Originally Posted by
cyccommute
What they are referring to is called a “severely hydrotreated heavy naphthenic oil (CAS No. 64742-52-5)” or something similar. The oil isn’t “heavy” but is produced by cracking a heavy naphthenic oil. It has a relatively low viscosity compared to other oils. 3-in-One uses it as their oil and you’ll find something similar is just about any other oil based bicycle chain lubricant.
so you're saying the oil in TriFlow is so thin it is nearly useless for chains....
and PTFE evaporates....?
TriFlow DRY LUBE is mostly a carrier that carries PTFE... and has a very very small percentage of "3 in 1" oil, as described by you.
i used TriFlow on M/C cables way back in the early 1990s. we switched to Zep45, from TriFlow, at the Tractor/Ag/Lawncare Dealers. it's a much better value, and is also the best way to remove built-up grass gunk off of painted surfaces, Ever.
i'd just buy and use the 3 in 1 oil, and skip the teflon/carrier expense... if i wanted an extremely thin oil on my chains.
i recall 3 in 1 washing off really quickly.. i used it when i was a kid, then used messy old 90 weight for a few tries.
my dad just smeared used motor oil on the chains, let it set for a while, then wiped the excess off.
it all seemed to work.
i'll stick with the maxima spray-on Chain Wax i've been using for 3 decades+.. since wax is what so many recommend anyway.
clean with pb blaster on a rag, spray on chain wax. done.
they make a nice little, but EXPENSIVE, drip bottle for the drip crowd, too!
the thing i see the most often is a TOTAL LACK of lube on chains.... and need for a new chain. :-D
"Wadda ya mean i 'need a new chain' ?... it 's not broke!"
any lube is better than no lube.
which brings us back to the thread subject... why wipe off the packing grease in the first place?
have fun... i'm out of this train wreck.