Author Topic: cleaning the chain..... (Read 3573 times)

xsmooth69x · « **on:** August 28, 2012, 10:31:20 AM »

what kind of brushes do you all use?

found these 2 but is there anything else more spiffy out there?

is there something out there cheap like for bicycle chains that capture everything so gross stuff dosnt go everywhere (last pic example)

i use chain lube PJ1 thats good or decent stuff right?

NewOldSchool · « **Reply #1 on:** August 28, 2012, 11:26:01 AM »

I'll catch some flack for this but I just use a shallow Tupperware container with gasoline. Keep a small fire extinguisher near by, and always way away from any possible ignition sources. Gas works better than any other cleaner I have come across for removing horribly sticky grease and oil.

Let the chain soak for ten minutes, then brush the crap out of it with an old tooth brush. Make sure to wipe the thing down well with a rag, then use your favorite chain lube immediately after.

I would not recommend this with O-ring chains however.

iron_worker · « **Reply #2 on:** August 28, 2012, 12:46:22 PM »

How does one properly clean an o-ring chain without removing all the lubricant behind the orings ... which would be pretty difficult to get back in there I might add.

IW

xsmooth69x · « **Reply #3 on:** August 28, 2012, 12:48:45 PM »

Quote from: NewOldSchool on August 28, 2012, 11:26:01 AM

I'll catch some flack for this but I just use a shallow Tupperware container with gasoline. Keep a small fire extinguisher near by, and always way away from any possible ignition sources. Gas works better than any other cleaner I have come across for removing horribly sticky grease and oil.

Let the chain soak for ten minutes, then brush the crap out of it with an old tooth brush. Make sure to wipe the thing down well with a rag, then use your favorite chain lube immediately after.

I would not recommend this with O-ring chains however.

ow pshhh i have a metal bucket with a lid that has sea foam and pure premium gas in it just to soak dirty parts. and yes there is a fire extinguisher hands reach where i work

i heard diesel is a good liquid to de grease parts in

i just wanted to avoid taking the chain off since the chain link clip is so hard to remove!! unless there is an amazing simple way that i dont know about to take them off.

i use a standard heavy duty chain so it dosnt cut into my engine case.

--------------------

also how often do you all clean ur chains?

mrrch · « **Reply #4 on:** August 28, 2012, 12:52:25 PM »

Diesel will swell some types of rubber.

xnoahx · « **Reply #5 on:** August 28, 2012, 12:52:58 PM »

Use Kerosene

ChuckG750f1 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 28, 2012, 01:18:36 PM »

Quote from: xnoahx on August 28, 2012, 12:52:58 PM

Use Kerosene

+1

oldbob · « **Reply #7 on:** August 28, 2012, 01:47:27 PM »

Whatever you do, don't have the motor running.

lone*X · « **Reply #8 on:** August 28, 2012, 09:14:21 PM »

+1 on kerosene. Doesn't smell near as bad as diesel and is a better solvent to boot. Not near as flammable as gasoline, so a lot safer.

MrGardman · « **Reply #9 on:** August 29, 2012, 03:13:03 AM »

Have to agree with the kerosene for cleaning. Much, much safer than using gasoline and probably does as good a job.

Harsh · « **Reply #10 on:** August 29, 2012, 05:08:48 AM »

+100 on using kerosene. Every modern bike I have come across actually recommends it. No worries about getting to the lube on modern chains because the o/x ring block it from getting in there just like they block the lube from coming out.

xsmooth69x · « **Reply #11 on:** August 29, 2012, 11:54:38 AM »

sooooooo.............

the only way to really clean the chain is to take it off?

is there a super easy way taking off the chain link clip?

how often do you all clean the chain?

Tugboat · « **Reply #12 on:** August 29, 2012, 12:31:32 PM »

I use one of those grunge brushes (1st pic) - seems to work pretty well.

xnoahx · « **Reply #13 on:** August 29, 2012, 12:58:25 PM »

grunge brush and a kerosene soaked rag and you can do it without taking off the chain. Just put the bike up on the center stand and clean a section at a time. If your chain is really grungy you will have a big job but after that it will be very easy to maintain.

steam-powered man · « **Reply #14 on:** August 29, 2012, 08:24:16 PM »

for riveted chains, i remove the rear wheel and let a section of chain droop/soak in a pan of diesel. i scrub maybe 1/2 foot at a time, until fully around. then dry it off best i can and reinstall rar wheel. then finish cleaning/wiping down and lube with wd40.

Damfino · « **Reply #15 on:** August 30, 2012, 06:56:41 AM »

How not to clean your chain....

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242261

ChuckG750f1 · « **Reply #16 on:** August 30, 2012, 07:01:57 AM »

I worked with a guy that did the same thing

BTW, Maxima Chain Wax is good stuff.

LoVel · « **Reply #17 on:** August 30, 2012, 07:31:38 AM »

Quote from: xsmooth69x on August 29, 2012, 11:54:38 AM

is there a super easy way taking off the chain link clip?

I use the Craftsman Robogrip pliers. They are the best set of pliers I have ever owned.

liPPy · « **Reply #18 on:** August 30, 2012, 07:41:44 AM »

Quote from: Damfino on August 30, 2012, 06:56:41 AM

How not to clean your chain....

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242261

Holy crap!

See those pictures and you'll see why you should never, ever, ever, ever consider cleaning the chain whilst the motor is running. Should be mandatory viewing for all home mechanics.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #19 on:** August 30, 2012, 07:46:42 AM »

Removing the chain. Ordinairy engineers pliers. Put one jaw of the pliers on both open ends of the split link, put the other jaw on the nearest pin and squeeze. Easy peasy.

ChuckG750f1 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 30, 2012, 07:54:14 AM »

Quote from: LesterPiglet on August 30, 2012, 07:46:42 AM

Removing the chain. Ordinairy engineers pliers. Put one jaw of the pliers on both open ends of the split link, put the other jaw on the nearest pin and squeeze. Easy peasy.

+1

xsmooth69x · « **Reply #21 on:** August 30, 2012, 08:38:59 AM »

Cool ill get the grundge brush!!

Why would u clean the chain with the bike running thats craziness!!!!

News:

Author Topic: cleaning the chain..... (Read 3573 times)

oldbob