How do you know when the Clutch in a Rubicon needs replaced?
 

I have a 01 Rubicon and it runs fine.. however whenever I come to a stop from 15 or 20 mph then take off again the bike hesitates and there is a not so good noise coming from the front of the engine... kind of sounds like gear teeth barely hitting each other...

I wasn't sure if since I was running 27" 589M/S that it may have worn down the clutch and caused it to hesitate whenever i hit the gas at first....

Any feedback is appreciated!!

Thanks all!

If it is making a ratcheting noise I would have the oil pressure tested ...

I changes the oil again and put some Valvoline ATV oil in it....

It ran and pulled out fine.... I would stop and start again and I would have no issues or noises..... however, once I rode the bike for a little while and the engine got warm, once I would stop and start it would make a grinding like noise....

I let it sit for about a half hour or so and it cooled down and then the sound was gone....

Any ideas? How does the oil cooler work? could the oil be overheating? would the oil temp sensor be a possibility?

Thanks!

Get your pressure checked, and I would not drive it till it is checked.

When oil is warmed up, it becomes less viscous (thinner) and thus will build less pressure. When cold and thick, it builds enough pressure to run right, but hot, it is thin, and causing issues in the Hondamatic.

Chad

Would running a ticker oil have a better effect?

What causes an oil pump to go bad? Do you think it can just not build up enough pressure?

Have another question... i changed my oil... and according to the manual it should take something like 5.5qts if changed with a filter......

I barely fit 5 quarts in there..... it filled it up and flowed out a little from where you pour it into....

Would it be possible I do not have enough oil in it? Am I correct is saying that the atv should take 5.5qts when changing the filter too??

Thanks again all!

I would have your oil pressure checked.

I have run mine a quart low and couldn't tell any difference in the way it ran or any noises.

I plan on getting my oil pressure checked....

And I understand how oil gets thinner as it heats up.... and you need pressure for a Rubicon to drive...

However, what I still don't get is why the engine would make a noise for a few seconds... and once you get the throttle so far the sound stops and the atv beings to go.... It seems like the pump creates enough pressure to keep the engine and transmission "shifting" once going.. however it struggles with the git up and go....

Thanks again for the input and suggestions!!

The Rubicon has a dry sump engine, so to get an accurate oil level reading it needs to run at idle (no blipping) for 4 or 5 minutes, and allowed to sit for about 2 minutes.

I don't think your issue is clutch related, but might have to do with the hydrostat unit if oil level and oil pressure check don't help.

I agree with the above. I'd get the oil pressure tested before riding the machine further.

exactly. i had the same thing happen when i bought mine new like 3 weeks ago. start the engine and let it just run at idle for 5 minutes. then shut it off and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes. then you will be able to add the last bit of oil that some people forget....