Primary Fluid with Energy One clutch
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 692
Likes: 63
From: Ontario, Canada
Primary Fluid with Energy One clutch
I ordered a new extra plate heavier spring Energy One clutch. I was wondering what fluids you are using with the clutch? I have been using Amsoil primary oil. I know it says not to use synthetic on the website, and I'm just wondering if guys have had any issues with ATF, or if using synthetic have you noticed any slipping? The Amsoil primary meets JASO MA/MA2 specs.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 377
From: Georgia
I run an E1 extra plate kevlar clutch with their heavy duty spring. They reccomend using HD Formula +. That's what I put in and its been performing well.
You can obviously try/run what you want but I don't understand why you would want to run something they specifically reccomend against.
You can obviously try/run what you want but I don't understand why you would want to run something they specifically reccomend against.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 692
Likes: 63
From: Ontario, Canada
I know they recommend ATF or any non synthetic fluid, but I ride my bike hard and have never had a compensator failure. They are also recommending what is best for the clutch, not necessarily what is best for the rest of the primary drive.
I have no issues using ATF, or non synthetic fluid, I'm just asking if anyone has used it, or had a problem using ATF.
I have no issues using ATF, or non synthetic fluid, I'm just asking if anyone has used it, or had a problem using ATF.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,896
From: Oklahoma
I used ATF in an 08 Road King after replacing the original compensator with the first model SE compensator and the comp got noisy on a trip. Went back to 20-50 engine oil and it quieted down for a long time. It got noisy again after about 70,000 on it so I replaced it with the latest and greatest Harley comp. On removal of the old comp the source of the noise was obvious, the the splines on the outside of the crank shaft extender piece were worn about half way through making slop between the comp and the crankshaft extension. I have no way of knowing if that started with the ATF or was just normal wear on the SE comp before it was redesigned to provide better oiling of the hub area. ATF has some popularity with OWNERS but Harley recommends engine oil or its Primary lube. When you use an after market clutch it is difficult to resolve the difference between what the clutch supplier recommends vs what Harley recommends for the rest of the primary. Personally, I would stay with engine oil or the Harley primary lube. ATF provides great clutch operating characteristics but I don't know how well it handles chain and gear lubrication. Certainly, there are lots of gears in automatic transmissions, but they are not subject to the constant shock loading provided by the big twin engines.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
I replaced my Sportster clutch with Energy One and they recommended type F ATF. I quizzed them why, and what I got was the Syn 3 (and other synthetics) have additives to make them "slippery". They do not have anything to help and maintain clutch plate friction. The ATF, if you think about it, works in and around gears, shafts, bearings, and clutch plates. So, to me, the argument that ATF is not good for a standard trans falls on deaf ears. Energy One said they had complaints about slipping clutches from those using Syn 3.... so they recommend ATF or the Formula +. The key to this whole mess is to use something that has an additive or is designed to be used with clutch. You be pretty pissed if your brand new clutch slipped and you were using the wrong oil!!!
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 692
Likes: 63
From: Ontario, Canada
Hi Spartanden, (nice colour bike btw) I agree, and I have read a lot about different fluids, and of course the oil and tire opinions have gone on forever. According to Amsoil the primary fluid actually prevents clutch slip. I was hoping someone would have used it with the Energy One clutch and could chime in on it's performance. I may just use conventional motor oil that is JASO certified.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 565
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From: Calgary, Alberta
2007 Ram with Cummins 5.9. Just a hint over 500hp and just over 800ft/lbs torque. 6 speed manual trans and manual transfer case. Both the transmission and transfer case call for ATF. That's 100% gears, chains and large bearings. The point is that obviously ATF is okay for gears chains and big bearings, and I like the clutch feel.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,630
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From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
12 CVO Roadglide, built 120R, Barnett clutch. Barnett recommends ATF. I've had ATF in for approx 20K miles, with 4 changes, (every 5K).
original comp,
no issues, no slipping, no worries.
120R is pushing 140s tq.
ATF works in primary. You may want to change more frequently.
original comp,
no issues, no slipping, no worries.
120R is pushing 140s tq.
ATF works in primary. You may want to change more frequently.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 692
Likes: 63
From: Ontario, Canada
Ok thanks guys. I contacted Energy One and got a response from Kent. He said they have had very good luck with the Amsoil primary fluid and it is safe to use with their clutch.