[Jegs87trx350]

Hey guys. I just had to share my good news. I have always used sea foam in my fuel and have had good results from doing so. But I was never sure if I could use it as an oil additive because of the wet clutch. So I called sea foam today and talked to Jim and asked him about it. He answered an unequivocal yes! So I put in 2.5 ounces as directed hoping to loosen up any sludge that might be in there because I'll be doing an oil change soon. Well imagine my surprise to feel like I'd just put a new clutch in it! I mean the difference is just amazing! It used to slip a little when you're taking off and then from each gear unless the revs were way up. It still does some but it's VERY little by comparison. I'm just amazed at the difference. Thought I'd share that with you guys. Maybe you already knew about how good it does in your oil?
I'm curious after I've had it in there for a couple days to see if I find any other improvements. I'll be sure to post about it if I do. I decided to make a new post because I want people to find out about it if they don't already.
Hope everyone is well! See ya next time!

 

[retro]

Hmm... that is very interesting!!! I wonder if the previous owner had put automotive oil in the crankcase... and if the Seafoam is now removing those friction modifiers from the clutches? A teardown inspection (with replacements on hand) after a few hundred miles would probably tell a good tale.

Thanks for posting this info! I'm going to experiment with it...!!

 

[Jegs87trx350]

I didn't want to own up to it but I was the one to put regular oil in it! It was when I first got it and the manual calls for 10w40 and (if i remember correctly) doesn't specify the JASO MA or SL rating. So yeah that was exactly what I thought had happened! I had always thought that i got away with my mistake and that it hadn't affected the clutch negatively. It wasn't till after I had made my last post that it occurred to me. Still though, WHAT a difference! My oil was still very clean before adding the sea foam so I'll be interested to see how much crap comes out when I change my oil this weekend. I swear the engine revs faster and smoother too.

 

[seadonist]

So you just added the normal Sea Foam fuel additive into your oil?


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[Jegs87trx350]

Yes 1 oz. Per quart. Worked wonders for me! I had actually forgotten that I had messed up last year and put regular automotive oil in it. It was the first thing I did upon getting it home so of course I didn't notice a difference in the clutch. It was in there for less than two days before I read what I was supposed to use!
I'll definitely post pictures and descriptions of what I find when I tear this engine down this winter. Then we'll really see how well the sea foam gets rid of carbon buildup and sludge n stuff. But I'm still amazed at the change in my clutch. Night and day, really!

 

[Jegs87trx350]

Well just an update... I just changed my oil and it was pretty black. Which is in contrast to the nice honey color it had been before adding the sea foam. I've noticed, as I've been checking the oil level, it getting darker. So the sea foam Did help get some buildup outta there! I really like the stuff and will keep using it for sure.
Beautiful day here in Maine and I just got back from a glorious ride!
Anybody else try seam foam and have any luck with it?

 

[retro]

Wow, I am surprised that there was any sludge in that motor! Someone must have put a paraffin (Pennsylvania crude) oil in it years ago. That, or it wasn't changed often enough early in its life...

You should enter your 350 in the ATV of the month contest! We need mo' bikes...!!!

 

[Jegs87trx350]

I mean it wasn't THAT black! But it was black. And I just changed it to synthetic about a month ago. I have changed the oil more than necessary but I ride a lot more than necessary!!! That and reading are my favorite things to do.
I've been waiting till I get a new phone with a better camera before I enter the contest. It'll probably be soon. Maybe even in time for this month!
I swear after changing the oil today I can feel even a little more improvement in the clutch! Hey does anyone know where I can purchase new clutches for the front diff? The one on my machine is still good but the one I bought for a backup is totally an open diff. I've looked everywhere I could think of and haven't been able to find any. Thanks!

 

[retro]

Those clutches are as rare as hens teeth! I saw one clutch disc on ebay recently and the seller wanted a small fortune for it. Just one disc... lol

Your spare diff shouldn't be open, it must be worn out?

Check your mail maybe that new phone arrived today...

 

[Jegs87trx350]

That's what I meant about the diff being open, that it is worn out. I wonder if I can jerryrig something to work? Maybe get something similar or figure out a way to make the clutches abrasive again. I'm really fine with an open diff anyway, she'll steer easier! I'll just need a winch for sure. I'm always surprised at how good this tank runs! It just goes and goes and goes. I ride it a MINIMUM of 2 hours every day and have since I got it! They really made em strong back then!

