Originally Posted by desertdork

+1 Measuring will tell you whether this chain has life left in it. The 2500+ mileage estimate is only meaningful relative to your experience with similar chains.

FWIW, the spray solvent you used may have done a superior job at breaking down the paraffin and other components in your wax lube in comparison to what your dish soap has previously done. There's nothing wrong with that. However, while you mention wiping off the chain after using the spray solvent, you don't mention allowing time for the solvent to dry from the chain's innards. If wet solvent was still present inside the chain when you applied the wax lube, then I'd question how much of that lube actually made it to the interior of the chain or if the present solvent broke down what lube did make it there. In my warm, dry climate, I still allow several hours (or even overnight) for solvents to completely evaporate.

I use Finish Line Dry Teflon (drip) which is paraffin-based. I find odorless mineral spirits do a fine job at removing the lube, but I have also used Dupont Motorcycle Degreaser and White Lightning Clean Streak. The latter two products evaporate more quickly than OMS, but the fumes are somewhat unpleasant.