Clutch slipped after oil change

[Trebek]

I changed my oil yesterday and for the first mile (uphill mostly) the clutch was slipping then grabbing then slipping some more. It was strange.

After a couple miles the clutch was normal and I went on a pretty steep ride up into the mountains (see my ride report with pics!) and the slippage thankfully was a thing of the past.

I put generic Wal-Mart 10w- 40 in the bike. Was planning on changing it out and putting 5w-30 for my next oil change. The bike only has 65 miles on it but considering how nasty my 50 mile oil looked, I'll probably change it to the thinner stuff real soon.

it is summer time and these are hard working little engines, are you sure a thinner oil is a good idea?

[Dragon]

I hope you're not using the "Energy Conserving" stuff from wally mart.

[AZ200cc]

I only use good oil, It is always cheaper than a new motor... Valvoline makes oil that is meant for wet clutches...Pay more now buy less parts later :D

[IronFist]

I was using 10/40
My gear shift was sticking, and my clutch is adjusted correctly. If I go to a thinner oil I think my gaskets will weep again. I got some 20/50 tonight and I'll give it a go tomorrow. I had to switch back to dino oil(gaskets). I'm using Canadian Tire oil for 4 stroke motorcycles. I don't think going to a heavier oil will hurt the bike too much now that it's warm out. If I don't shift better I'll dump it and try something else. $6.50 per test, no big deal.

[Trebek]

doesn't Hi-Bird recommend 5 w30 ? correct me if I'm wrong before I put this stuff in it tomorrow/

[IronFist]

I believe it's been posted that 5 w30 only come in synth and synth shouldn't be used for break in. (Kato I think..)

For myself, 5/30 sounds like snowmobile oil. Even the synth I used didn't have a 5 in it. I bet it's great if you start your bike a lot. But I'm no oil pro. I'm sure others will help you on that.

http://www.chinariders.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=4721&start=0

Here is the other oil thread that is also current. It talks about 5/30. Hope it helps.

[katoranger]

I tried 5w30 semisyn and it was fine, but the engine was noisier.

The only thing to make sure of is to watch out for the "energy conserving" label.

I use walmart oil in my jeeps for years. No problems.

Allen

[red2003]

5w30 oil is fine. Don't worry and don't believe the motorcycle oil hype designed to get you to pay Honda $10.00 a quart for their "special moto oil". 5w30 car oil is fine. You will need to change it out often as it will break down quick in a bike. I have been running 30 weight oil for over 2000 miles in my Roketa. Starts easier, runs cooler and gets MUCH better mileage and has better power. Next oil change I would go to a 10w30. It will not break down as fast. I change out my oil as soon as it get dark in the sight glass. Usually less then 500 miles. Your clutch slip right after the oil change is normal. My Roketa always slips for the first 10 - 15 minutes of riding after an oil change.

[dr1445]

shell rotella 15-40w at your local wally world. i just bought a jug [1 gallon] for $9.72. it's rumored to be the good stuff for 4 strokes sharing engine and transmission oil.

[katoranger]

The shell works fine. I have been using it. I bought a case of suzuki 10w40 oil for $15 of craigslist so I will use that up next. I couldn't pass up that deal.

The 5w30 oil worked fine in my bike too.

Red is right about changing it often. I go 500-1000 miles usually and I am due right now. It is about every 3 weeks for me.

Allen

[Trebek]

thanks Red, I'm relieved to know this is normal. It only did it the first 2 miles and hasn't since. I'll switch to the 5-30 (since I got it) it's still pretty cold here. Since I'm riding here quite hard, I'm changing my oil every 50 miles until it starts running clean.

[justinkr58]

has anyone tried transmission fluid in there bikes?
that seems to have a good viscosity and lasts 20000 to 40000 in a car..

or am i an idiot

[katoranger]

Trans fluid is not designed to be a motor oil. It is more like a hydraulic fluid.

I would not put it in my bike. It does work as a fork oil.

Allen

I believe it's been posted that 5 w30 only come in synth and synth shouldn't be used for break in. (Kato I think..)

For myself, 5/30 sounds like snowmobile oil. Even the synth I used didn't have a 5 in it. I bet it's great if you start your bike a lot. But I'm no oil pro. I'm sure others will help you on that.

http://www.chinariders.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=4721&start=0

Here is the other oil thread that is also current. It talks about 5/30. Hope it helps.

The 5-30 comes in regular oil, The 5-50 is full synthetic only....

[katoranger]

I used 5w30 valvoline semi syn.

I really don't think synthetic oil is necessary for these bikes. Frequent oil changes is what is really needed. Lack of oil changes is what killed many honda xr80-100s since they don't have filters and the oil is what helps cool the bikes.

The cam surfaces on the heads fail.

Allen

[IronFist]

The 5-30 comes in regular oil, The 5-50 is full synthetic only....

Thanks Tecleose. :)

[Sidel]

My Hi-bird 200gy has a plate on the frame that recomends 5w-50. Although I looked at a few different places including a off road repair/race shop and i couldent find any. So instead i just got 10w-40.