Top 6 Best Oil Cooler for Harley Davidson

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Looking for the best oil cooler for Harley Davidson? If so, you’ll find the top oil coolers for your Harley in this post.

The oil coolers reviewed here are compatible with Harley models. They’re mentioned here with a fitment table so that you end up buying the right product for your model. You can also choose from the different items having distinct features.

Some items have a single IP68 fan while others have dual fans. You will also know about the benefits of the fan-assisted cooler in the buying guide coming ahead. We’ll walk you through all the processes from picking the right product to installing it and then testing it.

So if you want the best oil cooler for Harley Davidson that features dual fans, this article is for you.

Let’s unbox the top products.

In a Hurry? Check Out the Availability Here:

Preview	Product	Rating
	Jagg Oil Coolers Horizontal Low-Mount 10 Row...		Check Availability <<
	Jagg Horizontal Low-Mount Oil Cooler Kit 750-2400		Check Availability <<
	SMT-Oil Cooler Fan Cooling System Compatible With...		Check Availability <<
	Jagg Oil Coolers Vertical 6 Row Oil Cooler -...		Check Availability <<
	Jagg Fan-Assisted Oil Cooler Kits 751-FP2600		Check Availability <<
	ULTRACOOL DY-1SS OIL COOLER KIT DYNA SS	No ratings yet	Check Availability <<

Jagg 751-FP2400 – for Road King, Electra Glide

Jagg Oil Coolers Horizontal Low-Mount 10 Row...

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Pros:

• 10 cooling rows
• 150 CFM airflow fan
• Lightweight – 4.9 pounds
• Automatic Fan
• 12 x 9 x 6.1 inches
• Made in the USA

Cons:

• Pricey
• Not fit for all Harley models.

Meet this Jagg oil cooler that features 10 cooling fins, ensuring maximum heat transfer. That’s because these fins provide sufficient surface area for heated oil to lose its temperature. And when the oil’s temperature rises to 205 F (96 C) degrees, the fan assists the cooling fins for rapid thermal removal.

There’s no need for you to turn on or off the fan. When the thermal switch in the cooler detects a high temperature, it automatically switches on the power fan. Then the 150 CFM fan quickly lowers the temperature of the oil and sends filtered oil to the engine.

With that, this oil cooler has a horizontal mounting. And it comes with a complete kit and all the tools needed for fitting the cooler onto your Harley Davidson. The item fits with the Electra Glide, Road King, Electra Glide Ultra Classic, and so on.

This product is a US-made oil cooler that performs at both low and high speed. Want to check out more on this model? Hit image to explore its ratings and price as well.

Fitment Models

Specification

Jagg 750-2400 – for Touring, Street Glide, Electra Glide

Jagg Horizontal Low-Mount Oil Cooler Kit 750-2400

• Compatible with Harley-Davidson. FLH 10-row Low Mount System

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Pros:

• 10 cooling fins
• Black finish
• Nice look
• Horizontal mounting
• 8.4 pounds
• 12 x 6 x 9 inches

Cons:

• Without IP68 fan

If you want an oil cooler of the same brand that features no fan, here it is. This Jagg’s cooler has a horizontal mounting, just like the above model. But it comes with the cooling fins only – no fan assisted. That’s why this one is cheaper compared to the first model.

Bear in mind that a fan just helps quickly lower the temperature. The 10 cooling fins in this model are enough for heat release. They deliver maximum space between the oil and airflow so as the air takes heat out of it.

On this model, you cannot either install a new fan later on. So if you want a fan-assisted cooler, opt for the above model. And if you want super quick heat rejection, the SMT product in the list should be your choice. Because that model features dual fans.

This Jagg 750-2400 model comes with a filter adapter, clamps, hoses, and all the hardware that are essential for fitting this model onto our motorcycle. Speaking of it, this item is fit for Street Glide, Touring, and Electra Glide Harley Davidsons.

Fitment Models

Specification

SMT-Oil Cooler – for Harley Touring 2009-2016 (except trikes) – The Best Oil Cooler for Harley Davidson

SMT-Oil Cooler Fan Cooling System Compatible With...

