Topic: Chain oiler - good or bad what do you think

[Scott]

Hi there
I had my chain break the other day on the way home from a trip away.  The master link let go (circlip type).
I had lubed the chain and done a quick inspection only 600 - 700 km earlier and didn't see anything obvious to be worried about. But it got me thinking that maybe before I bought the bike the chain may have been neglected.
Then it got me wondering if a chain oiler would be of any benefit.
Any thoughts?

Scott

[LesterPiglet]

Personally I am not a fan. I think it would make me leave that vital chain inspection longer. I've never had a chain break.
You should really check your chain more often than 6-700km.

[HondaMan]

'Don't leave home without it' IMO. I have mine set to "low" and it keeps the chain lube flexible and moving. Yes, it makes something of a mess, but I like cleaning my trusty 750, too, so I don't mind.

I think you'll find me in the minority, though, as this thread wears on! 

Maybe look for the Diamond Powersport chain, if available there. They have a closed-clip masterlink available for them that is the Devil's own to get on and off, but they NEVER let go or break.

[Scott]

I checked and lubed it before I left Phillip Island for the trip home. Then after my first day ridding and an overnight camp I forgot to check it in the morning before I set off again.
I only made it 30km before it let go, I bet I never head off in the morning again without checking my chain.
It was only an inconvience but it could have turned out worse so I think I got off lightly

Scott

[Scott]

Gday Hondaman
A bloke mentioned to me that he puts a drop of 3 bond on the clip of the chains he installs.
He says he hasn't had one come off yet.
I already have new chain and sprockets sitting on a shelf in the garage. Silly thing is that I didn't get around to replacing them before I went on the trip.

Scott

[70CB750]

I remember seeing some kind of a wire bonding to secure the clip, but can not locate the picture now.

[nccb]

Someone posted a picture saying the used to wrap thin wire around it back in the day a long while ago

[kghost]

Chain didn't fail from lack of oil.....it let go when the clip came off......

So why the oil question?

Master link type are about 60% the strength of an endless chain...

Rivet type are about 90%

[Scott]

when I got the bike the chain looked dry and uncared for.
I ordered new chain and sprockets for the bike.  While I was waiting for delivery I cleaned the old chain and lubed it.  But I wondered that because it was dry on the outside, then maybe in between the links was dry and possibly damaged, but I took the risk anyway and left the old chain on.

Once this chain broke I had a bit of time until I could get the home with the bike (17hrs).  Maybe too much time to think.  The thought crossed my mind that maybe the master link was dry on the inside and it snapped on the outside edge which would allow the clip to come off. 

That got me thinking about chain oilers

Scott

[754]

You may like the Scottoiler...

[MCRider]

Someone posted a picture saying the used to wrap thin wire around it back in the day a long while ago

I've got a picture on here somewhere, can't find it. But we used stainless steel safety wire like for all other bolts and nuts on a racer (or airplane). Wrap a piece around the plate and ciip and using safety wire pliars, wind it up and snip it off. IT was required by many tech inspectors.

[vfourfreak]

Someone posted a picture saying the used to wrap thin wire around it back in the day a long while ago

I've got a picture on here somewhere, can't find it. But we used stainless steel safety wire like for all other bolts and nuts on a racer (or airplane). Wrap a piece around the plate and ciip and using safety wire pliars, wind it up and snip it off. IT was required by many tech inspectors.

We did the same thing on TZ Yamahas back in the day. Never had a problem, but then again checks were made after every race. Personally I would not use a split link chain on anything bigger than a 125.

Kev

[dave500]

if the po had the clip on and off once or twice and had pryed at it wrongly the clip may have been distorted and wobbly in position?

[martin99]

if the po had the clip on and off once or twice and had pryed at it wrongly the clip may have been distorted and wobbly in position?

That'll probably be it. When I've re-used those clips in the past, they never seem to be as secure as when you use a brand new one. I stopped doing that many years ago after I had a primary chain separate on an old Norton. I always try to keep an unused spare now, so I'm not tempted to put an old one back on.

On the subject of chain oilers, personally I don't like them. Messy bloody things. Better to adopt regular checking and lubrication IMO.

[MCRider]

A Scottoiler is a pretty good piece, used by IronButt riders quite a bit.

Here's a thread with wired clips pictures. I would only do the first type where the clip is actually wired in place. The second one replaces the clip, me no likey.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=93014.0;nowap

[LesterPiglet]

If the clip is undamaged and installed correctly I doubt it could seperate unless that side of the chain contacts something.

[HondaMan]

If the clip is rusty, twisted, or corroded, it can become lifted from chain heat and grit working underneath the edges of it. This was a racer's hazard back in the day. Many clips also have a flat side and a rounded edge side, as they are just stamped-out parts. Installing the flat side against the plate, and CLEAN, is always a wise approach.

[LesterPiglet]

Persactly. 

[kghost]

Or just rivet the damn thing like its meant to be.........

[Scott]

put the new chain and sprockets on last night.
It came with the rivet type link