Warning - You can use engine oil on your chain.

[northwind]

I'm delighted that this hasn't turned into a WD40 vs chains debate.

Oops.

engine oil on a chain . . . .

nothing wrong with that in my opinion, many people use it, and many people swear its the best thing to use.
(i remember seeing a ride review where this was mentioned)

my dealer tells me to use engine oil, as it is the best thing to use.

but i dont use engine oil for my chain.
i use ES90 gear oil on my chain.
its what my service manual tells me to use.

i did use engine oil, but proved to fling too much.

the ES90 is much thicker and doesnt fling as much, and also doesnt need re-applying as often.

my chains done 18k so far and no tight spots

[Sid Squid]

Originally Posted by northwind

I'm delighted that this hasn't turned into a WD40 vs chains debate.

Oops.

Well now you mention it...

I'm not an expert on chain lubes but work in engine oil development. Any commercially avalable engine oil with API, ILSAC or ACEA credentials (or any OEM credentials) will have been extensively tested for seal compatibility (we do these tests at our place) so should be fine.

Heavy duty diesel oils need to handle soot and have higher levels of dispersant to stop the soot causing excessive thickening and forming sludge. The dispersants can give seal compatibility problems. I doubt it would have a big affect on the o-rings on a chain, but I'd avoid diesel-specific oils to be safe.

IMO a thinnish gear oil's probably best as it has EP additives, which gives a bit of added protection for hard acceleration.

I certainly wouldn't put used oil from a diesel on a chain as the soot it contains is abrasive.

Having said all that, I use a scottoiler and scottoiler oil :P

HTH Keith

Would it not be more likely that the chain was too tight. Its an easy mistake to make and that would caused the chain to fail. It is surely better to have the chain too loose (not excessivly loose) than too tight as it will eventually break under load, and cause the primary drive bearings to wear quickly- or if the suspension is unduely compressed snap the chain. Lets also not forget the excessive salt used on the road at this time of year - lube or no lube salt is corrosive stuff.

I use a loobman system and the company states that for general use, engine oil is fine. 10W/40 O rings are acceptable.


G.

Originally Posted by Tony_BLY

HI Svers

Yesterday on the way home, going down the motorway, in second lane (just coming across from third) an almighty thwack, a high rev noise followed, then the realisation that my chain was no longer attached to my sprockets . Instead, it is somewhere on the motorway.

Within two minutes I am rescued by a fellow biker in a car (another biker on a bike stopped to see if he could help also - cheers guys!! ).

Tony from Burnley (Lucky to be at work this morning!)

Hi Mate,

Saw the bike parked up, (Black and with a Bagster cover?) and thought you'd hopped over the barrier for a comfort break, as it was cold yesterday !!

At least you got sorted.

Arn't you also suppose to be careful of the type of oil used because of the 'wet clutch', although the... 'why' ...for this is beyond me.


also... glad you got 'sorted' and even though the chain went down the pooper you didn't crash (happened to a buddy of mine on I35...)

Originally Posted by enon

Arn't you also suppose to be careful of the type of oil used because of the 'wet clutch', although the... 'why' ...for this is beyond me.


also... glad you got 'sorted' and even though the chain went down the pooper you didn't crash (happened to a buddy of mine on I35...)

Thats referring to the internals engine oil. Fully synth can cause the clutch to slip, some say.

Originally Posted by Dr Rich

Thats referring to the internals engine oil. Fully synth can cause the clutch to slip, some say.

THAT EXPLAINS A LOT! I was wondering how those two were related. Thanks.