[KOUNTRYQUADS]

So i have a 2007 honda rancher 420 es that ive owned sense it had 200 miles now has 1200. Its always had a 1-2 and 2-3 shifting delay cause the clutches are so called sticky. Ive been running 10w-40 castrol full synthetic. It improved it to the smallest extent but would oem conventional Honda oil or any other brand of oil help my situation? I think i should run 10w-30 this time cause that's what the manual calls for. I am not looking to deg laze my clutches cause that's too complicated for me.

 

[retro]

You might replace the discs with an EBC brand clutch kit. Other than full replacement, I don't think you'll be able to solve the sticking problem. Let us know if you find something else that works.

 

[SamUK]

You could try flushing with diesel, if I were to take this approach I’d jack the ATV up and let the clutches soak for a while and shift through the gears. Other than that it would be a replacement job.

 

[wheelsquad]

Is it possible what you think is a symptom of a sticky clutch is actually an ES system that needs some TLC? @retro had a great thread on ES system maintenance with pics and all the proper greases, can't find that exact thread at the moment though. Even if that doesn't fix your shift delay, would be good to do anyway.

Edit: posts #43 & #45 here: https://www.hondaatvforums.net/foru...y/117193-creamsicle-orange-5.html#post1151201

 

[KOUNTRYQUADS]

Is it possible what you think is a symptom of a sticky clutch is actually an ES system that needs some TLC? @retro had a great thread on ES system maintenance with pics and all the proper greases, can't find that exact thread at the moment though. Even if that doesn't fix your shift delay, would be good to do anyway.

Edit: posts #43 & #45 here: https://www.hondaatvforums.net/foru...y/117193-creamsicle-orange-5.html#post1151201

I did do all that he recommended and on another thread i had going we narrowed it down to sticky clutches from sitting so long. Could anyone tell me at least what the best weight oil to use? the manual says 10w-30. So it would probably be better to run synthetic that normal Honda oil right? i know it wont fix my problem just looking for opinions

 

[wheelsquad]

Is it possible what you think is a symptom of a sticky clutch is actually an ES system that needs some TLC? @retro had a great thread on ES system maintenance with pics and all the proper greases, can't find that exact thread at the moment though. Even if that doesn't fix your shift delay, would be good to do anyway.

Edit: posts #43 & #45 here: https://www.hondaatvforums.net/foru...y/117193-creamsicle-orange-5.html#post1151201

I did do all that he recommended and on another thread i had going we narrowed it down to sticky clutches from sitting so long. Could anyone tell me at least what the best weight oil to use? the manual says 10w-30. So it would probably be better to run synthetic that normal Honda oil right? i know it wont fix my problem just looking for opinions

Ok, thanks for confirming.

If I was thinking sticking was the problem, I'd try a thinner synthetic like this one to see if it helps: https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/motor-oil/atv-and-utv/formula-4-stroke-powersports-0w-40/

Do you have a link to your prior thread. Any pics of the clutch components if you ended up disassembling any of it.

I've never seen a Honda utility ATV shift clutch basket get notched out like happens after a season on an MX bike, but the components are similar enough that I suppose it could happen. Notches on the basket teeth become very noticeable in the actuation.

Edit: I should have read your above post better, is sticky from sitting so long was the conclusion before. Clutch discs aren't that expensive or hard to replace, and I highly doubt any oil would really change it if that's the problem.

 

[KOUNTRYQUADS]

Is it possible what you think is a symptom of a sticky clutch is actually an ES system that needs some TLC? @retro had a great thread on ES system maintenance with pics and all the proper greases, can't find that exact thread at the moment though. Even if that doesn't fix your shift delay, would be good to do anyway.

Edit: posts #43 & #45 here: https://www.hondaatvforums.net/foru...y/117193-creamsicle-orange-5.html#post1151201

I did do all that he recommended and on another thread i had going we narrowed it down to sticky clutches from sitting so long. Could anyone tell me at least what the best weight oil to use? the manual says 10w-30. So it would probably be better to run synthetic that normal Honda oil right? i know it wont fix my problem just looking for opinions

Ok, thanks for confirming.

If I was thinking sticking was the problem, I'd try a thinner synthetic like this one to see if it helps: https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/motor-oil/atv-and-utv/formula-4-stroke-powersports-0w-40/

Do you have a link to your prior thread. Any pics of the clutch components if you ended up disassembling any of it.

I've never seen a Honda utility ATV shift clutch basket get notched out like happens after a season on an MX bike, but the components are similar enough that I suppose it could happen. Notches on the basket teeth become very noticeable in the actuation.

Edit: I should have read your above post better, is sticky from sitting so long was the conclusion before. Clutch discs aren't that expensive or hard to replace, and I highly doubt any oil would really change it if that's the problem.

OK ill look into that. I didn't have any pictures and i couldn't seem to find the link to the previous thread.

 

[fishfiles]

If you do decide to replace the clutch friction plates , then soak them in oil for a couple of days before installing and when you stack them in the oil , put a couple of tooth picks between the disc so oil can get in , if they are stacked up against one another it doesn't get in as good

 

[LedFTed]

i dont understand what is sticky clutch in relation to es, clutch? i do understand, when you take to a place, an they say, your clutch is going to start slipping, if you use this, oil. an so it does, till you discover your clutch adjustment has been tinkered with. clay dirt dont come off the adjustment, least someone was messing with it, an its shiny now, not to mention, the wrong socket was used, an it barked the outside of the adjustment nut.

 

[retro]

This is one of those issues where I've got to see it happening with my own eyes before I'm willing to believe it. But you say the clutch is sticking... So the only fix for that condition would be replacement. You can buy an EBC frictions kit for your Rancher that differs from stock in clutch facing material. I'd try that next because those kits are fairly cheap. The EBC frictions are made from a cork and paper blend, versus the stock 420 frictions being 100% paper. Let them soak in JASO MA motor oil for quite a while (10 minutes minimum, each disc) before you swap them in. If you find any frictions that have been wearing/biting in/leaving grooves on the aluminum clutch drum, then the drum will need to be replaced too. You'll need to check each steel disc for flatness (or replace them) and look for hot spots. If you see anything throw them all away.

I don't feel like a motor oil change will have any affect on the clutch, good or bad.

I'm interested in your findings though. Let us know how you solve the problem if you can.

 

[alloutdoors]

Could anyone tell me at least what the best weight oil to use? the manual says 10w-30. So it would probably be better to run synthetic that normal Honda oil right? i know it wont fix my problem just looking for opinions

Personally, I would stop by a local Honda dealer and get GN4.

 

[alloutdoors]

I may have overlooked it, but have you tried adjusting the clutch?

 

[two4spooky]

FWIW I have used Honda GN4, Shell Rotella T4 15w40/T6 5w40 and Valvoline Motorcycle full synthetic 10w40 in a manual foot shift Rubicon. Each shifted a little but noticeably different. Not only the fresh just changed oil improvement but through out the OCI. I like the shifting of the Valvoline best so far; least effort, smoothest clutch engagement and quietest. You may want to try the Valvoline full synthetic or maybe Honda's synthetic HP4S 10w30. PS - I am not an expert and don't claim to be. This is my first 4wheeler in ~20 years and first auto clutched machine in 30+ years. I'm coming from street bike and dirt bike riding. *I would make sure the clutch adjusting screw w/ nut is set correctly first and foremost if your machine has one.