Lubricate a Chain with Grease & Solvent?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effectiveness of mixing petroleum solvent with grease for lubricating chains, particularly in the context of bicycles and motorcycles. Participants explore various methods of lubrication, including soaking chains in mixtures and using specialized lubricants, while considering the implications of different environments and chain types.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether mixing a petroleum solvent with grease will effectively penetrate the chain rollers and leave a sufficient film of grease after evaporation.
  • Another participant suggests that a sticky and viscous lubricant is necessary to remain effective during use, sharing their experience of using heavy grease in acetone.
  • A different approach is mentioned where chains are 'boiled' in thick lubricant to ensure thorough coverage, although the participant expresses uncertainty about the current advisability of this method.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for a greasy mixture to attract dirt, leading to a preference for applying lubricant directly to each link.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about experimenting with homemade mixtures, recommending proven commercial products instead.
  • Another points out that many modern motorcycle chains are permanently lubricated and sealed, indicating that improper solvents could damage them.
  • Several participants share their experiences with specific brands and types of lubricants, emphasizing the importance of choosing products suited to different riding conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions regarding the effectiveness of homemade lubricant mixtures versus commercial products. There is no consensus on the best approach, and various methods and experiences are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention different environments (wet, dry, dusty, muddy) and types of chains (bicycle vs. motorcycle), indicating that the effectiveness of lubrication methods may depend on these factors. Some methods discussed may not be advisable for all chain types, particularly those with O-rings.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in chain maintenance for bicycles or motorcycles, particularly those exploring different lubrication methods and products.

Osvaldo
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TL;DR
Grease Solvent Mixture
Does it make sense to mix a petroleum solvent with grease in order to lubricate a chain so the mixture gets well inside the rollers and wait for the solvent to evaporate, leaving a film of grease within the chain components? Will this happen? Lube oils work fine but leave the chain after few hours of operation.
 
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Chains need a special lubricant. What you propose will work but, the lubricant must be very sticky and relatively viscous to stay in place during use. I have used heavy grease in acetone for this very purpose. Put the lub/solvent in a container, lay the chain flat in a spiral on the bottom. Allow it to soak there until all the acetone evaporates. A heat gun speeds up the process. Careful ! It might ignite.
 
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I don't know if this still acceptable/advisable or not, but in my childhood we used to 'boil' the chain instead: some good thick lubricant in a double boiler (so temperature won't go above the boiling point of water) and cook it for some time, with moving the chain sometimes. Then just hang it above the container so the excess grease could drip back while cooling down.

Ps.: of course, there was some cleaning first... :doh:
 
The reason for using the mixture instead of "boiling" the chain, is that I prefer to put few drops in every link in order to keep the outside of the chain free of any greasy mixture that could attract dirt.

Rive said:
I don't know if this still acceptable/advisable or not, but in my childhood we used to 'boil' the chain instead: some good thick lubricant in a double boiler (so temperature won't go above the boiling point of water) and cook it for some time, with moving the chain sometimes. Then just hang it above the container so the excess grease could drip back while cooling down.

Ps.: of course, there was some cleaning first... :doh:
 
motul chain lube paste - $11 for a tube..not worth experimenting trial and error process to get somethign that won't work as good as the proven race lube
 
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What you suggest is available in several bicycle chain lubes where a greasy, waxy or other (Teflon, “ceramic”) substance is dissolved in a volatile solvent. Enthusiasts vary the lube by season since some are more than water-resistant than others. Google for bike chain lubes and you can read about all the options.
 
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Many (Most?) modern motorcycle chains are permanently lubricated (internals) and sealed with O-rings. Lubrication is required only for the sprocket/roller interface. The wrong solvent will destroy that kind of chain.
 
Osvaldo said:
Summary: Grease Solvent Mixture

Lube oils work fine but leave the chain after few hours of operation.
What is the application? Bicycle or motorcycle? What kind of environment? Wet, dry, dusty, muddy, etc.?

For my sportbikes, I have used Motul and similar brand cleaners and lubricants. I ride in the rain as well as the dry, so I spend a lot of time cleaning and lubricating those chains.

For by motocross bike, after every ride I clean the chain by soaking in kerosene, then dry and re-lube with off-road chain lubricant (Motul or other brand).

For my mountain bike chains, I use an off-road chain lube similar to Chain Wax.

I'm with @Ranger Mike on this -- stick with good quality products that are already optimized... :smile:
 
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