Chain clean-up

[famvburg]

That would probably be mineral spirits.

Thanks to everybody. What I called varsol is a solvent they use to clean paint brush.

[Rock Doctor]

Hi, I just cleaned my chain but I'm a little bit worried about dipping them in motor oil. Mostly on the drive chain near the cluch and disk brake. Won't that throw oil on the cluch and disk brake.

If you dip them, then wipe them off, you will likely be fine. Not much chance of slinging oil on the clutch, but it's easy to contaminate the brakes with oil. Even so, that's not really a problem, I always carry a can of "Brake Clean" or something similar like Electromotive (Gas could be used in a pinch if needed). Dribble it or spray it on the brake rotors and in the brake mechanism to get rid of the oil.

Don't try to go too far with oil contaminated brakes. The last time I tried to "just make it to the truck" I managed to catch my brakes on fire from the heat generated. Talk about "action packed" for a few seconds there. Not a raging open flame or anything, but red hot and smoking like crazy.


RD

[ardie]

I found this a couple weeks ago. There's nothing like a little ingenuity.

Chain Pickle Motorcycle Chain Cleaner - webBikeWorld

[brebett]

Hi, it seems very interesting. I hope that I can find those dill around here.

[Patmax]

You CAN use 30w- or 40w motor oil on chains, but it really isn't the best stuff; In a pinch in the field, yes.
Stop at the local motorcycle shop and get some decent quality chain lube. You might also find it at an auto parts store or hardware store.