Triumphrat

Chaosthry · 02-05-2010, 02:24 PM

There's probably already a thread out there on this topic (I know there is on oil), but, forgive me because I couldn't readily find it. What type of fluid do you guys recommend putting in the transmission? The reason that I ask is that I have heard mention of using ATF, but, I never quite followed the logic as to why. I welcome any technical insights/experience.

GrandPaulZ · 02-05-2010, 10:38 PM

NO!

Triumph transmissions require heavy grade gear oil, NOT ATF!!!

Checek the specs for your bike. the big twins do well on 80/140 Hypoy here in the south.

Chaosthry · 02-08-2010, 11:07 AM

That's kind of what I had figured. Triumph calls out SAE 50 in the manual, but, someone had mentioned to me that people use ATF. I couldn't imagine that this would be the case given the differences in viscosity between the two fluids (not to mention the additives in ATF) so that's why I consulted the wisdom of the Forum. Thanks for the confirmation Paul, I appreciate it.

GrandPaulZ · 02-08-2010, 11:10 AM

The suggestion of ATF is often used for the PRIMARY CHAINCASE (clutch), and is a positive one.

GABMA · 02-24-2010, 01:35 PM

It's a problem of the English language.

In Britain, a "transmission" is the primary drive case and clutch. The box with all the gears is what they call a "gearbox".

The clutch and primary drive chain was originally speced to run 20W oil. ATF is a much better lubricant for the 21 century.

The gearbox was originally speced to run 50W motor oil, but that was well before "gear oil" was invented. It's best to run plain-Jane 80/90W gear oil in all Triumph gearboxes up to 1980. Don't get fancy and buy the expensive stuff... just the inexpensive WalMart gear oil does the best.

kevdan · 03-16-2010, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GABMA

It's a problem of the English language.

In Britain, a "transmission" is the primary drive case and clutch. The box with all the gears is what they call a "gearbox".

The clutch and primary drive chain was originally speced to run 20W oil. ATF is a much better lubricant for the 21 century.

The gearbox was originally speced to run 50W motor oil, but that was well before "gear oil" was invented. It's best to run plain-Jane 80/90W gear oil in all Triumph gearboxes up to 1980. Don't get fancy and buy the expensive stuff... just the inexpensive WalMart gear oil does the best.

So, if I am reading this correct.... ATF, is ok in the pre 1970 bike chain case/clutch side.. The web sight in your thread also said ATF is a good thing. I do know the OLD schoolers are still saying,,, "Use what they did 40 years ago".

epynt1050 · 03-16-2010, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevdan

"Use what they did 40 years ago".

40 yrs ago the following was the norm in the UK

Engine - 20w/50 (The new "wonder" oil) probably Castrol or Duckhams.

Primary Case - as above

Gearbox -EP90 if you were "modern" or SAE50 if traditionalist (read "mean")

As for ATF, automatics were very rare in UK so no one would have known what was meant or where to get it.

jimballard · 03-17-2010, 05:34 PM

One thing to remember: the Castrol (and probably all of the other oils) of 40 years ago, are NOT the same ones today. They are geared towards modern auto motors, now. Best to go with a motorcycle specific oil that's geared towards older air-cooled engines. I'm using Torco 20-50, but there are others as well. I also use 20W in the primary case.

"Of course, that's just my opinion..........I could be wrong!" (Dennis Miller): Jim

GABMA · 03-17-2010, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevdan

I do know the OLD schoolers are still saying,,, "Use what they did 40 years ago".

Uh, don't know where your "old schoolers" were, but I've been installing ATF in primary drives since 1966.

Webby · 03-18-2010, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GABMA

Uh, don't know where your "old schoolers" were, but I've been installing ATF in primary drives since 1966.

Hi GAMBA,
You would struggle to find ATF in the UK in 66, even today probably something like 80% of all the cars on the road are manual shift, back then I would guess it would have been nearer 95%

Webby