What is the proper way to oil a chain and what Oil should I use?

Biggerisbetter.

 

Some people use motor oil, but for me, I use Bel Ray chain lube. I have tried everything from WD-40, to Maxima chain wax, and I was pleased the most with PJ-1 blue label.

 

Like Lonestarbanshee, I use BEL-RAY SUPER CLEAN CHAIN LUBE. Clean and warm up your chain first, then spray the lube from both sides of the chain.

 

You should not have to oil a o-ring chain.

 

Sand45 is correct on this. The idea behind an o-ring chain is that it retains the lube inside it. Lubes that are sprayed on the outside, can't penitrate to the friction points in the first place and can actually shorten the life of the chain. Some lubes will cause dirt to "cling" to the chain and work as an abrasive, tearing up the o-rings.

O-ring chains should be cleaned regularly, and you may want to apply a very light oil to prevent surface rust if your chain is no longer coated in some way.

 

biggerISbetter- i perfer wesson, corn oil or crisco in a pinch. Keep the rubber side down.

 

Thanks Guys.

Biggerisbetter.

 

I beg to differ with you on this one knutz. True, the pivot points inside the chain links are perminently lubed and sealed and do not need further service. however the rollers in the center of the chain, that contact the sprocket, do. This will keep the rollers from seizing and causing premature wear of the sprockets and rollers. When inspecting your chain it is important to run your finger tip down the center of the chain to ensure that the rollers are rotating freely and dont have too much slop. I they are sloppy it means that the rollers are worn too thin and are ready to break.
Most people don't like to mess with a chain because it takes too much time to properly maintain it. The use of high pressure washers is the absolute worst way to clean an o-ring chain. This forces water past the o-rings which will cause the chain to rust and the links to seize.
If the chain is dirty, the easiest way to clean it is to use a tooth brush and some WD40 to scrub the oil off it. Then rince it with water and ride it briefly to to shake the water off. Spray a good chain lube (I also use Belray) on the rollers only, while spinning the tires. Then let it sit for 5 minutes or longer to allow the lube to solidify inside the rollers. If done this way you'll find that very little dirt sticks to the chain and won't need cleaning so ofton.

 

I'm with JSsDs on this one. True, an 0-Ring chain will last longer without oil than a non-o ring, but both need to be oiled.

 

I think the spray on Chain Wax is great. It drys throughly and doesn't collect dust. I think it works great in lubricating the rollers on the sprocket. And absolutely positively keep that pressure washer away from the chain!
.....I have had my DS for almost a year now, and have certainly put over 2,000 miles of fast desert and mountain trail riding on it, and a trip to Pismo. I have only adjusted the chain one time, about a month after buying it. My chain roller is also perfect. Chain Wax is great! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]