Re: [ST] Chain Cleaning

[Dennis Griffin <eagleeye@xxxxxxxxx>]

I use WD-40 for chain cleaning, but I never apply it directly to the 
chain. I spray it on a coarse towel, then run the chain through it to 
clean the side plates and roller external surface of the chain, and the 
sprocket teeth if I'm really industrious. If applied directly to the 
chain, it has a high probability of penetrating beyond the O rings, 
entering the pin OD to roller and inner link plate ID interfaces, and 
breaking down the grease that is applied during manufacture of the 
chain. Not a good thing.
In my opinion, WD-40 isn't a lubricant for anything much beyond a door 
hinge or lock tumblers. It is a good penetrant, but it leaves little 
behind in the way of a lubricant, once the carrier has evaporated.
To my way of thinking, the purpose of lubricating a motorcycle drive 
chain is: to apply a heavy lubricant to the external surfaces of the 
rollers and, to a lesser degree, the inner link plates, to retard shock 
and wear of the mating surfaces of the chain and sprockets; and 
secondarily, if you travel in a moist climate, to impart a preservative 
film to all the external surfaces. I live in the Phoenix area, so I'm 
not concerned about rust prevention, but I do want a lubricant that 
provides anti wear properties at high temperatures, without throwing 
off, and without being so tacky that it attracts and hold all the 
abrasive particulates that are prevalent in this area, thus turning the 
lubricant into a grinding compound. Not an easy combo to find. I am 
presently using Bel-Ray SuperClean Chain Lube, which goes on nice, dries 
non-tacky and doesn't sling off, but it doesn't seem to last very long 
or have very good shock properties, judging by the noise I hear when I 
ride close to a retaining wall. So I use it often.
So there are my thoughts, for what they be worth.
Regards,

Dennis in Scottsdale, AZ
'00 RS miss me Yellow

On Wednesday, October 24, 2001, at 01:34  PM, Bil Swartz wrote:

> On Wed, 24 Oct 2001, David Earl wrote:
>
>> After having two chains expire (no, not on the same bike) less than 500
>> miles after cleaning them with a much recomended alternative to parafin
>> (us Yanks can't seem to figure out what the hell it is) WD-40, I've
>> taken to cleaning my chain with a soft stream of water and a 
>> toothbrush.
>
> Shit, is this true?  WD-40 used as a cleaner will KILL chains?  Say it
> ain't so, I've been cleaning my chains with WD-40 and a toothbrush for a
> few years now, then lubbing them with HondaLube.
>
> Anyone else have WD-40 kill a chain?  I've heard of folks using nothing
> but as the cleand AND the lube too.
>
> Hmm.


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