Q's on Oils and Such...

1> what to clean chain with instead of kerosene?
supposed to be a no-no now right?

2> what is a high-flash-point solvent these days? any
recommendations?

3> is there a benefit to any particular kind of chain
oil? what's the generic type?

I think I spend more time cleaning my chain than any other area, including the engine.
I don't have my new o-ring chain installed yet, so I'm still cleaning it with WD-40 on a rag. Works pretty good, but:
1. The chain should be warm. Clean it just after you end your ride.
2. DO NOT put the bike on the center stand, start the engine, put it in gear, and use a rag to clean the chain as it goes around. Engine off, and neutral.

If you have an o-ring chain, the you have little rubber (neoprene, I think) o-rings that help keep the oil in the chain joints. Certain solvents (including WD-40, I think) will dissolve the o-rings.

I'm lubing the chain with MAXUM Chain Wax. Goes on nice, doesn't sling off too much. It works best if you don't ride for 12 hours after applying it.... helps it to set up.

I put the chain in a bucket and let it soak in a litre of clean motor oil, sloshing it around a bit now and then. Hang it up and wipe it down with a clean rag, and leave it to drain off the excess. Cleans up quite well and lubes at the same time.

Hey Fossil,
Is your master link riveted?
How often to you do this?
Do you have an o-ring chain?

ltdrider wrote:

Hey Fossil,
Is your master link riveted?
How often to you do this?
Do you have an o-ring chain?

My master link isn't riveted so it makes it a lot easier to remove the chain. It's a DID chain, not o-ring. I'll clean a chain 2 or 3 times a season this way, in between I just wipe it down with a rag and started using a spray lube such as Castrol, before this I just lubed them with an oil can (I'm talking BSAs and an open primary Velocette). The chains on my other bikes weren't o-ring so I can't say if motor oil will damage the rings or not.

Come to think of it, I have cleaned an o-ring chain in motor oil with no problems. The oil would be less harsh than a degreaser and does thoroughly lube the chain at the same time.

Post edited by: Fossil, at: 2006/05/24 18:03

great tips guys. i'll put them to use. thanks!