Chain O-ring WD-40 exposure effects study and results

[diddy2003]

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=345397

Enclosed is a study to examine the effects of Chain link O-ring exposure to various solvent, cleaners, and lubrications. Many “home grown” solutions exist as to the best method to clean and lube an O-ring type chain. Most popular is the usage of WD-40. The intent of this study is to determine if WD-40 and other commonly used chemicals are detrimental to the chains o-ring and it’s function. The study will consist of 4 parts:
1. Test set-up and controls
2. Short term continuous exposure results. Short term will be defined as 24 hours
3. Long term continuous exposure results. Long term evaluations will occur at regular intervals (monthly?) till a conclusion can be reached.
4. Study conclusion.

[Zippy]

Good stuff. I so want to, but I don't have time to read through it right now, diddy. Can you give a brief synopsys of the results.

[Fustercluck]

Originally Posted by Zippy

Good stuff. I so want to, but I don't have time to read through it right now, diddy. Can you give a brief synopsys of the results.

clean your chain with wd-40 and it will burn when you pee..

[Mphis Style]

Originally Posted by Zippy

Good stuff. I so want to, but I don't have time to read through it right now, diddy. Can you give a brief synopsys of the results.

From the write up...

"Conclusion of short term exposure:
1. Carb cleaner and Gasoline samples swelled to significant sizes. Definitely not recommended to use these fluids to clean an O-ring type chain. The carb cleaner exposed O-ring increased in diameter by 29%! The gasoline exposed O-ring increased in diameter by 11%.
2. WD-40, and Kerosene seem to have negligible to no effect on the O-rings (+/-1%)
3. Brake fluid, and PJ1 chain lube seem to have a negligible to small effect on the O-ring’s size."

Looks like I'll just stick to cleaning my chain with WD-40

[Zippy]

Originally Posted by Fustercluck

clean your chain with wd-40 and it will burn when you pee..

You pipe down, fudgefister!!!

[Zippy]

Originally Posted by Mphis Style

From the write up...

"Conclusion of short term exposure:
1. Carb cleaner and Gasoline samples swelled to significant sizes. Definitely not recommended to use these fluids to clean an O-ring type chain. The carb cleaner exposed O-ring increased in diameter by 29%! The gasoline exposed O-ring increased in diameter by 11%.
2. WD-40, and Kerosene seem to have negligible to no effect on the O-rings (+/-1%)
3. Brake fluid, and PJ1 chain lube seem to have a negligible to small effect on the O-ring’s size."

Looks like I'll just stick to cleaning my chain with WD-40

Me too. Even if it makes my peepee hurt. Thanks.

[diddy2003]

I also clean my chain with WD-40. I used to think I only had to use specific chain cleaner/wax. That stuff can be a pain to work with.

[Fustercluck]

i have always used kerosene just because of its all around cleaning benefits, wiping down work area, wrenches and tools etc..wd-40 is ok, but cant stand the smell of the stuff

[4literranger485]

on dirtbikes i ONLY use wd-40. usually end up cleaning the chain every ride, so it'd be a pain to use $$$$$$ expensive cleaners/lubes. WD cleans the chain, and lubes it after a wash, and less dirt clumps/sticks to WD compared to other chain lubes.

I use chain wax on the streetbikes though just to prevent fling.

[voodoovaj]

Originally Posted by Fustercluck

clean your chain with wd-40 and it will burn when you pee..

How are you spraying it?