• Dual IP68 Waterproof Fans
• Increased Air Flow to 220 CFM’s

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Pros:

• Dual Fans
• 220 CFM airflow
• Waterproof connectors
• Waterproof fans
• ‎7.9 pounds
• 10.55 x 9.02 x 5.51 inches

Cons:

• Fit for Harley Touring models only

Here’s the super fast oil cooler, the SMT model. You can now quickly lower the temperature of your engine oil with this product so that your engine performs at its peak. All that comes with the dual fan-assisted SMT cooler.

The two fans pass 220 CFM air through the heated oil, which carries all the energy with itself, providing low-temperature oil back to the engine. They’re waterproof fans and no need to worry about them while washing your Harley Davidson.

Just like other products on the list, this SMT oil cooler also turns the fan on and off automatically. When the oil is heated to 220 degrees, the thermal switch detects it. And it automatically turns on both fans. And once the temperature drops to 190 F, the fans stop.

The item is perfect for all Harley Touring models from 2009 – 2016, but not for the Trikes. It weighs ‎7.9 pounds and comes at a reasonable price. By the way, you can check out the model’s price by clicking on its image.

Fitment Models and Specification

Jagg Oil Coolers Vertical 6 Row Oil Cooler – Slimline – Black 750-1200

Jagg Oil Coolers Vertical 6 Row Oil Cooler -...

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Pros

• Vertical Mounting
• Complete Kit
• 6 Cooling fins
• Comes with an oil filter
• ‎1.6 ounces
• 12 x 6 x 9 inches

Cons

• No fan
• A low number of cooling rows

Exploring another product from the Jagg brand. This oil cooler lets your engine last longer and performs at its max potential. As the oil loses heat, the engine also becomes cool and it works effectively.

This Jagg’s item comes with cooling rows only and has no fan that helps quickly lower the oil’s temperature. Besides that, the model features 6 fins, which is the product with the smallest number of cooling rows in the list.

Unlike other items that feature horizontal mounting, this item has a vertical mounting that maximizes heat release. The kit also includes an oil filter adapter that cleans the oil before passing it through the fins.

You can install this model in Dyna Defender, Dyna Super Glide, Dyna Fat Boy, and all the Dyna Family. Take a look at the table below for the fitment models. The item is fit for Softail and Touring Harley Davidsons as well.

Fitment Models

Specification

Jagg 751-FP2600 – for Road King, Electra Glide, Sportster, Switchback

Jagg Fan-Assisted Oil Cooler Kits 751-FP2600

• Harley-Davidson Fan Assisted 10-row Vertical Mount System

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Pros

• Single fan
• Aluminum body
• 10 rows
• ‎4.85 pounds
• ‎12 x 6 x 9 inches

Cons

• Pricey
• Not fit for lower fairing Harleys

Going further in the list you’ve got an Aluminum oil cooler. This is the lightweight model, which you can install in your Road King, Electra Glide, and Switchback Harley Davidson. For maximal heat emission, this cooler has a big IP68 fan, fitted along with the fins.

Speaking of the fins, the 10 tubes provide more surface area to the oil to leave the heat behind. And when these fins are accompanied by a fan then the heat loss becomes faster. Another great feature for maximum heat transfer is its mounting.

This vertical mounting gives the model more exposure to airflow, hence quick heat dissipation. On the other hand, a low horizontal mounting cooler has less area for airflow compared to the vertical items.

So this hyper-flow technology ensures the highest heat transfer and faster coolant. If you got any of the Harley that’s fit for this product, look no more. Because this Jagg’s cooler is perfect for your motorcycle.

Fitment Models

Specifications

UltraCool Oil Cooler – for Harley Dyna, Street Bob, Super Glide

ULTRACOOL DY-1SS OIL COOLER KIT DYNA SS

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Pros

• Two fans
• 220 CFM airflow
• Waterproof connectors
• 7.05 pounds
• Aluminum structure
• Oil adapter

Cons

• Requires proper installation from an expert

The last product on the list is from UltraCool. The name says all the story. Your Harley’s engine won’t stop when you install this cooler in it. This oil cooler features super quick heat release, saving your engine from overheating.

The two fans will pass 220 CFM air through the oil-filled fins of the cooler so that they lose all the heat they carry. And this fan will do so automatically. Once the detector in the item notices a higher oil temperature, it orders the fans to do their job.

