To resurrect an old Ultegra un-stretched chain
09-16-14, 08:07 PM
#1
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To resurrect an old Ultegra un-stretched chain
I have two old Ultegra chains - 2 or 3 years old - that I put away dry in plastic bags. They have a little surface rust, the link action is stiff. And they have no stretch. Why did I do this? At this point I have no idea!
Can I resurrect them by soaking them in a tub of ATF or some other light oil? Then treat with real chain oil after I've cleaned them up?
Or is this a fool's errand?
Can I resurrect them by soaking them in a tub of ATF or some other light oil? Then treat with real chain oil after I've cleaned them up?
Or is this a fool's errand?
09-16-14, 09:31 PM
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Try this to remove the rust and get it moving then clean and lube.
50/50 mix of 100% acetone and dextron/mercron automatic transmission fluid.
Sounds crazy I know but it works! google it and see.
Cheap and works great.
Also the acetone/trans fluid separates like oil/water, so you need to shake it up real well in your applicator.
50/50 mix of 100% acetone and dextron/mercron automatic transmission fluid.
Sounds crazy I know but it works! google it and see.
Cheap and works great.Also the acetone/trans fluid separates like oil/water, so you need to shake it up real well in your applicator.
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09-16-14, 09:41 PM
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Sure worth as try. The rust won't solvent off. Only use will polish off the needed surfaces and a soon after re cleaning will remove the loosened rust. Andy.
09-16-14, 09:54 PM
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It might be a fool's errand, but I give you better than 50% odds. Before you started, decide how much time you're willing to take, say 15 or 20 minutes. If you're not happy in that time, replace. Chains are too icky to work on extensively.
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09-16-14, 10:04 PM
#5
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I used a stainless or brass wire bristle brush attachment on a Dremel for the surface rust (dry). Held chain taut on the floor with my foot and one hand & Dremeled each link like a second and rust was gone.
I'd totally try to rejuvenate.
I'd totally try to rejuvenate.
09-16-14, 11:59 PM
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Skip the added and unnecessary effort.
Cut to length and install them. Apply your favorite chain oil and ride. Running the chain will loosed any stiffness, and any internal rust at contact points will be burnished off in short order. External rust doesn't matter since it doesn't touch anything and the chain oil will seal it and prevent it from worsening.
Cut to length and install them. Apply your favorite chain oil and ride. Running the chain will loosed any stiffness, and any internal rust at contact points will be burnished off in short order. External rust doesn't matter since it doesn't touch anything and the chain oil will seal it and prevent it from worsening.
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
09-17-14, 12:25 AM
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I agree completely with Mr FBinNY. The rust on the surface doesn't matter. Cleaning with solvents, unless you remove completely, will interfere with the chain's lubricant. A 100 miles of riding will get the chain dirtier than whatever it has in it makes it now.
09-17-14, 01:07 AM
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Degrease with varsol, derust with Evapo-Rust, relube with your favorite chain lube, install on bike and ride. You just saved ~$10, minus the cost of the chemicals. I'd do it 'cause I already have all that stuff and derive a certain feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment from this aspect of the bicycling hobby.
09-17-14, 05:22 AM
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Degrease with varsol, derust with Evapo-Rust, relube with your favorite chain lube, install on bike and ride. You just saved ~$10, minus the cost of the chemicals. I'd do it 'cause I already have all that stuff and derive a certain feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment from this aspect of the bicycling hobby.
Rod
09-17-14, 05:33 AM
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I'm with FB, I ignore surface rust, keep the chain lubed and let Nature and frioction take care of removing it from moving parts; there is no way to get at them anyway and the metal that has turned to rust is gone already.
