Bad idea?

[biglubusa1]

I watched a youtube video last night on how to clean the chain and they used gasoline to get all the dried up grease and gunk off. Then i told a buddy of mine about and he says dont do it. so i wake up this moning bored and i decide to do it anyway I think it turned out good my chain looks good. why would it be abad idea to use gasoline to clean it (worked pretty good) here's some pics.

 

[Acehole]

Yeah cleans it up REAL good, but....doesnt fair well for the o-rings. Kerosene is the prefered solvent.

 

[busa-saga]

plus 1 on kerosene

 

[Blanca BusaLess]

wd40 works well also.

 

[skydivr]

wd40 works well also.

Blanca, several posts about WD40 and o-rings....Kerosene...

Also, take a look at the chain lube threads about using that stuff you can get from Lowes...my chain is STILL gold after 500 miles!

 

[Blazing-Saddle]

Kerosene, Naptha, WD40 just don't use gas. As mentioned it isn't good for the seals....

 

[biglubusa1]

i just dipped a tooth brush in it and brushed the chain and wiped the rest down!

 

[Blanca BusaLess]

Really I rarely clean my chain.
Just ride it for a while till chain gets warm and I soak the crappola out of it with chain wax. Old stuff comes off new stuff stays on.

 

[MC MUSTANG]

Kerosene is the best cleaner... Curious what is available at lowes?

 

[Blanca BusaLess]

MC MUSTANG
Here is a link to whats is available at Lowes' Have not used it but others swear by it.
Supposed to have zero fling factor .
Lowes site is down now so this is only link I found.

http://bolty.net/2009/05/13/dupont-teflon-lube-is-magic-brought-to-you-by-science/

 

[Vonderbach]

I use the expensive chain degreaser that sits at the counter of every bike shop. You know...the one that costs them $3.99 and they charge $12.99 for it. I'm a sucker, but I'm not brave enough to use forieng substances on my bike. I stick with what I'm told.....and I'm a sucker for doing it I'm sure.

 

[Blanca BusaLess]

I stick with what I'm told.....and I'm a sucker for doing it I'm sure.

I command you to mail me 1000 dollars..

How long should I wait since you always do what your told...

 

[Acehole]

Really I rarely clean my chain.
Just ride it for a while till chain gets warm and I soak the crappola out of it with chain wax. Old stuff comes off new stuff stays on.

Take off the rear sprocket cover and see how all that wax looks gunked up in there. Dont take my word for it, just go look. You'll appreciate a cleaner non-build up solution to chain maintenance. You'll also realize that the same dirt trapped in there is also trapped in your chain. Dirt = wear = chain failure.

I am using the stuff from Lowes, dang if i can remember the name. Great stuff to use when limited for time, but for me nothing replaces a good soaking and cleaning.

 

[Blanca BusaLess]

Ace_05 you would mean front sprocket cover correct ?
While there is some there from the chain wax. It is not nearly as much as with things like regular chain lube. Besides Blanca lets me know when 1/2 ounce or more builds up and I have to clean it..

Really. I let the chain wax set up long enough so that it doesnt fly off, ever.
I am more concerned about having to clean my wheels after the fling so I watch that stuff. Very little build up if any behind sprocket cover, I just had it off two days ago for the 1st time when I replaced bolts there. Also very little under chain guard as well.
4000 miles.
But I do agree with you a cleaning with proper solvent can never hurt.

Gonna go to Lowes and try some of that as the can of Chain Wax I have is close to gone.

 

[valkyriemc]

Zuki owners manual says kerosene, at least on my gen II. Works fine. Here's wot Suzuki says exactly on page 7-26;

Caution

"Cleaning the chain with gaso-
line or commercial cleaning
solvents can damage 0-rings
and ruin the chain.


Clean the drive chain with kero-
sene only."

 

[Acehole]

Yeah Blanca i meant front..sorry.

 

[dmrowe]

Zuki owners manual says kerosene, at least on my gen II. Works fine. Here's wot Suzuki says exactly on page 7-26;

Caution

"Cleaning the chain with gaso-
line or commercial cleaning
solvents can damage 0-rings
and ruin the chain.


Clean the drive chain with kero-
sene only."

+1 Kerosene in a spray bottle, tooth brush and a rag. Chain looks like new, that a the lubricant of your choice extends the life of chain and sprockets.

 

[Spkrdctr]

I use the Dupont lube from Lowes and it works great. No fling at all and the chain stays clean. It is not sticky at all so gunk doesn't stick to it. It is self cleaning so you just hose the chain down while rotating the wheel and all of the old dirty gunk runs off and the chain is all cleaned! It is perfect for our bikes. You do need to let it dry for about 30 minutes before you ride so the solvent has evaporated. It is O-ring safe too!

 

[DEMMYM]

Ohhhhhhh great, one more thing too clean.

 

[StromBusa]

Happiness is a clean chain...Unless you're on fire