Chain Cleaning

Started by sonquizzon, Oct 01 2003 07:24 PM
36 replies to this topic

  • sonquizzon

Posted 01 October 2003 - 07:24 PM

#1


Is it possible to get away with using an Engine Degreaser to clean the chain? I was at my local Autozone getting fuses for my explorer and happened to walk by and read a can or two. They say they get all the grease and dirt off an engine but is safe with rubber. Having an O-ring chain I was just curious what you all think? :)


Thanks!

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  • teallen3

Posted 01 October 2003 - 07:29 PM

#2

I clean my chain with WD-40. It does a great job. I am sure there are better cleaners, but are they cheaper? :)

  • EPatt

Posted 01 October 2003 - 07:33 PM

#3

Yep WD-40 cleans and lubricates.

But some say WD on the chain is bad news.

I use WD-40 for lube and cleaner, works good for me so far.

  • teallen3

Posted 01 October 2003 - 07:50 PM

#4

I spray my motor with WD-40 and the worn spots on my frame to prevent rust!

  • MisterB

Posted 01 October 2003 - 10:02 PM

#5

Is there anything else to use to clean the chain rather than WD 40...

Mine is in need of a good cleaning but im hesitant to use WD

  • Rudy

Posted 02 October 2003 - 06:00 AM

#6

Why is your chain so dirty? Are you using conventional chain lube for non-o-ring chains on it? If so--stop. Thouroughly cover your o-ring chain with WD-40 then use a medium firm nylon bristle brush and scrub the chain. Repeat until the chain apprears clean. Now wash your bike as usual with soapy water. Again srcub the chain as you go. Rinse well. Indirect spray--not presure washer. Spray the chain with again with WD-40 and you are good to go. Don't use the thick sticky chain lubes on o-ring chains. They attract dirt. Dirt wears out the o-rings. The o-rings hold in the lube. When the o-rings wear, your lube gets out and your chain is ruined. Many on this group have over a 1000 miles or more on stock o-ring chains are doing the above WD-40 routine.

  • wrooster

Posted 02 October 2003 - 06:14 AM

#7

because he is right on the mark, i'll just repeat everything rudy said... :)

"Why is your chain so dirty? Are you using conventional chain lube for non-o-ring chains on it? If so--stop. Thouroughly cover your o-ring chain with WD-40 then use a medium firm nylon bristle brush and scrub the chain. Repeat until the chain apprears clean. Now wash your bike as usual with soapy water. Again srcub the chain as you go. Rinse well. Indirect spray--not presure washer. Spray the chain with again with WD-40 and you are good to go. Don't use the thick sticky chain lubes on o-ring chains. They attract dirt. Dirt wears out the o-rings. The o-rings hold in the lube. When the o-rings wear, your lube gets out and your chain is ruined. Many on this group have over a 1000 miles or more on stock o-ring chains are doing the above WD-40 routine."

bravo!

jim aka the wrooster
'01 wr250f

  • Rudy

Posted 02 October 2003 - 06:47 AM

#8

Thanks Jim--now if I could only get my wife to agree with me when I say something......!

  • sonquizzon

Posted 02 October 2003 - 06:52 AM

#9

Yes I was...PJ1. Now it looks like I won't. It made dirt stick to my tire rim, chain, every damn thing it got on. I will try the WD-40 approach. I didn't expect this many replies, but thanks all.

  • tctrailrider

Posted 02 October 2003 - 08:14 AM

#10

Simple Green is a great cleaner and won't damage the O ring chain. Once you get the gunk off the WD40 is great.

  • Pengaleng

Posted 02 October 2003 - 08:49 AM

#11

Is the stocker chain of the o-ring variety?

  • wrooster

Posted 02 October 2003 - 09:20 AM

#12

> Is the stocker chain of the o-ring variety?

on the YZF, no.
on the WRF, yes (DID 520VM X-ring, one of the best made).

jim aka the wrooster
'01 wr250f

  • Rudy

Posted 03 October 2003 - 06:19 AM

#13

I forgot about the Simple Green--some one posted about putting SG and H2O in a garden sprayer--that's what I use--about a cup of SG to about a gallon of H2O and "simply" spray the whole bike with it==chain too. One loaded sprayer will usually be good for washing my son's bike after every practice session (usually about 5 or 6) or for both of us for a good weekend ride where we wash the bikes after we return each time. The garden sprayer works really well for re-wetting the bike a day or two later when you put it away dirty.

At the track after a session--simply spray the bike with SG, pressure wash, spray the chain with WD40. Ride. My son's YZ85 has an O-ring chain on it--about 400 miles on the trails, 1 MX race and about 25 practice session. 1 chain adustment.

  • Daddy007

Posted 04 June 2007 - 02:15 PM

#14

Yes, you can use automotive Engine Degreaser to clean your chain on the bike. DO NOT use Brake Cleaner! I used engine degreaser for years on my old KLR250 (6,000 miles) and plan to continue using it on my new DR650SE. I use MX-1000 chain oil per the manufacturer's instructions after cleaning and a short run to dry the engine degreaser. I shield the tire from the spray with a piece of cardboard having a cutout for the rear axle.

  • dirtrider04

Posted 04 June 2007 - 02:16 PM

#15

i use this pink stuff that i spray all over my bike and and i akes grease, oil, off th bike but i forget whats its called

  • robby111

Posted 04 June 2007 - 03:00 PM

#16

Doesn't putting chain wax or whatever you wana call it on the chain help the chain and sprockets from wearing as fast when they come in contact? I mean think about it. A dry chain and dry sprockets rubbing against each other at very high speeds or, a chain with a waxy coating coming in contact with sprockets with a waxy coating.

I agree about cleaning with WD-40 but, I also use Bel-Ray chain lube which I have not had any problems with dirt sticking to it and ruining my o-rings.

This topic is like Ford .vs. Chevy everybody has their own prefrence.

-Rob

wrooster said:

because he is right on the mark, i'll just repeat everything rudy said... :)

"Why is your chain so dirty? Are you using conventional chain lube for non-o-ring chains on it? If so--stop. Thouroughly cover your o-ring chain with WD-40 then use a medium firm nylon bristle brush and scrub the chain. Repeat until the chain apprears clean. Now wash your bike as usual with soapy water. Again srcub the chain as you go. Rinse well. Indirect spray--not presure washer. Spray the chain with again with WD-40 and you are good to go. Don't use the thick sticky chain lubes on o-ring chains. They attract dirt. Dirt wears out the o-rings. The o-rings hold in the lube. When the o-rings wear, your lube gets out and your chain is ruined. Many on this group have over a 1000 miles or more on stock o-ring chains are doing the above WD-40 routine."

bravo!

jim aka the wrooster
'01 wr250f

  • lotten454

Posted 04 June 2007 - 03:12 PM

#17

if it's really grimy, just wire brush it clean.
After that, spray on some BelRay, Golden Spectro, Silolene, chain guard, or whatever chainlube you wanna use on there.

  • dirtrider04

Posted 04 June 2007 - 04:56 PM

#18

buy mr moto wash, i sprayed it on my chain . took it right off with brushing at al just spray it off, and you can use use it all over your bike

  • waters035

Posted 04 June 2007 - 05:18 PM

#19

i use kerosene and a tooth brush on my chain

  • ttr125l95

Posted 04 June 2007 - 05:56 PM

#20

great job guys this thread is from 2003



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