fork oil substitute-atf

donthaveakawman
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fork oil substitute-atf

19 Apr 2013 04:15

is it ok to use automatic transmission fluid for topping off my fork oil level. should I just replace the fork oil with automatic transmission fluid.
if so would type f work or should I use the dextron mercron?

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Powerstroke_fan
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Re: fork oil substitute-atf

19 Apr 2013 08:09

#583051

I would use fork oil. Its inexpensive and its got anti foaming properties and its diffrent weights.

1980 kz1000B4 LTD- 1327cc 9-1 comp
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roy-b-boy-b
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Re: fork oil substitute-atf

19 Apr 2013 08:31

#583052

I have used ATF in a bike that belonged to a heavy rider. I bought the bike and never changed out the oil and it rode alright. I would use fork oil. Roy

1979 LTD Street Fighter.1977 KZ1000

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650ed
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Re: fork oil substitute-atf

19 Apr 2013 08:37

#583053

I'll put it this way - I don't know anyone who uses fork oil in their automatic transmission.

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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donthaveakawman
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Re: fork oil substitute-atf

19 Apr 2013 08:55

#583057

It's just the matter of the silver color that is always in there, I have replaced the fork oil 2 times now.

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Kidkawie
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Re: fork oil substitute-atf

19 Apr 2013 09:11

#583062

Sounds like your bushings are failing or something broke. And you don't just "top off" suspension fluid, you replace it.

1975 Z1 900
1994 KX250 Supermoto
2004 KX125

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martin_csr
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Re: fork oil substitute-atf

19 Apr 2013 10:42

#583075

Did you disassemble &/or clean the forks w a solvent before adding the fresh fork oil?
If the seals are leaking, replace them w made in Japan.

1981 KZ650 Competition Sports and Road

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donthaveakawman
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Re: fork oil substitute-atf

19 Apr 2013 17:13

#583127

I ride in the rain quite a bit.

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The_Proletariat
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Re: fork oil substitute-atf

19 Apr 2013 21:41

#583178

My service manual specs 5W-20 motor oil as fork oil.

That being said many people use ATF with success in their forks. ATF has some powerful detergents (ever rebuild an automatic transmission? They are spotless inside) lacking in oil and can be useful to keep the forks clean.

I use ATF as fork oil for 200 miles to clean out the forks then I change to motor oil 5W-20

1982 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD

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650ed
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Re: fork oil substitute-atf

19 Apr 2013 21:45 - 19 Apr 2013 21:47

#583180

The_Proletariat wrote: My service manual specs 5W-20 motor oil as fork oil.

That being said many people use ATF with success in their forks. ATF has some powerful detergents (ever rebuild an automatic transmission? They are spotless inside) lacking in oil and can be useful to keep the forks clean.

I use ATF as fork oil for 200 miles to clean out the forks then I change to motor oil 5W-20

Wow, what manual is that (Clymer, Haynes, Chilton, Kawasaki, other?) I have never seen motor oil recommended in place of fork oil. Ed

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

Last edit: 19 Apr 2013 21:47 by 650ed.

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The_Proletariat
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Re: fork oil substitute-atf

19 Apr 2013 21:49

#583184

Kawasaki service manual.

1982 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD

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650ed
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Re: fork oil substitute-atf

19 Apr 2013 21:54

#583185

That's interesting. All 4 of my Kawasaki manuals specify fork oil, but mine are all 1980 or earlier. Ed

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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