Since this oil cooler comes with a complete kit, all the connectors here are waterproof. This means that rain or bike washing will not affect any of the tools in the kit. With that, the turbulator in the cooler also helps with heat dissipation.

This rapid coolant mechanism item is for Dyna Low Rider, Street Bob, and Super Glide Custom. The fitment list is long and you can find the fitment model in the table below.

Fitment Models & Specification

Buying Guide for the Best Oil Cooler for Harley Davidson

After reading about the products above, let’s take a walk and see what factors you need to consider before picking any oil cooler for your Harley Davidson. The following buying guide will open everything before you about oil coolers. If you’re a first-time buyer, this is a must-read section.

Key Features of the Best Oil Cooler for Harley Davidson

Below are some of the key features an oil cooler should have. If the rows are fewer but assisted by an IP68 fan, they will perform just like a higher number of fins do.

You see, a single fan could produce 150 CFM airflow through the fins. On the other hand, some brands made a cooler assisted by two fans. This means that the airflow increases. The fans now make up to 220 CFM airflow. Hence, super quick heat loss.

This is another consideration factor in purchasing the perfect oil cooler. An oil cooler with dual fans and more fins operates the best and allows your Harley engine to work as efficiently as possible.

Mounting

You’ve got two choices in this regard – vertical or horizontal mounting. Although they work the same regardless of the mounting position, you should see your motorcycle for this purpose. Where you can install it, then act accordingly.

Your Harley’s manual will be handy in this regard whether to choose a vertical mounting oil cooler or horizontal. You can find both of these products in the list above.

Size

This is the most important factor you should consider before picking any model. Because every oil cooler won’t be the best for any Harley model. They may be fit for say Dyan but not for Sportster. Do check the compatible table of the product you want to buy.

Luckily, we’ve got your back in that regard. Each product reviewed above has a fitment table with it so that you can buy the right size and the best oil cooler for your Harley Davidson.

Colour

Since most of the oil coolers have a black finish, you don’t have many options to pick an oil cooler of your choice. Some items may come in other colors like the UltraCool oil cooler which has an Aluminum structure.

Colour does not affect the quality of the product, so you should look for the right item. But, there’s one thing that might help in picking a lightweight plus with a different color oil cooler. An aluminum oil cooler is lightweight and a black finish cooler is heavier comparatively.

For a nice look, prefer the one that fits your Harley.

Durability

Look for an oil cooler with more durability. The more they perform, the more they’ll save your engine from overheating. This concludes that as the oil cooler lasts longer, the engine will also perform well for a longer time.

Storage

Also, notice how much space you have in your Harley to fit an oil cooler. Because their sizes vary and so does the space in your motorcycle. Opt for the type of product that comes fitted in the space left for it.

What is an Oil Cooler?

An oil cooler is a radiator-like product that helps the engine lose heat. It takes hot oil from the engine through the hoses. It first filters the oil then passes it through a number for cooling fins where it loses heat. Once the oil becomes warm, the cooler sends it back to the engine.

How Much Does an Oil Cooler Help?

It helps to reduce the oil’s temperature up to 30-50 degrees, depending on the oil cooler. If an oil cooler features dual IP68 fans, the heat loss becomes super quick. Because they produce 220 CFM airflow through the heated oil.

How to Install a Harley Davidson Oil Cooler?

Now that you’ve gone through the best oil cooler for Harley Davidson, let’s see how you can install it in your motorcycle after you’ve picked one from the list above. The process is simple and you can do it yourself if you do such small repairs to your bike yourself.

But if it’s your first time making some maintenance in your Harley, the best way to install an oil cooler is to call a professional. Or if you’ve opted for the former option, read your Harley and the oil coolers’ manual so that you can place it according to the instructions given.

The following step-by-step process will also be handy. So stick to the method below and install a new oil cooler in your Harley Davidson.

Remove the old oil

Since you’ll be unplugging the hoses, and the oil will drain out, the best way is to remove the old oil before you install an oil cooler. Excess oil will drain off the hoses themselves if you don’t do it. We would recommend installing a new oil cooler by the time you want to renew the oil as well. Once you evacuate all the oil, then install the oil cooler and put in new oil.

