Synthetic in my Honda Foreman

hudr · Jun 28, 2006

Ok, I ran synthetic oil in a bike I had before and within a month I was replacing the clutch pack (wet clutch). Repairman at the local Honda shop blamed the synth oil. Now, I have a Honda Foreman and I know the synth would be better for the engine but I don't want to burn up the clutch. Any thoughts, comments either way? This ATV is a tool on the farm. I don't submerge it or mud it so I am not worried about the costs of an emergency oil change on the uphill side of some mudpit. I am just concerned about the effects of the synth on the clutch pack.
Thanks

Newblue · Jun 30, 2006

A month ago I purchased a Yamaha Raptor and it states in the owners manual not to use an oil that is better quality than what it comes with. The dealer said that a premium synthetic oil would be too slippery for the manual clutch.

Mike

1bush2hog · Jun 30, 2006

Newblue said:
A month ago I purchased a Yamaha Raptor and it states in the owners manual not to use an oil that is better quality than what it comes with. The dealer said that a premium synthetic oil would be too slippery for the manual clutch.

I was told the same thing by Yamaha delaer for my Grizzly - no synthetic as it may be too slipery for the auto clutch on it.

tractorsanmore · Jun 30, 2006

I have a yamaha kodiak , I've had castrol syn. in it for several years , no problems so far ..........knock on wood

goodoleboy · Jul 1, 2006

Since the clutch and engine share the same oil. The "MOLY" in the oil is what causes the clutch to slip or so im told. Ive read it amny times on ATV forums.

I do use regular 10w-40 but it does not contain moly or it has not cuased any problems so far. Supertech $1.20 a quart.

hudr · Jul 3, 2006

Found the answer to my own question: Apparently the "friction modifiers" in some oils are what trashes wet clutches. Shell Rotella 5w40 synthetic has none of these (according to their website) so it should be safe for a wet clutch. This was buried in their own forum/faq section.
Thanks for all the replies.

kenmac · Jul 12, 2006

Check the amsoil web site. Amsoil has an ATV synthetic oil that is compatible with a wet clutch. I run this in both of my polaris' & have sold it to others in our ATV club.