wildly fluctuating oil temp

[Privateer]

so today I was on the highway, around 80mph indicated, very constant speed and RPM.  I happened to flip off the time to the oil temp and noticed it was fluctuating up and down crazily.

One second it was 195, then 207, then 225, then 215, then 205, 210, 191, all over the place.  no rhyme or reason to it.

I did a visual once I was able to stop and everything seemed OK.  This was after about 30 mins straight highway driving.  I didn't notice anything on my short drive home from my kid's soccer game.


Anything to be concerned with or just watch for it to happen again?  I don't want to be in the middle of nowhere on a group ride and be 'that guy' whose bike died.



Andy

[ellingly]

Sounds like a dodgy temperature sender to me.

I had that happen once, but it was pissing with rain and then the bike started missing. Once dry it was fine. Obviously, no water around in yours, but perhaps start by looking at the oil temp sender - seeing if the wire is a bit loose into the back of it, or it's falling apart or something.

[Le Pirate]

my temp has always jumped all over the place....I assume it's just a crappy temp sensor. Dunno....

[Howie]

Check the connection at the sensor.  Clean/tighten as needed.

[He Man]

WD-40, sand paper (be gentle) then dielectic grease. Hopefully that will solve the issue.

[Privateer]

WD-40, sand paper (be gentle) then dielectic grease. Hopefully that will solve the issue.

thanks!
spritzed some WD40 on the sensor and the wire connector.  wiped with a rag.  Seems fine now.  Had a 30 min ride last night at 80+ and temp stay solid.

WD40, i take back all those bad things I said about you.


Andy