cleaning an old chain?

  • Bicycle Lee
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cleaning an old chain?

20 Aug 2009 17:39
#315357
anyone have any recommendations for cleaning an old chain? I was thinking I could boil the thing in biodiesel which would also lubricate....
1978 KZ1000 police

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  • bountyhunter
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Re: cleaning an old chain?

20 Aug 2009 17:43 - 20 Aug 2009 17:43
#315362
If it's an all steel chain (no rubber O rings) soak it in any kind of solvent like acetone, naptha, chemdip, etc.

If it has O rings, I would stay with the milder solvent like mineral spirits or naptha.
1979 KZ-750 Twin
Last edit: 20 Aug 2009 17:43 by bountyhunter.

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  • Patton
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Re: cleaning an old chain?

20 Aug 2009 18:35 - 20 Aug 2009 18:37
#315380
WD40 works very well as a chain gunge cleaner and won't harm any bike finishes when applied while chain remains in place on the bike.

A special chain brush cleaning tool is also available, which looks pretty good, but I've never used one.

Good Luck! :)
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
Last edit: 20 Aug 2009 18:37 by Patton.

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  • nads.com
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Re: cleaning an old chain?

20 Aug 2009 22:20
#315448
I used tranny fluid and worked great. Also first you can use a wire wheel on a drill or motor. Makes it look brand new. After that I threw it away. Too heavy. Maybe the army could use it on a tank.

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  • CoreyClough
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Re: cleaning an old chain?

21 Aug 2009 05:10
#315489
[img


I use this stuff and it works great cleaning o-ring and non o-ring chains.
'85 GPz550(ZX550-A2)

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  • Patton
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Re: cleaning an old chain?

21 Aug 2009 05:24 - 21 Aug 2009 05:32
#315490
Here's a Good Article on this topic. :)

Warns against WD40.

Will next try nads.com's ATF suggestion, :cheer: or the specialty Motul cleaner. :cheer:

Good Luck! :)
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
Last edit: 21 Aug 2009 05:32 by Patton.

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  • JMKZHI
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Re: cleaning an old chain?

21 Aug 2009 06:14
#315495
Kawasaki says to use kerosene.
Diesel fuel might be suitable.

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  • mzandmz
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Re: cleaning an old chain?

21 Aug 2009 06:36
#315497
Did you notice the guy spraying that stuff all over on his rear tire. BAD IDEA. When you spray your chain on the bike, place a scrap piece of cardboard behind the chain and infront of tire, covering up the tire any place you might get spray on. NEVER get any lube or cleaner on the Tire.
New to Family, 1979 KZ440 LTD

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  • macskz1000m
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Re: cleaning an old chain?

21 Aug 2009 07:14
#315501
I have very good luck by soaking overnight in diesel scrub with toothbrush or brass brush my experience is with non o-ring good luck and happy riding
81 KZ1000 M1CSR,10,500 miles,80 Honda CT110,1,500 miles,2000 HD XLH1200,23,000 miles 99 Vette 100,000 miles coldair intake,borla exaust,predator programer.FUN,FUN,FUN.RIDE HARD,RIDE FAR,RIDE FOREVER.

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  • MentalMike
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Re: cleaning an old chain?

21 Aug 2009 07:20
#315502
mzandmz wrote:
Did you notice the guy spraying that stuff all over on his rear tire. BAD IDEA. When you spray your chain on the bike, place a scrap piece of cardboard behind the chain and infront of tire, covering up the tire any place you might get spray on. NEVER get any lube or cleaner on the Tire.


+1 on the piece of cardboard. I've been doing that for years. I'n addition to keeping the lube off your tires, why would you want to goo up your nicely polished rims?! :ohmy:
I swear to God, it's like I live in a trailer of common sense, and stare out the window at a tornado of stupidity.

1976 Kawasaki KZ900
1978 Kawasaki KZ1000A
1978 Kawasaki KZ650 C
1984 Kawasaki ZN1100 LTD
1985 Kawasaki ZX900A2 GPZ (2)
1985 Kawasaki ZL900 Eliminator
2013 Kawasaki C14 Concours

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