I drained out the Kawasaki 20W-50oil this weekend and put in Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40. The 20W-50 seemed too thick for this small engine and I think it at least partly to blame for my cold clutch problems (lurching forward on the first gear selection after startup). The morning clutch issue seems to be a little better, but now I'm getting a metallic engine noise when cruising at aroundat 5k-6K rpmthat I didn't hear with the 20W-50. Is this hurting anything? I probably need a valve adjustment, but was wondering if anyone else has experienced this with Mobil1.

Thanks

 

what you are hearing is probably the normal engine noise that was muffled by the thick oil before.

 

i hade the lurch at first start up. when was your last cable adjustment? it might be time!

 

I've never seen Mobil-1 "cause" a mechanical part failure. (Cold clutch grab is fairly common, in my opinion.)

 

Actually, I've replaced nearly the entire clutch. Steels and fibers, cable and even the lever assembly are all brand new. It's adjusted correctly. It only does it once whencold, then behaves the rest of the day.It is alittle less harsh with the Mobil1 in it and downshifts are a lot less labored. Other than some valvetrain noise, I'm glad I switched. I also SEEM to have better power and response between 6K - 11K. That 20w-50 was like syrup.

 

yeah i'd expect those changed even just fromt he oil weight change

 

The clutch sticking a little in the morninig is usuallydue to "viscous friction" and sometimes if the bikes sits for a while, especially with a petroleum oil, the plates will stick slightly.

Don't worry about the noise, the MX 4 T is a very good oil.

See it in these tests www.bestoil4you.com/files/g2156MCoilStudy.pdf Performed by Several of the Top Testing Facilities in the US


Doc

 

Is this metallic noise an indicator that I may need a valve adjustment? I have no idea (or reason to believe) if one's ever been done.

 

never hurts to check your valves for the proper adjustment. some people say to do it every other oil change (which i think is rediculous)

 

hmm, at least not after oil change