softail springer 88b. I have had it not one season yet. Well very soon. I love in Mn. Almost that time.;-( I was told it has always had syn in it. Nothing left to do but keep up the good work. That would be moter, tran, prim. With a stage 1upgrade to the inj with new map. I also run V&H Q's. Don't want to piss off the neighbors!! Other then that it is stock. Looking forward to CM's tec write up on gear drive cams. He is doing it on an 88. Cool. Nice how that works out!! ;-) I will try very hard not to do a 95 @ 10-1. lol This is a nice ride. Hope to have it a very long time.

shovelmike · #29 11-02-2009, 08:35 PM

That high compression 95 incher would be fun if you get some extra cash, a little hard to come by these days on this end.

springer82 · #30 11-02-2009, 09:06 PM

This end too ShovelMike. If I was not doing the work myself it very simply would not happen. That saves a little. I have a good manual and with CM doing a blow by blow on the cam work it should go very well. The 95 may or may not wait until next year. We are starting to pick up at work again. I can only hope!!! It would be nice to get it done all at once. You have a great evening.