 

[retro]

I thought those clutches were obsolete, but I looked and everything is still available!

Honda ATV Parts 1987 TRX350 A DIFFERENTIAL GEAR Diagram

They were used up thru 2001 on various models. Even the cone shaped springs are for sale. The case, gears and shafts are the only parts that you can't buy. Servicing the clutch packs is not difficult either! And you got the secret juice already... LOL

 

[machinecrook]

Ever since I started using SeaFoam with my gas I don't need to start it with the choke. Previously, during the same time of year I used to have it on the choke for a solid couple minutes. Now it fires right up without the choke and idles just fine.

I'll try putting it in my oil, who knows, my 300 might become a 350 overnight!

 

[Jegs87trx350]

Wow that's great news about the clutches! Thank you for passing that along. I often wondered how many parts carried over in different machines.
So after riding quite a bit more I'm pleased to report that the clutch is continuing to get better. After I removed the oil with sea foam in it and put in the new Its better than ever! Well thanks again guys! Have a good one!

 

[Jegs87trx350]

I have a couple questions!
Firstly, the "weights" in the centrifugal clutch, do those have an abrasive on the ends where it contact's the outer drum? Like clutch material? And can they be resurfaced and or be re-constituted in another way?
And secondly I'm just curious what atv registration costs you guys in your states. Its $34 every damn year here in Maine and I know its not THAT much but it seems pricey to me! Just curious!
Thanks very much!

 

[SlammedRanger]

In ohio it costs 28.00 for the license plate, and 15.00 for tags to go on the plate. The tags are good for 3 years. Or you can go for 5 year tags but it dosnt save you any money to do so. Weirdest thing is the plates and tags arent attatched to your name. They are only issued for the vin number on the quad. So if you sell the quad they go with it. You do have to have a title to get the plate in the first place. Ohio is pretty weird haha.

 

[retro]

Yeah, the centrifugal clutch weights are lined, sort of like a brake shoe... As far as I know there are no products available to reline them, so they have to be replaced when they wear out. Generally the drum must be renewed when the weights are, because those linings wear grooves into the drum over time... new weights require a flat and smooth drum surface having no wear. Best practice is to buy them all as a matched set... which nowadays on the TRX350s means buying used parts that came off the motor together, then making sure that the drum endplay matches... or scrounging for a "like new" drum and running the best weights you can find.

In the MICHIGAN corp for an ATV off road vehicle sticker, the parasite wants fed every year of course. I forget the fee, but I think it was between $35-$40 the last time I fed them. For sleds it is worse... the parasites want a registration fee every 3 years, plus a $50 per year trail pass fee. I stay off of their designated "trails"... LOL

 

[Jegs87trx350]

So I was right in thinking we all get screwed! I really wish I could go 3 years though! That'd be sweet!
And thanks for the info regarding the weights and drum. I found one on eBay i'm gonna get. I've been buying all my parts from the same seller and so far everything has been real good. The clutch pack (the one attached to the transmission) I already bought is all well within spec so I'd imagine the centrifugal clutch will be in good shape too. I love my machine so much I hate to think that someday something is gonna break and I just won't be able to find the parts to fix it! So I'm feverishly spending all my money on things I don't even need yet! Much to the chagrin of my girl. Hahaha. I've got too many expensive hobbies... Thanks again and have a good afternoon everyone!

 

[machinecrook]

Hahaha you guys get off cheap!

For me to plate my bike to be able to cross the road (not ride on it) it costs me 80$ / year. Keep in mind this is not allowing me to go on the provincial trails..........................

We get screwed over here in Quebec

 

[Shadowed]

I thought those clutches were obsolete, but I looked and everything is still available!

Honda ATV Parts 1987 TRX350 A DIFFERENTIAL GEAR Diagram

They were used up thru 2001 on various models. Even the cone shaped springs are for sale. The case, gears and shafts are the only parts that you can't buy. Servicing the clutch packs is not difficult either! And you got the secret juice already... LOL

Here is another one I was shown last week. The prices look slightly better at quick glance but I know nothing about the company.
https://www.hondapartshouse.com/oemparts/a/hon/506babf5f870023420a2137e/differential-gear