Cleaning chain

[Bush0102]

I got a new chain, what is the best way to clean all of the dirt, rust, etc off of my old one so it can be in good condition as a back up?

I was thinking about just soaking it in WD-40/Carb cleaner...

[NacsMXer]

Kerosene always does the trick, I think chain manufacturers actually reccommend it. WD 40 works too, its just not as strong as the kerosene at getting throught the built up gunk. I've never used brake cleaner though, it might hurt the O rings i'm not sure. :confused:

[DaleJrFan]

just soak it it wd-40, i have tried alot of stuff and i think it works the best.

[schootar]

I've always had good luck with kerosene too. Just soak it for a day or so. To get rid of any surface rust or goop, use a wire brush. Just be careful about the O rings, assuming your chain has them.

[YFZ450Ridr]

i always get out some kerosene and a wire brush. soak it for a bit and get out the old brush. works like a charm every time and the chain is nice and clean after wards. once im doin cleanin it, i usually hang it up so it can dry then while its haning and after its dried i spray chain lube on it.

[enduro400rider]

i dont think i would use WD40 on your O ring chain i have heard it dries out the o rings, it was a warning on the box my new chain came in. i use maxima chain wax it works great

[DEAL]

Wd 40 is mostly kerosene.

[quad_62]

i dont think I would use a wire brush on an o-ring chain.

[onlyquad]

I use kerosene and brush. Dont use wd40, because with the time your oring chain spoiled:(

[Bush0102]

its my stock chain...i wasnt aware it was an o-ring design...

[onlyquad]

Bush0102: The stock chain in honda 400 ex is o ring chain

[DaleJrFan]

we have had this post several times in the past, i have used wd-40 for a long time now and i know alot of guys who use it with no problems. ride your quad about 5 minutes to warm it up and then coat your chain with wd-40 and you will have no probs. also add a good coat right after you wash your quad.

[underpowered]

dont use wd-40 on an o-ring chain. it will draw the grease out and shorten the life of the chain. i would just use a brush to get the grime off and give it a good coat of PJ-1 chain wax

[cals400ex]

Originally posted by underpowered
dont use wd-40 on an o-ring chain. it will draw the grease out and shorten the life of the chain. i would just use a brush to get the grime off and give it a good coat of PJ-1 chain wax


they are actually using kerosene or WD to clean it. they will of course relube it before they put it back on the bike. i hope so anyways.