ATF as Gear Lube

[fraz83]

Well im trying to old atf in the gear box.. im kind of sick of spending 25bucks on a quart of oil.. im just wondering if it would be better to use the type f insted of the regular stardard aft .. i havnt taken it for a ride yet but i noticed right away that the clutch is alot more easier to pull now ..01 kx523

[454SS]

I would use type f( I have for decades).  Change often. 

[fraz83]

i wonder if i should change that out right now then.. or wait after a ride ..

[454SS]

When I started using ATF, I was told only to use type f.  Never inquired why though, sorry.

[81cr450]

I like the newer oem synthetic's , or b&m trick shift.

[fraz83]

i went for the first ride yesterday using the atf type f . it was about 20c out and i noticed the bike was really hot after about 45 min of riding.. Im trying 50/50 motul and atf type f today to see if theres a difference

[fraz83]

we will see the outcome today when i go riding again

[turdle]

something i just came across, every body.  motocross and offroad : performance hand book.  by Eric Gorr.  pg. 193 

[fraz83]

you gotta link or something like that ..

[turdle]

http://books.google.com/books?id=4MealMAQSeIC&pg=PA193&lpg=PA193&dq=kawasaki+KX+500+engine+modifications&source=bl&ots=16u6mMQvoB&sig=LwxstzRxTp5oWP6T2mbx8Kflzs0&hl=en&ei=B-EwTsXDGNPPgAeYyd3-DA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CFIQ6AEwCDgK#v=onepage&q&f=false

[alward25]

That link has some good basic info.  They talk about using ATF for better clutch engagement but,  if 3rd gear is weak I would rather run a oil that would better hold up and protect the shift forks and gears better if that is the weak link in the tranny. 

[turdle]

the gear is not weak,  they said it wears quicker because its used the most and takes the hardest hit from the  brutal k5

[454SS]

Wouldn't the 3rd gear wear depend on where and how you ride?  East coast enduros would wear that gear less than a west coast desert rider for example. 

[turdle]

you are right 454SS.  EGorr is probably refer to his trannies, and his  type of riding. like your user name, do you own one, what year, model. i had a 70 SS396 4 speed.

[454SS]

As mentioned before, we've used Type-F for many years and numerous bikes with no ill affects.  Many of these bikes were mostly race bikes that put in a 17 enduro season along with some hare scrambles and multi-day dual sports.  But the hesitance is understandable.

I have a 90 454SS truck.  Would love to have almost any year\motor configuration of a chevelle\camaro of that generation!