Cleaning your chain?

iCraig · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jun 2004 Karma :

Right, I had new chain and sprockets fitted 4,000 miles ago on my GS,
And the chain and the sprocket are now looking decidedly dirty to say the least!

https://homepage.mac.com/craiggiles2/dirtychain

IS there anyway I can clean the chain whilst in situe on the bike or do I have to take it off?

And what do you recommend to clean it as I know I can't use engine degreaser as I've been imformed it would cause the O Rings to swell and cause the chain to ceaze.

So what do you recommend?

Thanks In Advance,

Craig

mr jamez · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Aug 2003 Karma :

Paraffin and a stiff brush, oh WD40 and similar products damage the chain so don't use those Smile

I used white spirit, not sure if that is ok but it was all I had at the time Neutral

Slinn84 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 20 Apr 2004 Karma :

Wurth do a nice chain cleaner, comes in a can that you just spray on and wipe over with a cloth. prolly better to use a toothbrush too to get all the solid bits out. after you've done that just grease and lube it back up and away you go.

for the sprockets just wipe over with a damp cloth, its best to keep the sprockets greased up so they dont knacker up the inner links of ur chain. just as long as their not worn or anything

Jammy-G · Banned Joined: 17 Mar 2004 Karma :

I know petrol scrubbed with an old toothbrush is a fantastic cleaner. Not sure if it will damage the chain or anything but its amazing on grime and crap. Thumbs Up

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RooRoo: just like the time i stuck my finger up my arse with no lube at all and she didnt talk to me for hours

Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

anything which will evaporate is good. petrol or white spriti are good so long as you let them fully evaporate before re-lubing

PsychoHippy · Jammy Git Joined: 01 Jul 2002 Karma :

I've always found Parrafin and an old nail brush does the job well, never really thought about using petrol, but it should be ok.
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baldy · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Feb 2004 Karma :

I use 1001 carpet cleaner mixed in with a bit of break fluid Thumbs Up

Great stuff, strips everything, even skin!
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One day i will rule the world, just not today.

cagiva gezzer · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Mar 2003 Karma :

I spray the new lube on and wipe it off. The solvent/propelant in the new lube cleans the chain really well. Then give it a coat of fresh lube.
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"because one stroke isnt enough and four strokes waste two"