Wow, that exhaust cleaning thread threw up a good answer!
What about chains? I had been using Kerosene, believed the oil would not dry out the 'o' rings, but apparently it does.
As my Tigger gets off bitumened a lot the chain gets pretty grubby and I'd like to be able to clean it without shortening its life.
Cheers
Used to use kerosene (and never had any trouble with the o-rings, btw), but WD-40 does as good a job and is a whole lot easier to use.
Lube and clean at the same time with ATF. It's good and it's good for ya. :lol: Makes a mess, but cleans up easily.
I used ATF for a while, but after a trip with a lot of dirt I have become a WD-40 convert. There is a ongoing battle over this topic at ADVrider.com. Many of them are convinced that WD will eat the chain's O-rings, while others have used WD for many years with no problems.
The way I figure it, WD is cheap, plentiful, and seems to do a good job of cleaning while leaving a light lube in it's wake. If my relatively new chain dies in 5k miles I'll switch back to ATF. My current technique is to absolutely drench the chain once a week (I put a big piece of cardboard under it to catch the runoff). I ride about 200 miles a week.
ATF is cheaper than WD. Just sayin' :wink: . :lol:
Edit: In Mexico you can buy WB-50. Woooooohoooo!
I use Dupont Teflon and I lube after every ride regardless of mileage. It's easier than forgetting but I don't go over 200 miles. Clean up has been simple with Dupont. I don't get much of a build up at all. For clean up I use that brush and cleaner combo I'm sure most of you have seen but I can't remember the brand.
I honestly don't have a strong opinion about it, but I switched to WD after the ATF really wasn't cleaning my dirt encrusted chain. After the WD, it literally looked new.
If you haven't, I'd try both WD and ATF for a few weeks each to see what you think. I can't comment on the Teflon; it may be great, but I will say that I like the fact that the WD and ATF are easily gotten.
I'm sure they are cheaper as well as the Teflon is kind of expensive. However, I buy it by the case and I use it for more than just my chain so it's been great to have around. It really works quite well. I might try WD some time on my dirt bikes for kicks though.
I started using WD40 on my FJs chain back in '02 on the advice of a fellow rider. That chain is still on the bike and shows no signs of stopping with 20K on it. :D
I've been using the chain lube that the PO left in the saddle bag when I bought the Tiger. That chain has almost 12K on it now and it is beyond shot... I'll be switching to WD with the new chain.
I believe the WD-40 is a vegetable based or synthetic based oil and should have no effect on your chain....
it may attract a rabbit or 2.
I think WD-40 is fish-based oil.
I buy WD-40 by the gallon and use it in squeeze bottles and trigger sprayers. I keep an aerosol can or two floating around as well. I'm a big fan.
As far as fish oil as an ingredient... http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/wd-40.asp (http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/wd-40.asp)
Alright already you are both wrong ! :oops:
According to the MSDS data sheet on their website WD-40 is 75% Aliphatic Hydrocarbons , whatever that is and 25 % PETROLEUM BASED OIL and 3% carbon Dioxide
We get oil from the ocean....we get fish from the ocean.....
I rest my case. :P
:ImaPoser
How are you cleaning the chain with WD-40 and ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid, right?)
Are you scrubbing the chain with a brush or just hosing it off?
I usually just hose it off. I did use a brush once after some heavy dirt riding.
ATF is self cleaning. I put it on and ride.
I may really soak it once a month and run a rag over it to pick up the really sloppy stuff.
Do you use the ATF for cleaning only or is it a lubricant as well?
Quote from: "HappyMan"Do you use the ATF for cleaning only or is it a lubricant as well?
a lot of folks will use ATF as chain lube when using a chain oiler like a scott oiler etc .
Quote from: "HappyMan"Do you use the ATF for cleaning only or is it a lubricant as well?
Put a drop on your finger. Now use your thumb to smear it around. Slippery, isn't it?
One of the points I've heard people make is that an o-ring chain doesn't require lube. It has grease locked inside the o-rings that acts as the chain's lube. What the chain does need, however, is occasional cleaning to keep dirt from penetrating the o-rings. Some people use kerosene with a brush to clean, and then go over it with a light lube just to keep the o-rings from drying out.
So ATF and WD are just light solvents that also leave a thin film of lube.
Now, if you are using a non o-ring chain (do they even make one big enought o fit a Tiger?), you need to lube thoroughly and often. I've actually thought about trying one on my F650 just to see what happens.
You still need to lube o-ring chains to lubricate the sprockets and chain rollers.