Best way to clean the chain?

[bourbonjohnson]

I bought a bike with a VERY dirty chain. After looking at the chain for too long, I did some research and found that the chain does not have a master link.

I would like to know if there is a quick way to remove the chain without having to tear the bike apart. Do I need to buy a chain breaker or is there another option?

[Vegas Street Rider]

Everyone has their own way of doing things so you will get lots of answers. I put my rear tire up in the air and use WD40 and a chain brush moving the chain by turning the rear tire. I then wipe it clean after it has had time to soak in and then use DuPont Multi Lube Teflon spray instead of the traditional chain lube/oil. I have not seen any deterioration of the o-rings and the chain travels very quietly. I now have approximately 12,500 miles on the chain and it looks like new with no appreciable stretching.

[blaine]

Everyone has their own way of doing things so you will get lots of answers. I put my rear tire up in the air and use WD40 and a chain brush moving the chain by turning the rear tire. I then wipe it clean after it has had time to soak in and then use DuPont Multi Lube Teflon spray instead of the traditional chain lube/oil. I have not seen any deterioration of the o-rings and the chain travels very quietly. I now have approximately 12,500 miles on the chain and it looks like new with no appreciable stretching.
I used to do the same......But lubed with PJ-1. :)

[5th_bike]

Manual says to use kerosene to clean it (I use it with a paint brush), and motor oil to lube (I use heavy gear oil).

Careful with the WD-40, it could deteriorate the o rings.

[blaine]

Manual says to use kerosene to clean it (I use it with a paint brush), and motor oil to lube (I use heavy gear oil).

Careful with the WD-40, it could deteriorate the o rings.
Kerosene is great (& cheaper)....W-D 40 will not harm the neoprene o-rings & Chan wax is much cleaner & wont attract dirt like gear oil............But to each their own. :)

[Water Warrior 2]

Kerosene and a brush here. Wipe clean and dry. Add your fav lube.

[wacio]

I would be carefull with wax as chain lube. From my long biking experience wax is ineffective. Yes - it keeps chain clean, but unless you lube every ride - it just doesn't stay on - causing quick wear and rust.

[blaine]

I would be carefull with wax as chain lube. From my long biking experience wax is ineffective. Yes - it keeps chain clean, but unless you lube every ride - it just doesn't stay on - causing quick wear and rust.
I cleaned & lubed every 1000 Km & chain was still in great shape after 30000 km using PJ1.I found it perfect as it goes on liquid to penetrate & than thicken to stay in place.I also find it a great cable lube.

[wacio]

I cleaned & lubed every 1000 Km & chain was still in great shape after 30000 km using PJ1.I found it perfect as it goes on liquid to penetrate & than thicken to stay in place.I also find it a great cable lube.

Thanks for response. I looked at the product you recommend. It is not described as wax. I actually see on manufacturers site:

"PJ1 New Improved Black Label Heavy Duty Chain Lube applies easily and penetrates into the pins and rollers to set up into a tacky, grease-like coating. PJ1 Black Label Heavy Duty Chain Lubes resilient coating reduces chain stretching and shock that normally is encountered during off-road racing and riding. Displaces and repels water. Will not harden and crack like wax"

My experience with wax lubricants was exactly as described bold above. It was flaking off easily and gone after few miles.

[blaine]

Thanks for response. I looked at the product you recommend. It is not described as wax. I actually see on manufacturers site:

"PJ1 New Improved Black Label Heavy Duty Chain Lube applies easily and penetrates into the pins and rollers to set up into a tacky, grease-like coating. PJ1 Black Label Heavy Duty Chain Lubes resilient coating reduces chain stretching and shock that normally is encountered during off-road racing and riding. Displaces and repels water. Will not harden and crack like wax"

My experience with wax lubricants was exactly as described bold above. It was flaking off easily and gone after few miles.

Sorry....I stand corrected.....Wrong terminology on my part.:doh:

[Vegas Street Rider]

Wanted to update this thread with a little bit of additional data regarding cleaning and lubing my chain. This past weekend, I replaced the chain on my GZ after 17,550 miles on it. It was due. My new chain is from Jeremywell International Inc. It is the recommended 520-110 O-Ring style chain with a master link. It cost me $32.50 with free shipping and took me ten minutes to put on. I got the gold color, which is a really nice contrast to the black and chrome on my bike. Lot less vibration and gives me a little more pep.

I know there is some debate of the worthiness of chains with master links vs. riveted chains, but on a bike as small as the GZ, I have no worries.

As a reminder, I have used WD 40 to clean my chain and Du Pont Dry Teflon to lube it. Keep in mind that I am in a very dry climate. Those of you in wetter climates might have different results, but I am happy with the wear I got out of the original. Will see how this new chain performs.

By the way, Merry Christmas to you all.

[Fawlty]

And Merry Christmas to you and yours! Did you replace the sprockets as well? Always advisable.

[Vegas Street Rider]

I thoroughly inspected both the front and rear sprockets and had no significant wear on either. Nice crisp edges with a good taper and all the teeth still had the flat top at termination. The good thing about the sprockets on the GZ is that they are steel and not the lighter weight aluminum type. I plan on replacing them on my next chain. Will see if I get the same mileage out of this chain with the old sprockets. If not, lesson learned.