Born To Ride News

OIL BUD OIL COOLER

I do not think anyone will disagree with adding an oil cooler to their air cooled Harley Davidsons motorcycle is a good idea.
Now with that said comes which one. Some work better than others. You have the ones that look like a little car radiator was added to the down tubes. Though they do the job of cooling they are not always attractive even with some fancy covers over them.
Some are billet and or chrome and though they do look cool they may not always give the best cooling.

I was trying to decide which one I want to put on my new 2009 FLHTC Harley when I came across the OIL BUD.
It got my attention because it mounted under the engine and transmission and therefore not easily seen though it would have plenty of air flow over it.
I had some doubts about it being under the motorcycle and the likelihood of something hitting it and giving me an oil leak, most likely miles from home.

Bud Clarke who designed it was confident enough to let me try one and assured me that once I actually saw the cooler I would not have any doubts about it working. He was right I was Impressed.
First of all the unit did not look like one of those radiator type coolers. I later learned it was made out of extruded aluminum and had tips machined in it that also worked as a heat sink to help cool the oil when the motorcycle was stopped. It does fit up higher than the frame rails and definitely higher than the cross over for the exhaust. This took all my doubts away.

My kit came with a polished aluminum adapter for the external oil lines to hook to. The quality of the workmanship was very evident and made me more convinced to install it.
Installation is rather simple and something that most everyone who does any work on their ride can do. As always Read the instructions through a couple of times to get familiar with what you are about to do.
Of course I am going to take you through it now just to be sure.
You will need some basic hand tools. A 7/8 Deep Well Socket, a Extension and Ratchet. A 5/32 Allen Wrench, 9/16 Open End Wrench, ½ Open End Wrench and Two (2) 11/16 Open End Wrenches a pair of pliers and snips are also useful. Also an oil filter wrench and a pan to catch a small amount of oil when the filter is removed.
You will also need a new oil filter as one is not included in the kit, mainly because people may have a preference. You will also need a quart of engine oil. I prefer Spectro as it works well for me.

Start off by removing the oil filter and then the nut the filter threaded on to.
On a clean surface remove the 4 allen head bolts that hold the adapter together.
Install the long hose to the part that will mate to the engine case where the original filter went. Tighten this hose at this time.
Feed the hose under the oil filter housing while holding the adapter. Make sure the hose is routed along the inside of the frame rail and above the frame plate. Observe that it does not interfere with lines, cables or wires/
Make sure the o-ring is in place and line up the adapter making sure you have clearance to remove the O2 Sensor if necessary. Insert the new bolt that is supplied in the kit and tighten snug. Once you have adapter where you want it TORGUE to 40 Foot Pounds.

Locate the wire bundle on the right side of the motorcycle and lace it with the sheath supplied in the kit. It is a precaution to protect the wires
The Oil Bud comes with Red Loctite in the mounting hole, check to see if it is still there. Bring the right side of the cooler up to about a 45 degree angle and slide it into the space in the frame.  Bring the left side of the cooler up into place and insert the bolt and lock washer supplied.
I chose not to insert the bolt more than a few threads as I wanted to be able move the front section to make it easier for me to join it to the rear.

The rear cooler already had a protective sleeve installed and easily slid in above the rear stabilizer section of the frame. After I had both halves connected I tightened the bolt securing the front section to the frame.
I then double checked clearances and tightened the two halves together.
I installed the other hose to the remaining section of the adapter making sure the chrome end was facing towards the cooler. Pay attention on how it goes through the front frame section. When the hose is routed correctly join the two sections of the adapter together paying attention that the O-rings are in place and the correct length bolts are inserted (There are two lengths). Tighten securely in a x pattern.
Install the chrome end of the short hose to the chrome fitting on the cooler. Tighten all fittings securely. Install the new oil filter after first putting a few drops of oil on the seal to ease tightening.
I added a half quart of Spectro 20-50 and started the engine. As the engine was warming up I checked for oil leaks and was pleased to find that there were not any.
I took the motorcycle for a short ride and when I returned re-checked the oil and topped it off. After sitting overnight there were still no leaks.
To find out more about the OIL BUD contact Buds Biker Parts, 3302 Airport Road, Helena Montana 59601 Phone is 406-457-2458 or check out their website at http://www.budsbikerparts.com

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