Hitchcocks Forum

Just changed the clutch casing oil from 10/40 to ATF. I have been told this is fine but it goes against the grain because it is so thin. Any comments anyone?

Hello WALLACE----------- please don't make the "urban mistake" of judging a book by its'cover--------or in this case an oil by it's ambient condition. It's what it does when in use that's the important thing. ATF fluids are are a group of light weight, high anti-shear oils with anti-scuff additives etc designed primarily for use in fluid flywheels and, more specifically, in TORQUE CONVERTERS for automatic transmissions. They just so-happen to fit-in nicely with the requirements of telescopic forks and primary drives. Most oils when "at work" usually have a consistency similar to water !! Check-out your eng. oil next time you do a proper oil & filter change ie straight from a hot run----see what I mean ?? If it helps all my bikes--Enfields, big Honda, mopeds, use ATF in the appropriate places--(Hondas' are a wet sump/gearbox unit).

Hi Wallace,
I have used this, as recommended by Hitchcocks, for many years now and it is still working fine for me.
Regards, Chris

Hello again, matey-------------have a look at this}---------http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_ ... ----Agreed it's a bit "techno" but it gives you the idea and background.

Does it have an electic start ?, if so then seek more advice.

ATF is specified for Landrover Defender gearboxes where the conditions can be a bit more challanging than your primary drive. Trust me, it'll be fine. I can't understand the objection for electric start use, ATF will fling up to the sprag as well as any other oil.

Yes ATF is fine for electric start models, to keep the sprag well lubed I slightly over fill the primery case.
It works for me.

Wallace I have used ATF in my Norton Commando, Norton Dominator and BSA A65 primary drives and forks for many years with no problem.

Hi Wallace, ATF works for me and my Bullet. Vastly improved clutch action with no drag and greatly reduced need for primary chain adjustment would sugest all is well in there. No drips either despite the "watery" appearance of the stuff. Highly recomended. Ian

Thanks for everyone's input - much appreciated.