Have 95 Xplorer and trying to srevice the front chain, it is a pain to remove, so I wanted to to remove the master link and clean the chain. But after endless attempts to pry out the backing plate, I gave up....

Idea's?
Can I just go to the car wash and blast off the crud?
I have been using the spray on "Tacky" PJ1 for years and the crud build up is ugly!!

Thanks in advance!

 

Grind off Master Link pen ends with hobby grinder, remove link and chain, clean, then replace chain and add new master link.

 

The master link I'm working on has a removable sleeve, and exposes the pin's..I think the O-rings are holding the side plate in place....I don't think this need to be grinded on, as it is ment to be re-used.

Stock chain (OEM)

 

Just checking, but have you put enough slack in the chain to aid in removal of the link??? Very important if you have not.

 

buy a chain breaker

small, handy little tool.

It only gets used so often,,,,,but its nice to have when you need it

I think i paid like $30 for it

 

Chain is in the most slack Position, I can move the links very freely

Is it OK to just car wash the chain on the ATV?

 

I wouldn't pressure wash it because you can cause damage to the o-rings. Just scrub it with it on. Use a light degreaser or WD-40 or something of that nature along with a brush and scrub it with a brush. Just don't leave the degreaser or wd-40 on for long to minimize damage to the o-rings. The only other way I could think of removing the link would be with a punch trying to push the pins through the link. You could also use a small screwdriver to pry the piece out, but be careful not to damage the o-rings. Oh yeh, kerosene is also good at cleaning that crud off of the chain.

 

here we go with the sporcket trick...Keep you posted.
Ya I thought the carwash was a bad deal....

 

NC,
well your trick did work.....Banging on the Master link while in the sprocket top gave me the edge..

however, after I replaced the master link (Bought a new one) it sure is tight, the chain where I put the master link binds somewhat, hopefully it will loosen up after some torque is supplied to it.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

Thnaks again for the help- let me know if the binding is something to be concerned about.

 

You are welcome, I am glad the trick worked. I think the link will be ok, should loosen up after riding a little, just keep your eyes and ears on it to make sure. You probably just messed up one of the plates a little while punching it out, should not be a big deal, should work fine. You may want to roll it back and forth a couple of times and make sure it doesn't bind up enough to jump the sprocket or anything, but I think after a little breaking in, it will be good as new. So, to the original question, is the chain all nice and shiny now??? LOL