Topic: I'm installing a new clutch... why soak it in ATF??

[grumpy]

Some people say to soak in in ATF prior to installation. Why ATF?
Why not just use motor oil?

[Pecantree]

http://www.lolbrary.com/content/413/some-people-21413.jpg

[lucky]

Some people say to soak in in ATF prior to installation. Why ATF?
Why not just use motor oil?

NOT ATF, Engine oil.  Unless you want it to come all apart.

Barnett clutches specifically say to soak the friction plates in engine oil for 4 hours before installation.

[dave500]

i always used atf in two stroke transmissions,when you change the hot engine oil soak the plates in that.

[grumpy]

Right-o

No ATF. Motor oil it is.
I have a bit of Mobil 1 left over from my car. I'll use that. 


















Step away from the keyboard. I'M KIDDING!!!!! 

 

[NewOldSchool]

Right-o

No ATF. Motor oil it is.
I have a bit of Mobil 1 left over from my car. I'll use that. 


















Step away from the keyboard. I'M KIDDING!!!!! 

 

DO NOT use car oil for a clutch. That is THE LAST thing you should soak your clutch in. It has friction modifiers that will make a clutch slip. Just use the oil you use in your motorcycle. Why would you buy a clutch and then cheap out for the price of a quart of oil?

[MCRider]

A quick google search indicates there is a credible school of thought that says use ATF.

If someone posts that ATF will make the plates come apart they should relate their personal experience or other proof. Otherwise it should be qualified as an opinion and not as a matter of fact.

IMO

I did a Google search on Barnett Instructions and was totally frustrated. Some say soak in oil, some say soak in ATF, some say soak in the fluid that they will run in (oil for Japs, ATF for Harley's, Trumpets, things with primary cases using ATF, etc) and some say don't soak at all as the plates were made to run wet or dry.

So, you're on your own. Personally, I'd rub a little MC motor oil on them and slap them in. Personal first hand experience. Worked for me.

[LesterPiglet]

To be honest I replaced my clutch plates. Shock, didn't do anything except put them where they should go. Bike hasn't exploded. Clutch works. Had heavy duty springs installed and removed after 40 miles. Duh. I'm ok. thanks.

[CycleRanger]

The real secret of the old timers is to use bear grease.

Seriously though the only reason I could see ATF being an issue is some types/brands contain detergents.

[LesterPiglet]

You learn and you learn.

[grumpy]

Had heavy duty springs installed and removed after 40 miles. Duh. I'm ok. thanks.

So the HD springs didn't work for you??

[LesterPiglet]

Sore hand. Standard springs are fine.

[killersoundz]

Yeah I think my bike has HD springs in the clutch. Didn't check for sure but boy my clutch feels like a beast. It's adjusted properly too. What I do to help is loosen my clutch lever up to the point where I can pull it all the way in to the grip, it takes the pressure off your hand so much. I let my buddy ride it and he instantly stalled it the first time because I have it adjusted that way, it grabs a lot sooner than the way most ppl adjust the clutch. There's like an inch of slop on the lever. Works for me though and doesn't kill my hand as much.


Motor oil. The friction modifier thing I do believe in, however I've been running the walmart brand "supertech" oil in my bike. I've read it's so cheap it's just basic oil and does not have these friction modifiers in it. I have not experienced any problems whatsoever with it. 20w50. I have changed it 3 times in about 1000 miles so far, mostly since it's a fresh engine rebuild. And most recently because I believe I overheated it and 'cooked' it. Seems to be breaking down on me. But not really that particular oils fault, just the heat.