 13-Jun-2003, 17:04 | #4 |
| Oil Temperatures The main reason for installing oil cooling radiators is to keep the oil temperature, and consequently the oil pressure within a designated range for expected riding conditions. But when you take your road bike to the track, a warm day and spirited riding can easily take the oil temperature beyond the design limits. That's why you should be using a 50-weight or higher viscosity oil for track days to maintain an adequate oil pressure. In addition, you should carefully straighten the oil cooler radiator fins that were bent from road debris to get the maximum cooling from the unit. After you straighten them, attach some window screening to the backside of the v-piece to prevent future damage. Also use a synthetic oil to give yourself a safety net. A normal oil may lose its film strength at temperatures only slightly above 220°F, while many synthetic oils can be safely used at temperatures as high as 300°F before lubrication related failure occurs. Some studies have shown that test engines produce optimum horsepower in dyno-simulated racing situations when the oil was between 200-220°F. I lost the reference, but one source states: "An engine should never be driven hard until the oil reaches 120°F. The ideal operating temperature is 175-195°F. It can go as high as 265°F for short periods but oil breakdown and excessive oxidation will take place above this temperature." Suzuki states, for example, that under racing conditions, oil should be kept at about 190-210°F and that temperatures any higher should be an issue of concern. I don't know what Ducati's position on this issue is. For highly-modified race bikes, a larger oil cooler often needs to be fitted to keep temperatures in the optimum range and avoid lubrication failure induced engine failures.  | |
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