Originally Posted by HillRider
Don't break the chain. Just get a rag and dampen it with kerosesne or mineral spirits and wipe down the outside of the chain. That will remove the surface lube effectively without weakening the chain or requiring a new pin.
BTW, the "factory gunk' is a very effective lube so dson't try to wash it out of the chain's internals. Just remove the outside layer.
+1 Not necessary to break the chain, a rag and some degreaser is good enough, mineral spirits, kerosene, diesel, etc.