Unplug wires

You need some space for proper working. That’s why it’s better to remove all the wire harnesses that need to be disconnected. And that’s the next step. If you do this before removing the oil or unplugging the hoses, you’ll save the wires from getting stains, and oily.

If this is not the first time installing an oil cooler to your Harley, and you want to replace the old oil cooler, you’ll need to remove that as well before putting in the new one. Doing so will also leave enough space for the new cooler as well.

Install the new oil cooler

Now unpack the new oil cooler. And make sure all the lug and nuts are close to your hand. Plus the kit should have all the hoses, clamps, and hardware that are needed for installation. As said above, read the manual of both your Harley and the oil cooler. Because every motorcycle has a different cooling system. And a slightly separate way of installing an oil cooler.

Double-check the installation

Once you installed a new oil cooler, take a breath and double-check all the processes to make sure you’ve done it well. You might have left any wire loose, or nuts might not have been tight well. Notice everything and check if they’re fitted according to the manual.

Plugin the hoses

You might have already installed the hoses, if not, plug them in properly. Make sure that they’re tightened well and will not cause any leak. Because the oil will be flowing through these tubes. One hose will need to be connected from the engine to the oil cooler. And another will connect the cooler to the engine. Make sure that oil flows properly through the tubes and the cooler. Always consult the manual.

Add new oil

Now refilling time. If you’ve removed all the oil, you’ll need to fill the reservoir. And if you drained a little just to install a new oil cooler, refill that gap as well. How much oil you need to fill the reservoir will be found in the instruction manual.

Start your Harley Davidson

Start the engine and notice everything that you’ve changed. Are they at their normal position like oil level? Does the oil cooler work? And notice if there’s any leak. If something has gone wrong while working, you will notice them now.

Take a Ride

The last check-up is to take a ride for a few minutes. See if everything is going well. Check the oil level, engine temperature. And how an oil cooler reacts to high temperatures. If the oil cooler you’ve installed has a fan, see whether it switches on when the temperature rises.

The ride will give a detailed insight into what you’ve done with your Harley Davidson.

Top Brands

Here are the top 2 best oil cooler brands that make high-quality products to cool down your engine. The brands have multiple features that are discussed below. So whenever you want to purchase an oil cooler for your Harley Davidson, look for these brands. Because these make the best oil coolers for Harley Davidson. Let’s take a walk through them.

Jagg

Jagg is the US-based oil cooler-maker that produces top-notch items for your Harley Davidson. With this brand, you can find either single or double fan-assisted oil coolers, making 150 and 220 CFM airflow respectively.

You can choose either a horizontal mounting oil cooler or a vertical one. And cooler fins range from 6 to 10 tubes. Jagg is also one of the makers of the best oil cooler for Harley Davidson.

UltraCool

This brand is located in Murrieta, a city in California in the United States of America. UltraCool launched its first oil cooler to the market in 2012. Their products are mostly assisted by dual IP68 fans, reducing oil temperatures up to 50 degrees.

Such fans make 220 CFM airflow through the fins filled with heated oil. With that, you can find all about UltraCool oil coolers, their products, and all the positive reviews it has gathered on their website.

Oil Cooler Pricing

Let’s see what oil coolers of different prices feature that you should consider before you purchase any product. As a general rule of thumb, lower the price, low will be the quality. It depends on the brand as well in which price category they put a product. But you should check all the features no matter if the product you want to buy is cheaper or expensive.

< $299

The oil coolers that cost under 300 dollars, usually have a single or no IP68 fan. Since fans are an extra help for lowering the temperature, you have to see a product’s cooling fins as well. This category oil cooler features 6 – 10 cooling rows, enough for lowering the temperature of Harley Davidson’s engine.

$300 +

While the items that lie in this category are the top-notch oil cooler. Such models have dual fans with 10+ cooling fins. Some products in this area also feature an aluminum body, which makes them lightweight. If you opt for this high price oil cooler, you’ll experience super quick oil heat release.

FAQs

Do I need an oil cooler on my Harley?

Yes, you do. An oil cooler saves your Harley’s engine from overheating. A high-temperature oil could damage your motorcycle’s engine as well as affect its performance. If you’re living in a hot area where the temperature is high most of the time in a year, using an oil cooler is not a choice – it’s mandatory.

