30wt oil for a chain ??
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: So. Caliif.
Posts: 12
Bikes: Razesa
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
30wt oil for a chain ??
If I remember correctly, some years ago it was acceptable to dip a clean chain in 30wt motor oil, wipe off the excess and you were good to go.
Any reason I shouldn't?
Any reason I shouldn't?
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Originally Posted by Easto
If I remember correctly, some years ago it was acceptable to dip a clean chain in 30wt motor oil, wipe off the excess and you were good to go.
Any reason I shouldn't?
Any reason I shouldn't?
I use a plastic drink container filled partially with diesel fuel put the chain in and shake then wipe the chain clean. I repeat the process with clean fuel until the chain is clean.
Then I apply Prolink lubricant.
In my experience motor oil retains too much grit.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
I tried that once and put it on my "Never again" list. My chain threw oil all over, not just the chainstay, but the whole right side of my bike.
One of the things that I've learned over time is just how tiny an amount of lube bike chains really need. It's actually pretty hard not to over lube chains. One of those tiny, way overpriced, bottles of chain lube lasts me for at least a year and I service more bikes than most folks. I can afford $5.00 per year for a purpose designed product.
One of the things that I've learned over time is just how tiny an amount of lube bike chains really need. It's actually pretty hard not to over lube chains. One of those tiny, way overpriced, bottles of chain lube lasts me for at least a year and I service more bikes than most folks. I can afford $5.00 per year for a purpose designed product.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,442
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Motor oil is an excellent lubricant, but designed for the sealed interior of an internal-combustion engine. As Retro Grouch says, it tends to fly off of bike chains.
Most chain lubes have a "carrier" which thins the lube for application, then evaporates, leaving a thicker goo behind.
Most chain lubes have a "carrier" which thins the lube for application, then evaporates, leaving a thicker goo behind.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Hatfield, PA
Posts: 379
Bikes: '64 Schwinn Traveler, '73 Astra Tour de France, '79 Fuji Gran Tourer, '86 Dahon folder, '94 Specialized Hardrock, '95 GT Timberline, 2005 Jamis Aurora
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The topic of chain lubes has generated much heated debate, but it is generally agreed that over-application of any wet chain lube is undesirable. Dunking a chain in 30wt certainly qualifies as over-application.
The suitability of 30wt as a chain lube is open to debate. Regardless of the specific lube used, the consensus appears to be that chain lube is best applied on drop at a time.
The suitability of 30wt as a chain lube is open to debate. Regardless of the specific lube used, the consensus appears to be that chain lube is best applied on drop at a time.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 1,223
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Applied one drop per link, rotating the chain a few revolutions, then wiping the exterior clean yeilds great results for me.
Most seem to over apply chain lube, using the "if a little is good, more is better" train of thought.
Any excess lube on the outside of the chain does nothing but attract dirt. If chain lube is being slung to other parts of the bike, way, way, waaayyyyy too much of it is being applied, or excess is not being wiped off.
Most seem to over apply chain lube, using the "if a little is good, more is better" train of thought.
Any excess lube on the outside of the chain does nothing but attract dirt. If chain lube is being slung to other parts of the bike, way, way, waaayyyyy too much of it is being applied, or excess is not being wiped off.
#7
Senior Member
Originally Posted by Easto
If I remember correctly, some years ago it was acceptable to dip a clean chain in 30wt motor oil, wipe off the excess and you were good to go.
Any reason I shouldn't?
Any reason I shouldn't?
30wt is actually very good. Wipe chain often, oil infrequently and sparingly. Check chain for stretch (wear) often.
__________________
Il faut de l'audace, encore de l'audace, toujours de l'audace
1980 3Rensho-- 1975 Raleigh Sprite 3spd
1990s Raleigh M20 MTB--2007 Windsor Hour (track)
1988 Ducati 750 F1
Il faut de l'audace, encore de l'audace, toujours de l'audace
1980 3Rensho-- 1975 Raleigh Sprite 3spd
1990s Raleigh M20 MTB--2007 Windsor Hour (track)
1988 Ducati 750 F1
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: So. Caliif.
Posts: 12
Bikes: Razesa
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks and no problem for the answers. I wasn't trying to start another debate or thread on lubing a chain. Just throwing that out there to see is anyone has tried it. I'm very "old skool" when it comes to bikes. Any bike with a 6 speed cluster or more is "new" in my book, lol.