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View Full Version : How do you clean an X ring chain?

Chris Bird
10-06-11, 02:15 PM
Dudes, I know there's a bunch threads on this but can't seem to find the answers I need.

I know a lot of folk reckon it's unnecessary but I'm bored and like the look of a clean chain.

I have an AFAM CHAIN AND SPROCKET KIT -7 XSR Super heavy duty X ring - Gold (http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/Motorcycle/Chain_And_Sprockets/AFAM_CHAIN_AND_SPROCKET_KIT/405/0/92007/60255) on my bike and would like someone to help me understand the best way to keep it clean and lubed nicely. (Without using a scottoiler. Too expensive me thinks)

In the past I've been using the expensive chain cleaners in cans. I wont be doing this anymore. They cost too much and they're pretty poo.

I understand now that paraffin is a good way to go and everyone says it's okay for O-rings. But what about X-rings? Whats the difference between O and X rings? When I put the chain on, there was nothing X shaped about the O shaped rings I put on the joining link.

I have also read about people using white spirit, is this okay?

So guys, whats the way to do it on an X ring chain?

AFAM say to stay away from harsh solvents like gasoline, petrol, brake cleaners, air pressure. All pretty obvious but they also say white spirit is a no no... Of course they recommend their own line of chain cleaner and chain lube. No wonder they do at 8 quid a can

I'm savagely unemployed now so don't mind tacking some time on it. I can't ride it as often as I'd like to anyway so working on it when I can keeps me sane!

I am more than happy to brake the chain, I've got plenty of joining links and a good chain tool. Probably gonna end up removing both the sprockets to give them a clean along with the cush drive wheel hub thing on the rear anyway. I'll probably use this chance to clean the rear wheel, swingarm, front sprocket housing, the chain track and all that guff.

The lube I've got is SDoc100 White Chain Spray. Would I be better off soaking it in the little bit of unused engine oil I've got or will it just get real dirty, real quick?

Cheers guys.
timwilky
10-06-11, 02:32 PM
There is no difference in cleaning / care

The 'X' or 'O' is the profile of the ring and how if fits against the plates :-

|X| vs |O| So an 'X' ring has two contact points whereas an 'O' as 1.

Thereafter it is down to manufacturers claim about the specifics of their own design

Paraffin and a good stiff tooth brush (I tend to use the wife's and give it a quick swill in the toilet before putting it back)
_Stretchie_
10-06-11, 02:52 PM
Regardless of x ring or o-ring, I've always used old engine oil and a paint brush and every now and then take the wheel off, do the same but work each link to make sure they are free but it takes AGES..

However, our own young spunk BaP brought around some chain cleaning spray he bought from Halfords, spray it on, leave it a few miuntes and rinse, it's awesome stuff.

Then lube, NEVER forget to lube

; )
Chris Bird
10-06-11, 03:27 PM
Ah brilliant. I want to remove everything and get some proper cleaning going.

Will this be an okay way to go about it.

1- Remove Chain and sprockets

2- Stick chain and sprockets in a tray with paraffin and scrub with a stiff bristled brush.

3- Dry chain and sprockets with a rag

4- Stick the chain in some new unused engine oil*

5- Clean everything and put the chain back together


*Is it a good idea to lube it first with engine oil like above and then go for a quick 5 mile ride to warm it up and stick the SDoc chain lube on?
_Stretchie_
10-06-11, 03:45 PM
Once you've cleaned it lube it, next time you ride it re lube it when you've stopped.

OR, buy a scottoiler

; )
maviczap
10-06-11, 05:23 PM
Once you've cleaned it lube it, next time you ride it re lube it when you've stopped.

OR, buy a scottoiler; )

If you don't want a Scottoiler then how about one of these?

Same pricipal, although you have to remember to switch it off!

I keep meaning to buy one, I will before the AR
Chris Bird
10-06-11, 05:27 PM
One of what?:p
maviczap
10-06-11, 05:30 PM
Ooops :p

http://www.tutorochainoiler.com/index.php/store/motorcycleoilers
timwilky
10-06-11, 05:55 PM
Ah brilliant. I want to remove everything and get some proper cleaning going.

Will this be an okay way to go about it.

1- Remove Chain and sprockets

2- Stick chain and sprockets in a tray with paraffin and scrub with a stiff bristled brush.

3- Dry chain and sprockets with a rag

4- Stick the chain in some new unused engine oil*

5- Clean everything and put the chain back together


*Is it a good idea to lube it first with engine oil like above and then go for a quick 5 mile ride to warm it up and stick the SDoc chain lube on?

You do know you will have to grind off the rivet or remove the swinging arm in order to remove the chain?

I tend to remove the back wheel and let half the chain rest in a bowl of paraffin clean it and let the other half into the bowl for a clean. wash it down and dry it with the blow off and then lube it.
Chris Bird
10-06-11, 06:19 PM
You do know you will have to grind off the rivet or remove the swinging arm in order to remove the chain?

I tend to remove the back wheel and let half the chain rest in a bowl of paraffin clean it and let the other half into the bowl for a clean. wash it down and dry it with the blow off and then lube it.

I don't think so. It has a soft rivet joining link. When I first installed it I pressed the plates together to tight. This meant the link didn't move freely. So I broke the chain and tried again, I've got plenty of new joining links so it should be a worry.
timwilky
10-06-11, 06:28 PM
Fair do's if you have the soft links, you still need to grind them off or risk snapping your pin
Chris Bird
10-06-11, 06:46 PM
I haven't got a decent enough grinder so I'll risk a bit pin snappidge. Worked alright last time.