Another reason for using an oil cooler on your Harley is the peace of mind you’ll have during a long ride. On highways, where no mechanic is found for miles, you don’t have to worry about the engine’s overheating. Because the cooler will take care of it. And you enjoy your journey.

How do I keep my Harley engine cool?

By installing an oil cooler. In this system, a hose takes heated oil to the filter where it becomes clean. Then the oil passes through several rows where it comes in with a fast airflow. This cool air takes away high energy from the oil and leaves behind warm oil, fit for your engine.

For keeping your Harley’s engine cool, have a regular check-up on your engine oil. Because low engine oil is another cause of overheating. Maintain the oil level as recommended by the manual. Plus avoid stop-and-go traffic. This also heats your engine as the temperature rises in such areas.

What does a motorcycle oil cooler do?

As the name says an oil cooler cools down your motorcycle’s oil. You see, when you’re riding for hours without stopping, your bike’s engine becomes heated. Which then heats the oil. If this process goes on without heat dissipation, the engine will get overheated and could lose its performance.

Therefore, it’s essential to find a way to release this heat produced. For that reason, an oil cooler is installed in motorcycles. It carries off heated oil through pipes from the engine and exposes it to cool air. The air then reduces the oil’s temperature and sends back cool oil to the engine where it is heated again. Then the engine sends the oil again to the cooler.

How do you know if your oil cooler is bad?

1. Low Performance

As an oil cooler helps the engine lower its temperature, you’ll experience the opposite if the model you’ve installed in your vehicle is of bad quality. It won’t perform at its peak potential and will show no acceleration. Your car’s dashboard may indicate engine overheating.

2. Oil Leakage

This is another reason for an oil cooler failure. If oil is leaking from the hoses, fins, or any part of the cooler, the dashboard will indicate a low engine oil sign. If the oil gets leaked from the engine to the combustion chamber, a thick, back smoke will be coming out of the exhaust pipe.

Is an oil cooler worth it?

Oil cooler helps your motorcycle’s engine work effectively. It cools down the hot oil in the engine. An oil cooler is not necessary for every vehicle. But if it seems like your motorcycle is getting heated a lot and it discomforts you, you should install one on your bike. If your daily commute is in stop-and-go traffic and you live in a hot climate, this cooler is a must.

Because if you buy an oil cooler that costs a few hundred bucks, it will save you thousands of dollars. The heated oil in the engine without getting cold could damage the engine. Which is more of a headache than installing an oil cooler.

Will the oil cooler help overheating?

Yes. When the oil in your vehicle’s engine gets overheated, the adapter takes this heated oil to the oil cooler. Which exposes the oil to the airflow. While you’re riding, this fast-moving air takes away all the heat from the oil. This process becomes quicker when the oil cooler is assisted by a fan. The dual IP68 fan is a plus.

Once the cooler reduces the temperature, it then sends cool oil to the engine. Where it catches heat from the engine again. And take it to the cooler again. This way the engine is not getting hot. And the cooler helps to reduce overheating.

Can you drive without an oil cooler?

You can drive without an oil cooler. But it’s essential to install it as soon as possible. If you’re driving in hot weather and high traffic roads, driving without an oil cooler is not recommended. Because you’ll be damaging your car’s engine. Driving without an oil cooler also depends on the type of car you have.

Riding a bike without an oil cooler is not as risky as a car. A motorcycle’s engine is more in contact with the airflow than other vehicles. It loses heat faster than the engine surrounded by other parts. This concludes that riding a Harley without an oil cooler is fine. But overall, it’s recommended to install an oil cooler. So that your engine doesn’t get hot.

Can I bypass my oil cooler?

In general, you cannot bypass an oil cooler. If it’s factory-installed on your motorcycle, this means your bike’s engine is getting heated. And it requires the cooler to reduce the temperature of the engine’s oil so of the engine. If the weather around you is hot, you should not bypass the oil cooler.

In some cases, if it’s leaking and you want to replace it, then you can surely bypass it. Bear in mind, to install a new one as soon as possible. Your car’s engine will be getting heated without any source to cool it down.

What size oil cooler do I need?

