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Oil temperature

Submitted by charles_hopkinson on Wednesday, 29 May, 2013 - 01:00
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Heavy Twins

i have a 1968 650ss and it seems to run quite hot .does anyone know what the oil temperature should be timing and carburation are ok .after a run of say 20 /30 miles you cannot keep your hand on the oil tank .i also have a problem with oil return to the tank in that it is a continuous flow when the sump is empty two pumps have been fitted same result

any ideas would be appreciated

charles hopkinson

Submitted by peter_stowe on Wednesday, 29 May, 2013 - 01:01

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Hi Charles

I know little about Norton 650s, but my Commando has always surprised me how quickly and how hot the oil gets. I don't have to go far or fast for the oil tank to be too hot to touch.

Whereas both my singles can run for a long time at high (for them) revs, and the oil tank gets hardly warm.

Sorry I can't help you other than offer my observation.

Submitted by ian_richtsteig on Thursday, 30 May, 2013 - 01:00

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Hi Charles.

Just done an oil change on my 1965 650SS after a 40mile ride. I have always had the opposite problem as I would like my oil to get hotter. I measured the oil temperature in the tank as soon as I stopped and it was 57C. Drained the oil immediately and the temp was 55.6C

I bought a digital thermometer and this gives a good indication of the circulating temp. Naturally always hotter at the top where the oil is returning to the tank.

I use Penrite HPR 50 in all my Nortons and don't have a problem with oil temp here in Australia where air temperature can reach 40C inn Summer

Submitted by robert_tuck on Thursday, 30 May, 2013 - 01:02

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The oil return should be intermittent after a run as the return gears have a higher capacity than the supply, you could have a leak in the system (missing or stuck pressure release?) or a partial blockage in the return somewhere. I trust the tank and barrels are not powder coated.Compared to modern machines they do run hot which is why oil grade is important.Its also possible that the cases oilways are not matched to the oil pump output.Oil pump not sealed to crankcase?

Submitted by charles_hopkinson on Sunday, 2 June, 2013 - 01:00

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Previously ian_richtsteig wrote:

Hi Charles.

Just done an oil change on my 1965 650SS after a 40mile ride. I have always had the opposite problem as I would like my oil to get hotter. I measured the oil temperature in the tank as soon as I stopped and it was 57C. Drained the oil immediately and the temp was 55.6C

I bought a digital thermometer and this gives a good indication of the circulating temp. Naturally always hotter at the top where the oil is returning to the tank.

I use Penrite HPR 50 in all my Nortons and don't have a problem with oil temp here in Australia where air temperature can reach 40C inn Summer

Submitted by charles_hopkinson on Sunday, 2 June, 2013 - 01:03

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THANK YOU TO PETE ROBERT AND IAN FOR ALL YOUR THOUGHTS ON MY PROBLEM.JUST BEEN OUT FOR A 50 MILE RUN TOOK TEMPERATURE OF OIL 81C DIDN'T SEEM TO CAUSE TO MOTOR ANY PROBLEMS ,BUT THE DIFFERENCE IN IAN'S TEMP AND MINE SEEMS DAFT WHEN I PULLED UP ON THE DRIVE IT JUST TICKED OVER WHILE I GOT THE DIGITAL THERMOMETER OUT.

SPOKE TO A FEW PEOPLE AND ALL AT A LOSS ABOUT WHATS HAPPENING

PETE MENTIONED HIS COMMANDO HAVING SAME PROBLEM AS ME' MY MATE HAS OPPOSITE HIS COMMANDO RUNS QUITE COOL. AS REGARDS THE RETURN VOLUME OF OIL AGAIN NO ONE CAN PUT THEIR FINGER ON WHATS HAPPENING

Submitted by boo_cock on Sunday, 2 June, 2013 - 01:04

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Oil should run at 180F to 220 F. Modern 20/50 mineral oil is the stuff to use, uless you have a full sludge trap, but NOT synthetic. There was an article all about it in The Roadholder last year. The author was a genuine expert, not a know all who lives in the past and uses lard to cook his chips, or leaches to cure all ailments. Get hold of a coppy, its worth a read.

However, no matter what oil, or chip fat you run in your engine, the 180-220F still applies. Get yourself a thermometer gizmo and give it a try. But remember, the temperature of the oil fluctuates a lot and very quickly. If you know of a Harley rider, they often fit temperature dipsticks to theeir bikes. See if you can borrow one for the day. Also HD oil is top notch , if you want the best available, this is it.

Happy Lubing,

Boo.

 



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