how to clean chain (RedTwin Style)

WetWork999
06-16-2002, 02:22 PM
I got this in the DR forum but thought that it might best be suited in the How To Section.

I am deciding between a Graves and a Pit-bull rear stand. If anyone has any insight please let me know.

~A

on to the info...


Items needed:

1. can Gunk or store brand engine degreaser, get the foaming kind if you can find it
1. Nylon bristle brush, specific chain brushes from a bicycle store works great or if you are cheap, borrow your sister's toothbrush
1. spray bottle of Simple Green (un-diluted)
1. can of dry teflon spray lube also found at bicycle stores or may be found in gun stores. If you have an aversion to firearms, wander into the "sporting goods" section of Wal-mart, they should have it.
1. Rear swingarm stand or place bike on center stand if so equipped.
1. Dry clean rag

Directions:

1.Liberally apply engine degreaser to chain while spinning wheel, and allow degreaser to soak into chain for a few mins (few mins=5-7 mins)*Caution!!!, fleshy fingers will NOT win a war with steel chain links and sprockets, keep hands clear of sprocket/chain interface*...this warning will not be repeated.

2. Using the nylon brush, scrub the chain while spinning rear wheel. The lazy among us will discover they need not expend energy with scrubbing motions as they can just hold the brush stationary against chain and allow the chain's movement to do the work.

3. Use garden hose to wash remaining degreaser from chain.

4. Apply liberal amounts of Simple Green and brush again.

5. Repeat rinsing procedure.

6. Go for a short ride to dry the chain, or if you trust yourself and equipment, start the bike on the rear stand, select high gear and allow engine to spin the wheel and chain dry. *Above warning is vital during this step*. Return to neutral and switch off engine...please.

7. Moderately spray the dry teflon lube(I know it says "dry" but it is in a liquid state when dispensed from can) on the chain while spinning the wheel with your hand. Before the lube has a chance to dry, use the clean rag to lightly run over the chain to remove excess lube from chain. With that now lube dampened rag (add more lube to the rag if you like), rub the lube onto the side plates of the chain. With practice you will be able to combine this last step by lightly gripping/encircling the chain with the lubed rag and removing excess and lubing sideplates with one motion.

8. Allow lube to dry completely, and thats it!



The dry teflon lube will not attract dirt like other petroleum based lubes, and will make the next cleaning session considerably easier. You will be able to skip the degreaser steps and clean the chain with the Simple Green only.


The ONLY Degree I have is a BS in ANGER Management

r1otis
06-16-2002, 02:25 PM
you a little board today???? /images/icons/wink.gif

Welcome to Las Vegas.....Now go home!!!!

redtwin
06-16-2002, 04:42 PM
Wow, someone actually found value in my drivel, I am touched man *sob*.

Yes I was bored when I wrote that. There is no telling what I will come up with when trying to pass the time at work. /images/icons/crazy.gif.

Take care,
Gregory

I could have been a squid, but I was too busy posing.

WetWork999
06-17-2002, 05:42 AM
Chris, well I asked if anyone wanted to go for a ride, no response so I went out and had some fun then cam ehome and yeah got a lil bored. Plus I need to do my chain here real soon.

The ONLY Degree I have is a BS in ANGER Management

BRBJackson
06-17-2002, 02:33 PM
<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>

Return to neutral and switch off engine...please.

<hr></blockquote>

[madly scribbling]"slow down...too much important information..."[/mad scribbling]

Seriously, I'll have to try that method next time. My current cleaning regime (getting really drunk, taking long whiz on chain) leaves a little to be desired...

http://esport.sportbikes.com/wwwthreads/files/8-73048-BRB-Sig.jpg

DUC748
06-19-2002, 06:01 AM
Is this good for all chain types? I have an o-ring chain that is in need of cleaning and I was just going to take a rag and a little WD-40 and wipe down the links as I believe I read on this site.

http://esport.sportbikes.com/wwwthreads/files/3-70824-sig_duc748.jpg

redtwin
06-19-2002, 06:19 AM
I have been using that cleaning method for 5 or 6 years, with no ill effects. The only downside is that it is time consuming, but the results are well worth it, spotless chain. I imagine that would mean alot to a man that takes so much care in protecting his swingarm stand /images/icons/wink.gif. My choice of lube is un-conventional so you may want to substitute you favourite after the cleaning process.

Take care,
Gregory

I could have been a squid, but I was too busy posing.

GregS
06-19-2002, 08:27 AM
You mean you have to lube the chain?

Thanks, Red and Wetwork. From the earlier post I used the Gunk to clean the chain and it worked great.

DUC748
06-19-2002, 12:22 PM
<blockquote><font size=1>In reply to:</font><hr>

I imagine that would mean alot to a man that takes so much care in protecting his swingarm stand

<hr></blockquote>


LOL, you aren't ever going to forget about that are you? /images/icons/laugh.gif I don't have any degreaser but I could always buy some. Doesn't matter what kinda of chain it is? I heard WD-40 is bad on the O-rings if you saturate them, just wanna make sure this is cool before I look to doing it.

http://esport.sportbikes.com/wwwthreads/files/3-70824-sig_duc748.jpg

redtwin
06-19-2002, 12:31 PM
What can I say, some things just stick in my mind. /images/icons/laugh.gif

I have never used WD-40 to clean or lube the chain so I can't really comment on it. The Gunk (and the generic store brands) engine degreasers are pretty much kerosine in an aerosol can and kerosine is what the manufacturers recommend to clean the chain with. The Gunk works well as its readily available, cheap, and the pressure at which it is dispensed works to flush the grime off the chain too. The Gunk is safe for the rubber hoses and belts on a car's engine, so I have no problem using it on the rubber O-rings on my chain.

Take care,
Gregory

I could have been a squid, but I was too busy posing.

ZOEY
06-29-2002, 08:16 PM
I have been using chain wax with great results. I take the bike out for a ride and while the chain is hot, I spray on the chain wax. Then I take a rag and wipe the wax off. Like "wax on, wax off young sensi". It takes the dirt and grime off with it. Then I just spray more wax on the chain and let it cool overnite. I don't wipe the second coat. If you don't let it cool overnite, you get a ton of chain fling. Simple green will damage the seals. WD40 is WD(water displacement). It shouldn't harm the chain at all but, I wouldn't get carried away.

My Italian girlfriend costs 748 times more than my domestic one.