fork oil substitute-atf

  • donthaveakawman
  • Topic Author
  • Visitor
19 Apr 2013 04:15 #583049 by donthaveakawman
fork oil substitute-atf was created by donthaveakawman
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?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
19 Apr 2013 08:09 #583051 by Powerstroke_fan
Replied by Powerstroke_fan on topic fork oil substitute-atf
I would use fork oil. Its inexpensive and its got anti foaming properties and its diffrent weights.
1980 kz1000B4 LTD- 1327cc 9-1 comp
Ported J model head
Psp-3x cams
RS 36s
Welded MK11 crank
Back-cut MK11 trans
MTC 2 stage lock up
Stretched 4-6 over running Hayabusa rear rim with 190 rear tire
Complete frame brace kit installed
And Much Much more- SOLD

2014- ZX14R all stock for now

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
19 Apr 2013 08:31 #583052 by roy-b-boy-b
Replied by roy-b-boy-b on topic fork oil substitute-atf
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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
19 Apr 2013 08:37 #583053 by 650ed
Replied by 650ed on topic fork oil substitute-atf
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)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • donthaveakawman
  • Topic Author
  • Visitor
19 Apr 2013 08:55 #583057 by donthaveakawman
Replied by donthaveakawman on topic fork oil substitute-atf
It's just the matter of the silver color that is always in there, I have replaced the fork oil 2 times now.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
19 Apr 2013 09:11 #583062 by Kidkawie
Replied by Kidkawie on topic fork oil substitute-atf
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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
19 Apr 2013 10:42 #583075 by martin_csr
Replied by martin_csr on topic fork oil substitute-atf
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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • donthaveakawman
  • Topic Author
  • Visitor
19 Apr 2013 17:13 #583127 by donthaveakawman
Replied by donthaveakawman on topic fork oil substitute-atf
I ride in the rain quite a bit.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • The_Proletariat
  • Offline
  • User
  • "Cocaine is a hell of a drug"
More
19 Apr 2013 21:41 #583178 by The_Proletariat
Replied by The_Proletariat on topic fork oil substitute-atf
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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
19 Apr 2013 21:45 - 19 Apr 2013 21:47 #583180 by 650ed
Replied by 650ed on topic fork oil substitute-atf

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.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • The_Proletariat
  • Offline
  • User
  • "Cocaine is a hell of a drug"
More
19 Apr 2013 21:49 #583184 by The_Proletariat
Replied by The_Proletariat on topic fork oil substitute-atf
Kawasaki service manual.
1982 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
19 Apr 2013 21:54 #583185 by 650ed
Replied by 650ed on topic fork oil substitute-atf
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)

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Powered by Kunena Forum

Forum Links