Chain cleaning - WD40 good or bad?

I have an all stock '06. When I first acquired my bike over the summer I lubed the chain with 2 in 1 oil. The chain got lubed but my rear wheel wears whatever grit and grime that does not stick to the chain...Rookie mistake.

I want to clean this chain completely and lube it with one of the preferred dry lube wax applications available. Will using WD40 compromise in anyway the O rings of this VFR's chain? If WD40 is a solvent that will cause damage, what kind of cleaner can I use to remove the grit and grime?

Thank you in advance for weighing in,

Gunzer

 

I clean mine with WD-40 about every two weeks then use Belray wax on it. I've got 19.5K miles on it and I'm just now starting to get some tight spots. YMMV

Action

 

here ya go.....http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanics-garage/18606-chain-101-a.html?highlight=chain

 

Now I'm all confused after reading Chain 101. I use WD-40 as a cleaner, wiping all the dirt and grime off along with excess WD-40. Then I let it dry, or try to ride it to warm up the chain for the Chain Wax. I only use WD-40 when its pretty dirty, so maybe about every 1000 miles or so.

The most important thing I think is to keep it clean and properly slackened (not tightened). Too tight and you will sacrifice teeth on your sprockets, tighter than that and you will be buying a new tranny. I've seen both happen to friends.

 

Over time WD40 wil eat the "o" rings. Kerosene will clean it best then use chain wax. After a five min ride to warm it up.

I use a grunge brush dipped in Kerosene then a raged soaked in the stuff and everything comes right off. Just don't leave the soaked rag in your garage or you might:kaboom:

 

I am surprised the non WD40 people have not jumped in here. My understanding is that it is hell on your O rings. Having said this, I use it about 2 times a year to give the chain a good cleaning. Then I do the other unthinkable thing and clean the WD40 and all the gunk off at the car wash. I got something like 45,000 km out of the chain and sprockets before I needed to replace them.

I have to say though, I was very ginger with the pressure washer.

I would suggest that if you have the time and patients, to do this with either kerosene as stated earlier, or I would consider a product like Simple Green :treehugger:to clean it. Wipe it off really well after, then apply the lube. I have been using PJ1 as a lube since I got mine new in August 06. Now I have over 65,000 km on it and haven't looked back. Chain oil vs chain wax is another debate.

 

I think chain lube is like oil and tires. Everybody has a preference. I use kerosene when the chain needs cleaning. Currently, I am using BelRay "Superclean" lube. It is about the least flinging of any lubes I have used before, and it leaves a white film so it is easy to see if I miss any spots.

Chain wax is good for dirt bikes or dusty conditions (and bicycles), but I believe it has a lower film strength than petroleum-type lubes. I usually get about 18,000 miles on a chain, and replace sprockets every other chain. But then again, most of my miles are freeway miles, and I am also completely obsessed with lubing it between 500 to 600 miles.

I used to clean the chain about every 1000 miles or so, but now I wait until it is obviously dirty. What changed my habit is noticing that the outer rollers (the ones that contact the sprockets) never really dry very well, even after 24 hours. The first application of new chain lube tends not to penetrate them very well, so it seems necessary to go for a short ride, let the kerosene/lube mix fling off, and then re-lube. Kinda messy.

 

Y2K your avatar makes me I feel like a moth in front of a bright light!

 

HA ha me too, my co worker ask "What are you looking out"

 

I don't think so, but if you have conflicting data I'd like to take a look. WD-40 is mostly Stoddard solvent with propellant (LP-i.e. petroleum based) and a light mineral oil and some antioxidants. Stoddard solvent is a more highly refined, de-sulfurized version of kerosene with a lower flash point.

More info on Stoddard Solvents Vs Buna-N (Nitrile) rubber O rings HERE

Action

 

I use Honda lube and ride so fast the dirt flys off the chain...

 

I think I read about you in the "Reno Gazette-Journal" last time I was in town. Something about a yellow streak, maniacal laughter and the LEO's having to give up the chase due to all the oily grit on their windshields.

But don't worry. Your secret is safe with me!

 

RK Tech says WD40 on the rag is the best way to clean, they don't recommend spraying down the chain, just use a good rag and soak it, then do a wipe down. I'm using this Maxima full synthetic chain lube now, it has better penetrating properties over the chain wax even thou I'm am a huge fan of the stuff, more than likely was the demise of my chain ending so soon as it did. only time will tell if and whats what here.

 

From what I hear....your driving is more likely the demise of your chain:vader:

 

>>>>>>> opcorn:

 

Ive heard that before Hmm :xxx:

 

When I get back into the saddle, I will get down there for a ride. You do ride in the rain don't you? Or do I have to wait until the summer now?:unsure:

 

Thanks Action, good to know. Thats what I like about this forum you also learn something new.