Best way to clean chain

[maxdallasfan]

The chain on my Yamaha 200k is all gummed up. Should I just spray it with chain lube, or should I clean it first? What should I use?

Thanks

[bkm]

Take it off and spray it with brake cleaner or soak in diesel fuel. Depending on how old it is, it might be time for a new chain.

[El Camexican]

Try kerosene or Diesel and a brass brush like they sell for cleaning your BBQ, but DON’T rub the O-rings with the brush! When you're done wipe it with a clean rag and put chain lube on it. I use a little WD40, but some people say it will swell your O-rings. I generally just moisten the outer links, maybe that’s why I haven’t had issues.

[maxdallasfan]

Thanks guys. Figures I don't have any kerosene or diesel. Ugh

[Mosh]

I have to disagree with brake cleaner..Sorry!
Some "cheap" brake cleaners have the tendency to swell or detiorate the rubber O rings in a chain..Specially that AUTO ZONE CRAP! Or that RED CAN CRAP...from Advanced or PEP BOY's

SUPER CLEAN.....SUPER CLEAN..Then WD-40..Then raise her up and spin the wheels and use Maxima Chain Wax...
Yeah alot of money up front...But 5-6 years on a single chain and sprockets in Mud, MX and rocky trails....Yeah..Thas what I am talkin about...

[maxdallasfan]

Thanks! I'll check it out.

[bkm]

Do to the lack of info I didn't know we were dealing with an o-ring chain. If rubber is involved, not don't use brake cleaner. If its an old roller non o-ring chain, brake cleaner should should be fine.

[bigred44]

Here is an interesting option to cleaning your chain. Ran across this on another forum. http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/chain-pickle/

[El Camexican]

Here is an interesting option to cleaning your chain. Ran across this on another forum. http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/chain-pickle/

Wow! That's a new one, but I seem to recall that pickling involves vinegar and salt. Not sure how bad I want that mix on my chain. Had to laugh when I saw this part below as my Dad once ripped his fingernail off trying to wipe the mud off the belt drive on his Whizzer.

Which, by the way, begs the question: what came before metal motorcycle chains? The leather "chains" were really belts that fit into the pulleys and they were made from leather, believe it or not"

[trikestar]

you could get some kerosene with a toothbrush and clean the chain, dry it then lube real good after.

[badass350x]

After cleaning I soak it in 30wt oil for a week!

[maxdallasfan]

Thanks for the tips guys. I can probably handle the toothbrush idea. Lol