Topic: cleaning an o-ring chain?

[jsaab2748]

What are you all using as a cleaning agent? I'm considering brake parts cleaner, but, sprayed on directly, or sprayed on a rag, then wiping the chain down? Any other suggestions as a cleaner? The chain is somewhat gummed up from using the latest and greatest "tacky" type chain lube. Seems like the links are stiff.

[manjisann]

Sorry, no answer, wondering the same thing myself.

Brandon

[Inigo Montoya]

brake cleaner will possibly damage the orings. best thing to get is a cleaner meant for oring chains however, I think some have used kerosene too.

[Alan F.]

WD-40 every second or third fill-up.  I usually will hold a rag behind the chain to prevent overspray, then wait a few seconds and wipe off the excess, once around usually loosens the road dirt, a second time around with another rag gets it pretty darn clean.  WD-40 is kind to the o-rings and loosens the dirt fairly well, you can get it anywhere and it's handy to have around if your wiring gets wet...

I don't use any other products for my chains and have had very good luck.  I got this tip from my uncle years back, he used to regularly get huge mileage from his o-ring chains.

[MCRider]

brake cleaner will possibly damage the orings. best thing to get is a cleaner meant for oring chains however, I think some have used kerosene too.

kerosene is the agent of choice, recommended. No need for anything stronger and potential harm to ORings.

All chain cleaners are kerosene based IMO. A little container and a tooth/scrub brush. Soft bristles, no wires, remember the Orings.  Scrub it on, wipe it off, shoot some lube and done. 5 minutes.

There are little gadgets sold for cleaning chains also. They clamp on the chain, have strategically placed brushes and distribute a "cleaner" which smells a lot like kerosene. Has a little lube in it that sticks.

The only lube your going for is between the sprockets and the chain. The chain itself is permanently lubed, hence the Orings.

[MRieck]

 Motul makes an aerosol chain cleaner

[CBGhia]

I have always used WD 40 to clean my o ring chains and after a quick ride to warm up the chain another wipe down to remove any excess and Maxima Chain Wax to finish it off. 

[Steve F]

Mineral spirits solvent (paint thinner) or diesel fuel on a rag, wipe it down, repeat with a clean rag.  Never use stiff brushes on the o-rings or compressed air as this will blow crap past the o-ring.  A SOFT paint brush dipped in solvent works ok too.

[bikebitzofvt]

+1 on WD-40.  There are more expensive lubes out there, but it fits the bill.  On your street bike, spray from the inside out on a warm chain every other fill up (300 miles or so)

Link from Tsubaki site:
http://www.tsubaki-rider.com/?type=maintenance

They want an "o-ring safe chain lube"

I've used WD-40 on my CR250 (dirtbike) for the last 12 years, it's wearing the same Sunstar sprockets and Tsubaki 520ORS2 since I first built it.  That chain is subjected to a lot worse than any CB chain (unless some mad fool is riding one in short track!!!) and it still looks like new.  WD-40 treatment every ride. 

Just my .02.
T

[MCRider]

+1 on WD-40.  There are more expensive lubes out there, but it fits the bill.  On your street bike, spray from the inside out on a warm chain every other fill up (300 miles or so)

Link from Tsubaki site:
http://www.tsubaki-rider.com/?type=maintenance

They want an "o-ring safe chain lube"

I've used WD-40 on my CR250 (dirtbike) for the last 12 years, it's wearing the same Sunstar sprockets and Tsubaki 520ORS2 since I first built it.  That chain is subjected to a lot worse than any CB chain (unless some mad fool is riding one in short track!!!) and it still looks like new.  WD-40 treatment every ride.  

Just my .02.
T

That sounds like a very good and simple regimen, should work for everyone.

I noticed on the Tsubaki sight they mention not to use flammable solvents including kerosene. If one Googles the subject, you'll find many recommendations for kerosene and gasoline as cleaning solvents. THey do work and won't hurt the chain.

I think tsubaki is taking the CYA position that since WD-40 "water dispersment" type products work, why risk it with volatile solvents?

I'm tending to agree and will likely change my regimen to WD-40.

Technically speaking WD-40 is not a lubricant. But it does leave a film and if that is getting the job done, I wouldn't argue the point further. I have always used it to clean the outside of my toolboxes and leave an anti-rust film.

[manjisann]

Technically speaking WD-40 is not a lubricant. But it does leave a film and if that is getting the job done, I wouldn't argue the point further. I have always used it to clean the outside of my toolboxes and leave an anti-rust film.

Why not use the WD40 to clean it, wipe the chain off and then lube it with one of the oring chain lubes? Just wondering.

Thanks all for the info!

Brandon

[MCRider]

Technically speaking WD-40 is not a lubricant. But it does leave a film and if that is getting the job done, I wouldn't argue the point further. I have always used it to clean the outside of my toolboxes and leave an anti-rust film.

Why not use the WD40 to clean it, wipe the chain off and then lube it with one of the oring chain lubes? Just wondering.

Thanks all for the info!

Brandon

Sure. I would likely do that until I've used up the chainlube sitting on my shelf. I could die first. 

Less for my heirs to deal with.