A W.O.T. Question

[BA80]

The clutch slipped with Rotella in my SG. Valvoline 20W50 cured it.

[TopCatGr58]

So, why does this only happen when I rip on the throttle wide open versus running it quick but not wide open? No other symptoms of a slip besides a false neutral.

Note: I am running Rotella T5 15w-40. Next Spring wil be Castrol 20w-50.

Hey Guys,

A search for Rotella T5 images revealed a few that showed the API seal, and it does NOT have any friction modifiers statement in the lower half of the seal. This first image is actually T6, the second is T5 but 10-30w.





But T6 is full synthetic, T5 is Synth/Dino blend, and folks have reported slipping clutch problems when using synths! Would suggest putting some MMO or engine oil flush in the oil and run it for a few minutes working the clutch while it reaches operating temps, but NO LOAD, no riding, no hard revs or WOT while that stuff is in there. Then drain the oil/ change the filter, and refill with the castrol or your choice of DINO 20-50....again avoiding any oil that has the Friction Modifier statement in the lower half of the API seal.

T.C.

[IanDMacDonald]

Yeah, I'll try tge 20w-50 in the Spring, and if no success, I'll try the new springs.

[IanDMacDonald]

Thanks for the reaearch guys.

[IanDMacDonald]

But T5 is full synthetic.

Did you mean T6 is full synthetic? T5 is a blend dino/synthetic.

**I had a brain fart, fixed it in my post above** T.C.

[MaximPhil]

Rotella T 15w-40 is JASO MA rated, has no friction modifiers(lower half of the API circle is blank). a gallon jug of it sells for about $20.00 most places. I find it works well in my '80 special, at least as well so far as the much more expensive "motorcycle specific" oils I've used. of course, ymmv.

Hi 650Mark,
I agree however when I tried Rotella 15/40 oil consumption went up dramatically and returned to usual as soon as I used 20/50 again.
YMMV
Phil

[650mark]

what is "usual" oil consumption for your bike? how many miles on your engine?

[BA80]

Y'all wanna run Rotella go ahead...............good luck.

[DGXSER]

WEEEE, Another oil argu.......Discussion!! Its like what is your favorite beer. Every one has one, and yet they never seem to be the same.

Clutch slippage always shows in higher gears first. My old VW Bug was my first experience with it, only happened at highway speeds (55 MPH back then) in 4th gear. Funny, it was easier to replace the clutch on an F250 than on that bug. Interesting when you raise the car to move it off the engine.

Springs are pretty easy to replace, do not even need to drain the oil out. Just lean it on the side stand.

[motoman]

Hi 650Mark,
I agree however when I tried Rotella 15/40 oil consumption went up dramatically and returned to usual as soon as I used 20/50 again.
YMMV
Phil

+1!......and upper valvetrain noise increased dramaticly! Can't be good for cam lobes, or anything else that needs the 'cushion' of oil.

[MaximPhil]

what is "usual" oil consumption for your bike? how many miles on your engine?

Hi Mark, Usual for mine is about a pint for 1000 miles with 15/40 it shot up to a quart in 500 miles. settled back immediately I used 20/50 again.
Phil