Chain cleaning.

Okay, found out Bandy has a flat rear, compliments of a tek screw. Knew chain was covered in some very sticky black stuff, but , it had sprayed over the rim, chain guard, sprockets, up around front sprocket etc etc, and is still about 2mm thick on chain. Found out that I have a gold/yellow chain.
I have a container to use as a bath, but what is best to clean chain with. Diesel, Kero or Petrol ? I think degreaser may be a mistake for chain but used that on rear wheel etc.
Thoughts please.

I used to use Kero , but after my last new chain & sprockets I decided to use gear oil ( penrite ) . No more sticky shit ( after I eventually got rid of the old stuff )  ...........Chain now is mostly clean all the time , and hasn't needed adjusting for ages . ( a bit like a scott oiler , but manually done I suppose   ) Motorcycle manufacturers actually used to recommend using oil to lube your chain. I was a bit concerned how often I would have to oil it ,  but it hasn't been an issue .

Thanks Paul, will wipe with oil once clean.
Last bike that had chain drive never got any attention - trail bike.

paul wrote:I used to use Kero 

x 2, of all the things you mentioned it's the only one that wont damage the O/Z rings of chains. 

Kero and brushes on the chain, if you've got the wheel off you'll get the chance to give it a good soak to soften it up first.

It i also a paint preserver so is good to use on a rag to clean the swing arm and other components, even a cap full in the water/detergent when you wash the bike will help give the paint a deep clean and a good shine.

Thanks Chook, wheel is off, have a few old toothbrushes and cloths about to clean with.

Super sticky graphite ?



Can use a pladtic paint scraper to get bulk off.

Chain guard.



It is a gold chain

Took a few days,

Now that is a result! 

Thanks Ewok,
Rear wheel & sprocket, frame, swingarm, rear shock, both stands were all coated in it. Front sprocket area, water pump, starter, were packed with it.

I too have moved away from using pressure pack chain lubes to using gear oil due to the mess they leave everywhere like you've shown.

80w-90 gear oil is good however 85w-140 sticks better but now I'm trying chainsaw bar lube. This stuff is still fluid enough, compatible with "o" ring chains and is tackier.

To clean the chain I use kero and a motorcycle chain brush, rinsed off with water then lubed. My rear sprocket has never looked so clean & shiny!

Umm. GSX1100G. Did you clean those parts in your bathroom? If you did your a braver man than me. My wife kill me if i did that!

the deceased can't post.
No, the garage (9m x 7m ) has a toilet, bench and laundry tub with cupboard in it. Usually lay paper in bottom to catch/soak up the crap.

Build one of Daves chain oilers, use engine or gear oil and once you have the rate about right your chain will always have a slight oily sheen and the small amount of throw off will just wipe away, it's a winner all round.

Down for winter project. Though think winter is going to be sorting out some dramas relating to a painter we had organised to do whole house and kitchen benches and cupboards. After being told that we weren't happy with $20k of lounge room furniture being covered in dust and over spray, getting paint on fabric bed drawer and tearing fabric on otherside of bed, he walked out.