how to clean chain?

[boostedpirate]

my chain is pretty crummy...whats the best way to clean it while its still on the bike thats o-ring safe?

The pj-1 chain lube i am using made a mess out of it..now i have to clean it! its driving me crazy being scuzzy!!

THanks for the help!

[crashmasterd]

You can't go wrong with old fashioned dish soap and water, combined with a good stiff brush. Don't use high pressure water spray as it can force it's way around the x-ring/o-ring and contaminate the grease.

Some people swear by WD-40, and other people cringe in horror if you even mention it. The solvents in WD-40 may, or may not, attack the x-ring/o-rings in your chain. There doesn't seem to be any real data to back up either viewpoint.

There are several very good products specifically for cleaning x-ring/o-ring chains that you can find at any fairly large motorcycle shops. I think these would all be relatively safe but I don't have any experience with them.

Don't use Brake Clean, Gasoline, Alcohol, Lacquer Thinner, or other solvents as these have a high possibility of damaging the x-rings/o-rings. Kerosine should be relatively benign and I have used it on occasion (it is actually an oil, like Diesel Fuel) but it is up to you whether or not to trust this.

[geezerx]

D.I.D recommends cleaning with kerosene.

[Legman]

WD40 is penetrating oil - a very good reason for keeping it away from your O rings.

I have been using Kerosine for 35 years, and I have found that it cleans well and washes off with the hose.

Belray Super Clean is the best chain lube ever....it doesn't throw off, and dissolves easily in Kerosine.....washing is easy, unlike chain waxes which can be difficult to wash off.

[Speed3]

W/D40 will take the sealed lube from the other side of the o/x rings, and shorten the life of your chain. Kerosene with a toothbrush, with a wipe with your best terry towel is the best way to clean your chain. What you use for lube is your choice, but I like PJ-1.

[boostedpirate]

thanks guys..i used the pj-1 one and now all i get is black sludge all ove rthe place and the chain is filthy. I didnt over use it either so i dont know. It says no fling formula but i beg to differ! lol..maybe i did something wrong.

[PaloAlto]

Kerosene (or paint thinner) should work without any damage.

You can remove the half dozen bolts holding the rear sprocket. Pull it and the chain off the hub to loosen the entire chain enough to drape into a container of kerosene. Use a soft brush on the grime - it's amazing how much can come off.

pj-1 really does create a mess and attracts a lot of grime. I've gone to Bel-Ray chain lube which is much less gummy.

A note on adjusting the chain - chains unusually have a tight spot. I've found it's not necessarily the chain but the rear sprocket bolted slightly off-center that can causethe tight spot. Turn the wheel to that spot and then loosen the rear sprocket to let it shift slightly toward the front and then re-tighten.

Bern

I used kerosene on my dirt bike's o'ring chain once. A few days later the o'rings cracked and some fell out completely. Wasted a $100 Regina chain. Careful.....

[ This message was edited by: VelvetHog on 2005-08-27 08:00 ]

[Lom]

Thinner could easily destroy the o-rings. Gasoline would be your best bet. Use gloves and don't smoke (duh).

Kerosene aka Parafin is reccomended by ALL the major players in the chain world to clean,I have been using it for years and will use nothing else.Best way is to liberally soak a rag ,wipe the chain down (being careful not to coat your tire) then wipe off the dirt. make sure you get all of it off before lubing .
For you US of A riders there is a new chain lube tested by Motorcyclist magazine,and motorcycle consumer news and ME> It is Dupont multi use teflon lube (which also contains ep adds and moly) it goes on wet but drys so ZERO fling,it lasts twice as long as regular lube ,it is self cleaning,no build up and is great on cables too.a 8 oz spray can is about $6 bucks at any Lowes store and they have a non aerosol can also.i ttried it and will use nothing else,IT IS O-ring safe and reccomended for chains by Dupont.

[ This message was edited by: Maddjack on 2005-08-29 14:51 ]