Starter clutch miracle

[Guest]

Even though this is not a Suzuki issue, others my find it useful:

I recently purchased a 1979 Kawasaki 400 with 867 orig miles. Getting it started was very difficult due to fouled carbs. After much cranking the starter clutch began to slip. This became a real problem, slipping about 4 out of 5 tries. I was resigned to pulling the clutch apart, but I remembered the PO told me he has used "synthetic" oil. I thought it was worth changing the oil first, even though I knew I'd have to drain it again to do the starter clutch. Well, after replacing the synthetic with Rotella 15-40, the starter clutch began IMMEDIATELY working perfectly. This may be the cure for others' starting issues; it sure is worth trying!

[Triam]

Good information. I wonder if it's a sign that the starter clutch is about to go out completely and you should replace it nonetheless.

[Rob S.]

It's a miracle! Man up and vanished like a fart in the wind!

Another reason not to use synthetic?

[Grimly]

Good information. I wonder if it's a sign that the starter clutch is about to go out completely and you should replace it nonetheless.

This, I would suspect to be true.

[qisteve]

I'll let everyone know if and when it acts up again. So far, so good.