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why should ambient temp make such a oil temp difference?

FM Former Member
Why is there such a HUGE difference in oil temp when the ambient temp goes up? When the ambient temp is 80 or under (fall-winter), the oil temp (at highway speed) is around 220 (I think that's the ideal temp???). On hotter days, around 100, the oil temp is 260-300 (highway speeds). Does that seem correct? I know the engine compartment's suppose to be somewhat sealed. Do I need to do a better job at sealing it? Something else wrong (or need to be checked)?

Any advice/opinions are gladly accepted. These air cooled engines are a total mystery to me. Maybe the temp differences aren't that bad. But it just seems there shouldn't be such a huge difference.

David
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FM Former Member
Why is there such a HUGE difference in oil temp when the ambient temp goes up? When the ambient temp is 80 or under (fall-winter), the oil temp (at highway speed) is around 220 (I think that's the ideal temp???). On hotter days, around 100, the oil temp is 260-300 (highway speeds). Does that seem correct? I know the engine compartment's suppose to be somewhat sealed. Do I need to do a better job at sealing it? Something else wrong (or need to be checked)?

Any advice/opinions are gladly accepted. These air cooled engines are a total mystery to me. Maybe the temp differences aren't that bad. But it just seems there shouldn't be such a huge difference.

David
FM Former Member
Temp out this evening probably around 65, oil temp after 30 mins of 75mph freeway, 185 or 190. Does the ambient temp have that much to do with oil temp if the engine compart is sealed properly? In several places, I can see daylight or the ground when the engine lid is opened. Will these areas need to be COMPLETELY sealed? Should I use that spray foam or something else to seal it tightly?

David
FM Former Member
Jake is right - with modern oils 200 F to 220 F is fine; short periods of up to around 260 F aren't too bad if your oil is fresh; under about 185 F is too cool. True synthetic oils deal with high temperatures better (better film strength, less breakdown due to temperature, etc.).
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