Oil Temp Dipstick

[azquadfan]

Now I'm not trying to sell anyone on this, but since I joined this great source of information, I noticed that oil cooling is a "hot" topic at this time. :) I live in the desert and thought that it would be a good time to see how to cool things down on my 400EX. I am not an engineer, nor a professional racer or mechanic, just an electrician that loves to work in the garage. I am doing this for my own personal satisfaction and enjoyment as I love to tinker with good ideas. I am not starting this thread to flame anyone nor do I want anyone to turn this into a flaming thread, I'm just passing on my experience.

I jusy bought an XR's Only temp dip stick for my 400EX and I thought I would share my thoughts with ya. I was going to get the WarpDrive temp gauge but a friend of mine said he is planning on purchasing one, so I thought I would try this one out. I must say that I like the way it is manufactured. The gauge in set into a machined casing that protects it. The WarpDrive appears to stick out above the oil tank. It is very easy to read and remove to check the oil level. So far the only thing that some what concerns me, is the marking for the oil level is a painted red line. I don't know how long this will last, but I guess time will tell. I paid $39.95 + 6.00 shipping and received in three days.

http://www.xrsonly.com/chassis_comp/chas_comp_7.htm

Now that I have the temp gauge, I am planning on purchasing a set of scoops. Most likely will be a set from tinner. I am going to do some riding and record the temp readings and see how much I will benifit from them. I have already purchased a Perma-Cool cooler and will install it after the scoops. Mickey has a great idea with his cooler and if I were better off with funds, I would have just purchased his. I will let ya know if that would have been the right thing to do. Anyways, I will post the results and information when I complete my project. It may take me a few weeks before I am complete , because I'm going to use steel braided hose and AN fittings instead of the rubber and hose clamps. This will require more time to collect more funds :D

Hope this is usefull information :cool:

Tony

[azquadfan]

another pic :D

[azquadfan]

Another

[azquadfan]

Installed

[azquadfan]

One more

[2000400EX]

cool man! I'd like to know what the oil temp runs on a stock 400ex runs, and how much the air scoops really cool the motor. How do you know what an acceptable oil temp is?

[QuadTrix6]

sounds great!


Where does that red line on the new dipstick fall on the stock one? it looks like it would be between the upper and lower not on the upper mark.

[Scott-300ex]

thats cool

i too am curious as to the averege oil temp on a 400ex is

not to bring you down either but there is lots of factors in your test like weather temp, humidity, wind speed, and stuff like that

but just for an average and stuff it will work great, just make sure that you ride it for the same amount of time and ride it about the same

tell us how it turns out, i am very curious

[azquadfan]

Originally posted by 2000400EX
cool man! I'd like to know what the oil temp runs on a stock 400ex runs, and how much the air scoops really cool the motor. How do you know what an acceptable oil temp is?




2000400EX

XR's Only told me that normal operating temperature was around 250 to 300*. I will be going out tomorrow for a good ride and will be the first test. I will post the results :)

Tony

[azquadfan]

Originally posted by QuadTrix6
sounds great!


Where does that red line on the new dipstick fall on the stock one? it looks like it would be between the upper and lower not on the upper mark.


It is actually right on mark with the upper level mark on the stock stick.

Tony

[azquadfan]

Originally posted by Scott-300ex
thats cool

i too am curious as to the averege oil temp on a 400ex is

not to bring you down either but there is lots of factors in your test like weather temp, humidity, wind speed, and stuff like that

but just for an average and stuff it will work great, just make sure that you ride it for the same amount of time and ride it about the same

tell us how it turns out, i am very curious


Scott-300ex

I agree with you, I figure that I will ride the same trail, same speed, same length and time of day (keeping track of actual outside temp). It won't be scientific, but will satisfy my curiosity :D

Tony

[300exTJjeeper]

I think oil will only last up to 260 then after that, It begins to serious break down. That's why riders change there oil after every run or weekened.

Please do post the initial temps and the results after adding the scoops and other stuff.

This is something I have been planning on doing but have been busy with other things.

Just a thought on the dip stick marker but why not just scribe that position with a file etc if the paint wears off.

[rockosmith]

I have had an XR's Only temp gage/dipstick for about a year and a half now. Really like having the information. In the summer in Mississippi (hot and humid!!) the oil temp runs 250-265 degrees after either a hard, fast run or a slow difficult run through a technical section. The only problem I have had from mine is that the glass/plastic face of the gage tends to crack. My first one cracked after about 4 months use and got water inside. XR's Only agreed to replace it for 1/2 price. The replacement cracked after about 2 months use. The temp gage is a 1" probe type thermometer held in the billet holder with a spring type retaining device. I have tried to find a source for the thermometers but cannot find a 1" that goes up to 300 degrees, the a/c probe thermometers top out at 220. Not really enough.

[azquadfan]

I didn't get to ride today. My riding partner had truck problems and didn't show up before it got too hot out. 111 degrees forecasted for today :mad:

I WILL get a ride or two in next weekend!

I did spend a few hours in the garage working on the mounting of the oil cooler. I think it turned out pretty good. I'll post a few pics later.

