RiffmasterII Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 My chain appears to be full of dirt and grime, Ive been thinking about cleaning everything off it somehow and getting it all nice and shiney. Can anybody tell me if - a) This is a good idea? and 2) Whats the best thing to use to clean it all off? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshTimmins Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 http://www.themotorbikeforum.co.uk/view ... =5&t=20027take alook at that mate..deffo clean the chain,, they need cleaning and lubing if you have a manual(haynes) should say roughly when it needs to be done, every so miles, or months, etc.Joshx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Korben Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Like Josh said, definately clean the grime and dirt!!It will be drastically reducing the life of your chain by letting the dirt build up.If you can't afford Kettenmax chain cleaner then a toothbrush and rag soaked in paraffin work a treat mate!! Just remember not to get paraffin on your rear tyre and lube your chain after. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiffmasterII Posted April 6, 2009 Author Share Posted April 6, 2009 Thanks for the info, I cant view the video on the linked post but Im assuming that when I clean my chain I want to get it looking like new and get everything off I can then just lube it up and keep it that way? looks like mine is just full of old oil and stuff........Ive just looked up that cleaner and seen some pictures of a clean chain, makes sense now, think I best get my tooth brush out tomorrow, mine is filthy!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshTimmins Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 Thanks for the info, I cant view the video on the linked post but Im assuming that when I clean my chain I want to get it looking like new and get everything off I can then just lube it up and keep it that way? looks like mine is just full of old oil and stuff........Ive just looked up that cleaner and seen some pictures of a clean chain, makes sense now, think I best get my tooth brush out tomorrow, mine is filthy!!! remember to use a spare or old toothbrush heheJoshx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Korben Posted April 6, 2009 Share Posted April 6, 2009 The video is showing how this is usedhttp://www.getgeared.co.uk/KETTENMAX_Mo ... nd_GreaserYeah, try and get it looking clean... Like I say a toothbrush works a treat. Make sure you get in between all the links and really get the grime off. Looking like new will be difficult, but if you have a couple of hours after every ride to dedicate to your chain then you probably could!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiffmasterII Posted April 7, 2009 Author Share Posted April 7, 2009 Thanks for the info, I cant view the video on the linked post but Im assuming that when I clean my chain I want to get it looking like new and get everything off I can then just lube it up and keep it that way? looks like mine is just full of old oil and stuff........Ive just looked up that cleaner and seen some pictures of a clean chain, makes sense now, think I best get my tooth brush out tomorrow, mine is filthy!!! remember to use a spare or old toothbrush heheJoshx .....or my flatmates! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Bit of an old post I know but thought I'd add my 2c for anyone else reading this article.To clean a chain I've read it's best to "use something with a high flash point", but don't use petrol because it will damage the X/O-rings inside the chain. Suggested cleaners are paraffin, kerosene, diesel and WD-40. I've used paraffin (had trouble finding it at first but discovered some in the gardening section at B&Q - used for patio heaters I guess?) and WD-40 in the past and have found that by far the best was the WD-40 - you just need to make sure you don't get any on the back tyre...Oh and remember to lube it up properly after (by going for a short run after cleaning to warm the chain up, then applying some descent chain lube). As for how to clean it, again it's generally thought that using a toothbrush is best, and it does work well but I've had superb results using an old electric toothbrush that I had lying around, coupled with said WD-40. I've ridden about 5,000 miles with my current chain and have only cleaned it twice and it still looks gleaming and brand new. That is probably mainly down to the Scottoiler, but a descent thorough clean every now and then (where you get rid of every single bit of crud) will certainly help keep your chain in tip top condition Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill_on_a_bike Posted April 10, 2009 Share Posted April 10, 2009 Always cleaned mine with parrafin, an old toothbrush and some rag to get excess off.If you've got it in gear with the engine ticking over to keep the chain moving past your brush, just be careful it doesn't get caught in the rear sprocket and take your finger with it. Definately worth keeping it clean, all that sludgey old oil on the chaing will collect road grit and form a kinda grinding paste, which will quickly wear your chain out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Strange Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 .....or my flatmates! Use Clashfan's! Is paraffin safe to use on o-ring chains btw? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiffmasterII Posted April 14, 2009 Author Share Posted April 14, 2009 .....or my flatmates! Use Clashfan's! Is paraffin safe to use on o-ring chains btw? That could be a dangerous hobby to engage in bearing in mind she has ready access to my bike keys! It could end in tears Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 Paraffin's great to use on both O and X-ring chains. It's what Haynes recommends as it doesn't perish the seals Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Strange Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 Paraffin's great to use on both O and X-ring chains. It's what Haynes recommends as it doesn't perish the seals cool I wasn't 100% sure on that. Apparent;y it has other uses too! http://adc.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/85/2/121 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisgatguis Posted April 14, 2009 Share Posted April 14, 2009 What about turps / white spirit?are they similar? or a no no Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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