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sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #1  
Old 29 Nov 2010
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Chain lube

I,m two months into my trans Africa and I,ve now run out of my convenient spray can of chain lube. What do people recommend that one can buy in West Africa for the job going forward? Locals here in Bakino seem to use greese...

I remember reading somewhere once the Automatic Tranmission Fliud was a good subsitute?

Any advice appreciated.

Rob
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  #2  
Old 29 Nov 2010
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Engine oil...

I cleaned my chain with paraffin and used engine oil to lube it on a trip through Africa.

31,000km on the chain and it's still okay.

With Africa, always keep it simple.
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  #3  
Old 29 Nov 2010
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exactly

Yeah, don't sweat it.

In africa I did have a scott oiler on mine but ended up reusing a contact lense solution bottle (after I broke the scottie) and filling it with engine oil. The aim isn't to get the chain shiny with oil afterall
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  #4  
Old 29 Nov 2010
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Any oil will do the trick at a push. Gear-box / axle oil (EP90) would be the best.
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Old 29 Nov 2010
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I swear by ATF but on long trips I just use my spare engine oil. Keep in mind that you lube the o-rings to keep the grease between the chain pin and the chain pin sleeve, not the chain links themselves. I don't like the sticky sprays at all because it turns everything into a grinding paste. It's one of those age old arguments though, but I've noticed the difference between 2 trips through similar dusty environments.
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Old 30 Nov 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tmotten View Post
I don't like the sticky sprays at all because it turns everything into a grinding paste.
I agree. Oil won't stay on as well as a chain lube but when it does fling off, it takes the crap with it.
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Old 30 Nov 2010
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Forgot to mention that I put it on at night time when I build camp. That was the o-ring has all night to absorb it.
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  #8  
Old 8 Dec 2010
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get some chainsaw bar oil from one of the logging camps. apply with old toothbrush.

don't like parrafin. alegedly it could damage the o rings.

i used WD40, engine oil or bar oil when i ran out of proper lube.
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