WD40 on chains "urban Myth?"

I know we've talked about chain lubes and cleaning in the past here. I've often heard the wd40 will eat o-rings. I was on another board and someone did a test on a chain. Something like soaking the chain in wd40 for a week with no signs of o-ring damage. Anyone ever test this idea? I know everyone says it will damage them but has anyone had a chain damaged by it or actually tested this?  

I guess you can say I tested it. It's all I've used to clean chains on my last 5 bikes. I never actually inspected the o-rings, but I've also never even had to replace a chain...ever. That includes over 30k miles on the original chain and sprockets on my ZX9R. You shouldn't use it as a lubiricant, because it is not one. It is a water dispersment fluid, but it works real well for cutting grease. I can't tell you with any certainty that it can't harm o-rings, but I've seen no ill effects personally.  

I agree with RFB.  Use the WD40 to clean the chain, and then coat with whatever lube/wax you like.



Chris  

I was wondering the same thing about this time.  I have a lot of cleaning to do to my chain and its surrounding area.  I just have another question.  If I clean my chain with the wd40 and wash the bike down I now I need to lube my chain (right?) but I have always been told that the chain should be hot before lubing-so should I ride it for a few minutes to get it hot and then lube it or should I just lube the chain when it is cold?  

This is my process, it takes a couple of hours, but I do more than just clean the chain. If I determine it’s time for a good chain cleaning, I do it when the bike needs a good soap and water wash too, the bike will get real nasty cleaning the chain this way. I only soap and water a couple of times per year. Most of the time I keep it up with Honda Cleaner/Polish spray.

• Take bike on a quick ride to warm chain
• Thoroughly clean chain with WD-40 and old toothbrush, then wipe down chain with rag.
• Soak the chain with WD-40 and take the bike for another good ride, this flings a ton of crap all over you and the bike.
• Chain will look like crap so WD-40 and rag wipe again.
• Remove lower fairings.
• Diluted Simple Green all over shock, swing arm, rear sprocket, under bike, counter shaft area, etc
• Good soap and water wash.
• Replace and wash fairings.
• 10-15 minute ride to get chain good and hot, immediately then apply Maxima Chain Wax liberally.
• Wax bike with Maguier’s paste style wax.
• NO ARMOR ALL, or anything like it.
• Let bike sit for at least an hour, I like to wait overnight. If you live up north, winter storage time is good time to do all this.

I’m real anal about all of this, I’m not saying this is the way it must be done. It’s just my method, but I’ve been told bikes with many miles and years look showroom.  

Thanks for the info Bill.  My process probably won't be as comprehensive as yours but now I know I can ride it after cleaning to get it hot before I lube it.  And for the Armor All, I have a long and disastrous story about that stuff so I always keep it at least 200 feet(exageration)away from my tires.  

All I've ever used to clean my chain is WD-40. Never a problem. I hear kerosene works good too.  

If that's what it takes I'm just buying a new chain.  

It doesn't take "all that". That's just what I do. But you do need to clean your chain a couple of times per year. If you prefer to drop $150-200 for a chain and sprockets vs. spending an hour cleaning your chain and bike, then go for it.  

Hey Bill have you ever tried Motol clean and shine? I used Honda for years but now I think the Motol, in the silver& blue can, is much beter stuff.  

I haven't tried it but I have no complaints about the Honda stuff, and the Motul costs the same for half the amount of cleaner.  

I don't know, seems like the bugs come off easier with the Motol.    

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I don't know, seems like the bugs come off easier with the Motol.  

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Bah, that's just because you're riding to slow! You're not really imbedding them in there good enough.  

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Bah, that's just because you're riding to slow! You're not really imbedding them in there good enough.

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I just use it as a cleaner, wipe the chain dry as I can, then lube it, and finally, wax the chain, then set it sit and cool a minimum of an hour.