Originally Posted by
HillRider
Yes, gasoline is an excellent chain cleaner but............ There are other far safer but equally efficient chain cleaners such as Kerosene and Odorless Mineral Spirits.
The bad thing about using solvents on a bicycle chain is removing the solvent..... before reapplying lubricant. Although the carrier may evaporate quickly I don't like the leftover solvent residue to be part of my fresh lubricant. If you use a solvent, then wash off the solvent to get a proper oiling... why not just wash off the old crud to begin with?
Before I oil the chain I like to get it clean... and allow it to dry. In a pinch... I have used WD-40 as a solvent followed later with a little fresh oil. Or even WD-40 to thaw frozen parts.