Rotella T versus GTX 20w50

[Scout1]

So at 2200 miles my 2007 FJR has the dreaded "sticky" clutch problem that seems to be unique to the 2007 models. The forums have been all over the place on solutions; the dealer says removing the clutch plates and soaking them in synthetic oil overnight cures it. Others have switched oil and others have bled the clutch line (it's hydraulic) or rebuilt the slave cylinder.

So after bleeding the clutch line, I decide to dump my load of Rotella T Synthetic and go back to dino. I had three qts of Castrol GTX 20w50 2005 vintage plus two qts of Castrol 20w50 4T mototcycle oil. Close enough... so in they go.

Comparing the Rotella T and the dino, the two differences I can feel are slightly more vibration on the dino plus maybe a bit sluggish. Both very slight... Clutch is performing much better, so I think I'll leave the dino in for a couple thousand miles and then switch back to the Rotella.

 

[fuel tanker man]

What about a run of Auto-RX to clean up the sticky stuff? Might work well...

 

[Scout1]

I don't know much about the Rx product... What's in it? Do you think it would be safe in a wet clutch?

Most I have talked to think the clutch is simply wearing down some rough spots in the plates, so it may not be a problem of being gummed up. I've tried some hard starts to "burn it in some" and that has improved it a bit.

It's a strange problem and very annoying... some guys have to wait 2 seconds for the clutch to release. Mine was just an instant, but it makes the ride awkward as you time the throttle release with the clutch throw on down-shifts.

 

[Lorenzo]

Sounds like a Yamaha conspiracy to make that electronic shifter thingy seem like a better option.

 

[Scout1]

I donno... sitting on top of 145 ponies, I don't think I want a computer deciding when to pull the clutch!!!