Tony

[QuadTrix6]

TTT

[JabberJaw]

I was able to find the dipstick on my quad, once I installed the mirrors...

[Baley69]

Hey thanks for the link man, mines on the way ;)

[rockosmith]

I noticed that Baley69 has a custom Outerwears airbox lid. Any pictures of it? I need a good idea for how to keep water out and still have enough air for the engine.

[JabberJaw]

I always make my wife change the oil.... cause I don't want to get caught "playing with my dipstick"! I ain't never got caught yet....and I ain't about to start now!

My friend tried to trick me by asking if I ever got caught doing it in the closet...he must think I'm stupid!!!! I just laughed and said, "NO! Cause I do it in the garage!"....

[Baley69]

1.

[Baley69]

2. I cut the middle of the aluminum with a jig saw, not as nice but it beats 60 bucks.

[Baley69]

Since I had the camera out :)

[Baley69]

BTW thanks again on the dipstick, ganna try it out a week from tuesday. If anyone is going to florence/spinreel on the 22nd let me know.

[capecod400ex]

Baley69 wared u get that cool bumper it looks sweet.

[Baley69]

A guy that worked in Dallas Oregon, cant remember the name of the place.

[Scott-300ex]

Originally posted by Baley69
Since I had the camera out :)

is that an old Scout back there?

[capecod400ex]

look's like one to me.

[Baley69]

Lol yep, 1972 first ride just havnt gotten around to her yet :D

[2000400EX]

azquadfan,

so have you had a chance to ride with the new dipstick yet? what temp is the oil running at?

[azquadfan]

Sorry for the long pause, I had to leave town for awhile due to a family emergency.

I have put in a few runs with the new temp gauge. I just went out this morning with the kids for a few hours just north of the valley.

So far with three seperate runs, the oil temp has been around 250 deg. with the outside temp around 90-95 deg. I have been riding trails out in the desert in the early a.m. running pretty hard most of the time. I have Monday off and plan to do some riding near Lake Pleasant.

Next, is to get a set of air scoops. As soon as I recover from the extra expenses that I just had, I will get a set and see how well they work.

I'll keep ya posted:D

Until next time...

Tony

[j4rdemotox]

Does any one know what the normal oil temp. for a 400ex? (250-275 degrees) Did anyone notice a difference in temp with air scoops on? Is this temp gauge worth buying? Have they gotten better? From reading they seem to crack do to vibration. Has anyone come up with a better way to install a temp gauge? It would be nice to know what your temp is @. azquadfan do you have any updates?

[pnut420]

Originally posted by azquadfan
Sorry for the long pause, I had to leave town for awhile due to a family emergency.

I have put in a few runs with the new temp gauge. I just went out this morning with the kids for a few hours just north of the valley.

So far with three seperate runs, the oil temp has been around 250 deg. with the outside temp around 90-95 deg. I have been riding trails out in the desert in the early a.m. running pretty hard most of the time. I have Monday off and plan to do some riding near Lake Pleasant.

Next, is to get a set of air scoops. As soon as I recover from the extra expenses that I just had, I will get a set and see how well they work.

I'll keep ya posted:D

Until next time...

Tony

thats gives me a good temp to go off, I ordered 3 of them, 2 will be used on a 416 and 425 with same mods and the other will be a stock engine. I hope my 426 doesnt get over 280

[cals400ex]

keep us posted on this topic. i would like to know how well these guages really work and it will be neat to find out how the 3 bikes temperatures compare.

[Silverfox@C&DRacing]

I run the warpdrive temp gauge. Have not had any problem with it. This gauge made me realize that I needed air scoops and a cooler plug. Glad that I got it otherwise my motor would be toast.

[cals400ex]

did the scoops and plug drop the temp?? which dropped it more, or did you install them at the same time?

[Silverfox@C&DRacing]

droped the temp around 40-50 degrees. I changed the plug and added the scoops at the same time :rolleyes: I know I should have done them seperate.

[cals400ex]

oh crap, 40 degrees is a decent amount. was that temp difference when you were just cruising around or at high speeds?

[pnut420]

Looks like Ill be buying some scoops, Ill run if a couple times without them to see what it is.. But I definetly need scoops and might get a Micky Dunlap cooler, my 426 might need it

[Silverfox@C&DRacing]

Originally posted by cals400ex
oh crap, 40 degrees is a decent amount. was that temp difference when you were just cruising around or at high speeds?

we were 4th gear moving along at a good clip I looked down and the gauge and pulled over. remember I have a degree key in my bike so yours might not run as hot as mine did.

[j4rdemotox]

I run the warpdrive temp gauge



How long have you had the warpdrive gauge? I am worried about how long they last.
I am really thinking about getting air scoops. I run a cooler plug. I am alway in 3rd, 4th, somtimes 5th gear

[JD400exrider]

Dusty what type of scoops are you running. That is a nice decrease in temp. Also are you selling the warpdrive temp guages.

[j4rdemotox]

Silverfox, what temp range is on the warpdrive?

[cals400ex]

she runs x-factor scoops.