Choosing the right size oil cooler depends on your vehicle type, the space available for the fitment, and the oil temperature. Bear in mind, not to pick a small oil cooler because that may drop the oil pressure. Most cooler sizes range from -8 AN to -10 AN.

You can consult your car’s manual for choosing the right size oil cooler. However, if you got a Harley Davidson, pick the one from the oil cooler’s list mentioned above. Check the compatibility as well whether it fits your Harley. Not every oil cooler is perfect for all types of Harleys.

What are the benefits of an oil cooler?

Installing an oil cooler into your vehicle will help the engine work effectively. It gets heated while working for hours. So it needs to get to normal temperature. The oil in the engine also gets hot. So if you cool down the oil temperature, it will be handy for the engine to lose heat.

Because the low-temperature oil will absorb heat from the engine and the oil will release the heat with the help of an oil cooler. The oil cooler also helps maintain the oil pressure. Your engine will last longer and will work efficiently if you install a proper size oil cooler.

Does an oil cooler reduce oil pressure?

No, an oil cooler does not reduce the oil pressure as far as you’re using the right size oil cooler. But if you use an oil cooler suggested by your vehicle’s manual, it will maintain the pressure. Using a very small oil cooler could cause pressure lowering.

If it causes an oil pressure drop, that’s no more than 2 – 3 psi. And that’s not a big deal. Because the oil is traveling through the tube, which could cause the pressure drop.

Can an oil cooler be repaired?

Yes, you can repair an oil cooler if the defect is not so big. If the leak in the fin is small enough that you think it could be filled by welding, you should go for a repair rather than buying a new one. If the assisted fan isn’t working, you can replace it with a new IP68 fan as well.

But if the leak seems big enough that cannot be repaired with welding, it’s recommended to purchase a new oil cooler. Say, you’ve repaired the old oil cooler, and you saw your engine is getting hot and the oil is not losing heat, the repairing didn’t work. You should opt for buying a new one.

What causes an oil cooler to leak?

An oil cooler gets leaked by bad connections as well. Since it involves a lot of work, if the installation is not done properly, it could cause an oil leak later. So the best way to avoid oil leaks is to install the cooler by a professional in the first place.

Another reason that could cause an oil cooler to leak is gasket failure. An oil cooler gasket may fail with time. Check them as well. Bad wiring and loose seals can also be a reason behind oil leaks.

Is an oil cooler a radiator?

An oil cooler and a radiator help with reducing the temperature of an engine. They both work the same way. They take heated oil from the engine and expose them to the air to lose the heat. And then send back the low-heated oil to the engine.

Radiators are bigger than oil coolers. And they’re factory-installed. But an oil cooler could be placed later as well. You can drive without an oil cooler but not a radiator. If a radiator could not lower the temperature enough as needed, then an oil cooler is installed to work with the radiator to reduce the engine’s temperature.

Do oil coolers add horsepower?

Oil coolers do not add horsepower to the engine. They just reduce the temperature of the heated oil inside your vehicle’s engine. An oil cooler only helps the engine to do effective and efficient work.
Will the oil cooler lower engine temp?

Of course, an oil cooler lowers the engine’s temperature. Just like a radiator reduces the engine’s temperature, an oil cooler also does the same. It reduces the engine’s temperature by releasing the oil’s heat. When oil loses its heat, it takes more heat from the engine and then again releases that heat to the airflow. This way an engine also loses heat and gets cold.

Which way do you mount an oil cooler?

First, this depends on the oil cooler as well. Some are made for vertical mounting and some for horizontal. You should mount for which way it’s designed. You need to look at your vehicle’s manual for locating the mounting position.

If you got a Harley Davidson, they feature both ways of mounting depending on the model. So here you should also consult the manual.

Conclusion:

You have explored the best oil cooler for your Harley Davidson in this post. To conclude the article, we’ll give you a hint for the best product on the list. And that’s the SMT oil cooler. It has its own name and brand that stands out among the crowd.

You will experience super-rapid engine cooling with this item because of its dual fans. They produce 220 CFM airflow. There’s no need for fans when the ten cooling fins can reduce the temperature of the oil.

That’s right. The oil cooler has ten cooling rows for maximum heat release. If you want the best of the list, the SMT oil cooler has no competitor in the market.

Also Read:

The 3 Best Oil for Harley Davidson 103

Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API