Author Topic: Changing to different trans oil type question (Read 11565 times)

broken1 · « **on:** July 21, 2013, 04:06:51 PM »

We recently picked up an 86trx for my wife & I've been going through it to make sure everything's good. The previous owner used atf in the trans & I was wanting to change to honda 80w/85w. Will this hurt the clutch fiber's? Should I remove them & clean them real good than soak them in the honda gear oil before running the bike? Thanks in advance for any help.

fearlessfred · « **Reply #1 on:** July 21, 2013, 04:33:28 PM »

I think you can just change over and be fine.atf is more abrasive than the other oil .it keeps everything sweaky clean.lots of people run atf but I would guess there clutch life isn't as great.years ago a tranny man at a shop I worked at showed me that his hands that had no calis on them from working with tranny fluid all day

05450r · « **Reply #2 on:** July 21, 2013, 05:10:38 PM »

I switched from the red bottle to HP4. Did a good ride after switching then changed it again,all was good!

C-Leigh Racing · « **Reply #3 on:** July 21, 2013, 05:19:44 PM »

Hummm, let me see, close to 25 years using Dexron ATF in the R trans & in all those years busted one gear, wasnt from the oil though.
ATF is perfect for the fiber clutch plates & the right thickness for all of the bearings & seals. Only thing, it needs changing after every event just to have clean oil inside the trans.
Neil

WOAH, this is different, my reply is at the top

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Vootie · « **Reply #4 on:** July 21, 2013, 07:41:33 PM »

Gotta agree with Neil, been using ATF in all my 2 strokes for years, just gotta change it often because of the detergents in it, it dirties fast. Never had an issue with premature clutch wear of gear failure. I use Type F though.

C-Leigh Racing · « **Reply #5 on:** July 21, 2013, 07:54:18 PM »

Shucks, I've used Dexron ATF from the Dollar Store many times, I mean like its not going to be in there but one race weekend & then fresh at the next race.
Neil

05450r · « **Reply #6 on:** July 21, 2013, 08:12:10 PM »

My buddy was sponsored by Penzoil back in the day,he had cases of that stuff. After every TT heat he would change it..lol

Morse250r · « **Reply #7 on:** July 21, 2013, 09:23:17 PM »

I recently started running ATF in my drag bike and have no problems. I still run honda red bottle in my other r. But as stated ATF has to be changed more

broken1 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 21, 2013, 10:24:52 PM »

Thanks for all the info guys. I used to run dumonde tech(my source stopped carrying it) in my 86 & it's light weight just like atf. After reading all the replies I think I'll just put atf back in my wife's bike because I change the oil in mine after every weekend dune trip anyways so one more bike to change is no big deal. Thanks again fellas.

2strokesforever · « **Reply #9 on:** July 21, 2013, 11:26:24 PM »

I have always ran Motul Trans-oil since like 1993 with no problems.

rsss396 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 22, 2013, 07:00:59 AM »

The guys on the cr500 forum turned me on to a premium tractor fluid designed for tractors with wet clutches in their gear boxes and it has been working great.
You get 5 gallons for something like 60.00 I have used 4 gallons already in 2 years since I change mine after every trip.

Rupp250 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 22, 2013, 11:00:54 AM »

I used to work at a Transmission shop, and have rebuilt numerous trans. The 250r clutch is very similar to a automatic trans. Wet clutches, gears, bearings etc. If it works for my F250 pulling 10k with trans temps in the 220's it will work for my R for 8hrs of riding during a dune trip.

ATF is what I am talking about.

grinNbarritt · « **Reply #12 on:** July 24, 2013, 01:31:19 PM »

When I bought my CR250, first ride I just ran what kid had in the tranny cuz he said he just changed it. Clutch dragged, couldnt start it in gear...thought ok need a clutch. Wanted to ride next weekend so just tryed ATF, clutch got well,... good as new. Im sold on ATF in 2stroke trannys. Jim

rablack21 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 24, 2013, 03:42:45 PM »

I've heard of alot of people using ATF with good results, but have to change it all the time. I have been using Amsoil's Formula 4-stroke 0w-40 for several years now and it seems to work great. I started racing at the beginning of the year, and honestly, I don't have to change it that often. The oil doesn't get dirtied up or have particles in it very quickly. I have great clutch engagement and go several races and fluid still looks good. I have changed it a couple of times in the past thinking surely it should be ready to be changed by now, and empty the fluid and it still looks a light golden honey color with very little amount of particles in it. It is more expensive than ATF, but it keeps me from having to change it very often and it protects the gears very well. Just my 2 cents.

Rupp250 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 24, 2013, 04:11:03 PM »

ATF looks like it is much dirtier quicker than other oils is because it is. It has detergents in the oil which cleans gunk off of stuff which is then suspended within the oil.

Ever hear of someone adding a quart of ATF to a cars engine oil before they do an oil change? Same type of thing going on.