"Ticking" Issue Solved (and I May Stop Using "Neat" Chain Lubricants)

 Some time ago I posted reporting a "ticking" sensation when coasting.
I accepted the explanation provided by some that it may be clutch
plates or normal chain noise.

That ends up not to be the case.

Lubed the chain this morning with "Bel-Ray Super-Clean Chain Lube"
(which I've been using for years).  Noticed that a link in the chain
wasn't straight.  Determined that I couldn't make the associated pivot
move even with a great deal of force by hand.  It was apparently fused
with its neighbor.  Noticed most other links were stiff.

Got out my barbecue brush (now in the dumpster) and slobbered
90-weight gear oil over the whole chain, then rode the bike for about
10 miles.  After the ride, the problem link could be pivoted
(apparently some of the oil had worked its way in), and most of the
other links were appropriately loose.

Slobbered more gear oil on the chain.

Adjusted the chain slack.  It was at 2 inches (obscene), and I knocked
it back to 1 inch.  Inspected the frame for damage from contact with
the chain--thankfully none that I could find.

Rode the bike about 100 miles today.

The pivots in the chain now seem appropriately loose.

It no longer makes noise while coasting.  The "ticking" is gone.  It
was the chain.

The thing is going to the dealership this week or next for its 36K
valve adjustment, and I'll just have them replace the chain and
sprockets, too, since they are near their elongation service limit.  I
got about 22,000 miles out of this chain and sprockets.  Good enough.

Anyway, here is what I've learned ...

I've used the Super-Clean chain lube for years (alternating with
"Chain Wax", depending on what the dealership has in stock when I'm
there).  I follow the instructions and get the chain warmed up before
applying it, then let it sit for a half hour after application.  I
also lube the chain every 500 miles, as recommended.

However, when I have a chain get "kinks" in it despite my lubing it as
recommended, I have concerns about the product.  Also, when gear oil
loosens up the chain but the chain lube does not ... I have concerns.

However, I have never cleaned the chain (and that could be a factor).
(Nor do I ever intend to clean a chain--If I can get 20K miles just by
spraying on lubricant, that is good enough.)

I think I'm going to switch to a "wetter" and "less neat" kind of
lubricant.

I was floored to have a chain with a kink and stiff links despite the
regular use of lubricant.  I've not seen that before.

DFC

 "Datesfat Chicks"  wrote in message

<snip>
However, I have never cleaned the chain (and that could be a factor).
(Nor do I ever intend to clean a chain--If I can get 20K miles just by
spraying on lubricant, that is good enough.)

I think I'm going to switch to a "wetter" and "less neat" kind of
lubricant.

I was floored to have a chain with a kink and stiff links despite the
regular use of lubricant.  I've not seen that before.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm no expert on chains, but I've seen the same kind of 'system' used on
firearms, and it works about as well.

Instead of regular cleaning, some folks slather on gobs of oil, figuring
that will solve any sticking or jamming issues.

It doesn't.

The extra goop collects extra dirt, and soon results in a jammed gun,
sometimes to the point where you can't move the parts that are really
supposed to move.

I would hate to see what would happen if they really needed their gun to
work and it didn't.

It's my understanding that a chain that doesn't move will break, and it's in
a position to collect a lot more dirt and crud than any gun.

What would happen if your chain broke at speed?  Would it fly into you, or
through somebody else's windshield?  Either one would ruin your day.

I think you were lucky this time.  I for one hate to rely on luck.

With all the work and worrying you do on your bike, I can't imagine cleaning
a chain is going to significantly cramp your style.  Try some Gum Out or
brake cleaner if it's that much trouble.  That should remove old oil,
grease, dirt, and moisture.  Then wax or oil or whatever your chain.

CS

 

Gum Out or brake cleaner will ruin an o-ring chain immediately as it
penetrates the o-rings and washes out the grease.

The recommended cleaner for o-ring chains is *kerosene* and if you're going
to immerse
the whole chain in kerosene, limit the immersion to five minutes only.

Personally, I just wipe the chain and sprockets off with a rag that's been
soaked in WD40...

 

Krusty morphs agaian.


--
BMW K1100LT  Ducati 750SS  Kawasaki GPz750  Honda CB400F  
Triumph Street Triple  Suzuki Freewind, TS250ERx2, GN250.
So many bikes, so little garage space....
chateau dot murray at idnet dot com

 


Gum Out or brake cleaner will ruin an o-ring chain immediately as it
penetrates the o-rings and washes out the grease.

The recommended cleaner for o-ring chains is *kerosene* and if you're going
to immerse
the whole chain in kerosene, limit the immersion to five minutes only.

Personally, I just wipe the chain and sprockets off with a rag that's been
soaked in WD40...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If there are O rings with grease inside them, why do chains need to be
cleaned and lubricated?

CS