 5Likes
 |
7 Dec 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 78
|
|
|
Is WD40 actually harmful for a chain?
The unfortunate sequence of events below has occurred:
1. Buy bike with Scottoiler 
2. Discover Scottoiler is actually full of water logged oil/goo due to broken delivery pipe 
3. Fill Scottoiler with WD40 to now have a whole Scottoiler full of bluish white goo that I think is liquid enough to flow out
4. Not being able to find anyway to flush said goo out of scott oiler apart from one drop at a time, for which I just don't have the patience 
Has left me wondering whether I can just let it the bluish white goo run through and oil my chain as normal. But will the WD40 actually damage the chain or not? Or do I need to face the inevitable and pay 45 quid (!) for a plastic cylinder with a vacuum valve inside it? Or maybe there's a clever way to flush the bugger out (I don't have access to an air hose unfortunately)....
Thanks in advance for any comments.
|
7 Dec 2012
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
|
|
|
Flush out the scottoiler and delivery pipe with very warm (not boiling) water.
Use an empty scottoil refill bottle or similar to force the water through. Using the same priciple/method as when you first fill and prime a new scottoiler (instructions on their website)
Leave it on prime with the engine running and squeeze that bottle hard.
You will eventually flush it all out.
ORRRRR... Just use it all up. WD40 won't do any serious damage to your chain. There are loads on internet experts who say it eats your 0-rings, and maybe they're right , but I don't think any chain will last long enough for that to happen unless you're only using the bike once a year.
If it were me, I'd just leave it be and use it up and enjoy a life lesson learned.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
7 Dec 2012
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: London
Posts: 405
|
|
Probably not a good idea to lubricate the chain with a WD40 mixture for however long one fill-up of the Scotoiler reservoir will last.
It may flow quite fast and lubricate the tyre as well!
How about fully priming the reservoir, like here?
http://www.scottoiler.com/images/sto...ming_guide.pdf
I'd turn the flow-rate dial to max (note where it is to start) and follow the prime process until the reservoir is empty. Then fill, and prime to expel the air from the pipe. Then return the flow rate dial to previous position.
You'd need a bottle of ScotOil and the primer-adapter which should come with it (you may have to ask).
If you already have a bottle of ScotOil you should be able to get the adapter from a dealer for free - just tell them your last one broke, worked for me (it really did break).
(On my very old Scotoilers, turning the dial to max makes it easy to prime. Is that still the case? It doesn't mention that on the website)
|
7 Dec 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
|
|
|
The WD40 (and water/oil/dirt solution) would not be the best solution for your chain.
Take the container off the bike and empty all that you can out (turn it upside down, shake/squeeze it etc.). Use something fairly cheap to further dilute the solution (kerosene, methylated sprits, diesel fuel etc. [NOT water!]). Mix that up and again remove the contaminated fluid. Repeat until the fluid is reasonably clean. Once most of it is out (all you can get) then put it back on the bike with the outlet tube directed into a bottle (old drink bottle for example), zip tie it on so it won't fall off.
Turn the flow rate dial to max, ride. If your chain needs lubrication now then lube it the old fashioned way - by hand. Empty the drink bottle out before it overflows. Once you have most of the solution out, put some more of that cheap stuff in (just a bit more, not filling the Scott oiler) and run again. Again repeat until the stuff coming out is fairly clean. What you want is for your cheap solution to flush away the dirty stuff before you put good oil in there and direct it to your chain.
|
7 Dec 2012
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: England
Posts: 68
|
|
|
WD40 contains petroleum distillates which will swell the "o" rings of an "o" ring chain which will then be damaged when you ride the bike. The same goes for the seals on suspension linkages and brake calipers etc. This is why rubber grease and "o" ring suitable chain lube exist. If you need to clean your chain don't ever be tempted to use petrol go with Kerosene. The same goes for cleaning brake calipers etc. even brake cleaner of the cheaper variety will swell the seals. Use a good quality brake cleaner or even mild soapy water and rinse then dry well. You can lube up afterwards with Rubber or silicone grease. Of course if you chain is non "o" ring then none of this matters.
|
7 Dec 2012
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 4,017
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mumbo68
WD40 contains petroleum distillates which will swell the "o" rings of an "o" ring chain which will then be damaged when you ride the bike.
|
I know nothing about this except that I've been using WD40 to clean o-ring chains on a regular basis for over a hundred thousand miles now (on road, off road, wet, dry, sandy, muddy, throughout the Americas, Europe and Africa, mainly) without trouble. No matter how many times someone says the rings will swell or degrade, I continue to get 12,000-20,000 miles (20,000-32,000 km) out of my chains with very minimal attention. That's at least as good as anyone I ride with has done by taking elaborate care with special lubes, including auto-lube devices.
I'm not the only one. However, I can certainly only state my own direct experience with any authority.
I might add that I sure wouldn't rely on water-contaminated or dirty lube of any sort as the op seems to be proposing. Rinsing the contamination (as suggested by others above) seems like the better part of valor.
Hope that's helpful.
Mark
|
8 Dec 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
|
|
|
I'm on the triumphrat forum quite a bit and there are numerous threads on this and like Markharf, many of them swear by wd40 for extending chain life despite the science which seems to suggest it should damage the chain. Go figure?
|
8 Dec 2012
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf
I know nothing about this except that I've been using WD40 to clean o-ring chains on a regular basis for over a hundred thousand miles now
Mark
|
That's the point. WD40 is about 80 kerosene and as a cleaner its OK. As a lubricant, its shite.
The Scottoiler is trying to lube the chain to sprocket surfaces. Nothing else. The O-rings seal the original lube in the rollers.
Rather than pay Scottoiler prices for their stuff, use EP oils... 80 or 90, whatever you can get cheap. It works.
John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
|
8 Dec 2012
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
|
|
I do chemical compatibility stuff against O-rings and hoses all the time at work. WD40 wouldn't be my first choice as in theory it has stuff in it that isn't nice, but lets face it, unless you never ride the chain will wear. WD40 will not instantly cause your chain to disolve, your bits to fall off or the world to end. The chatroom theorists may worry but I wouldn't.
The chain manufacturers exclusion always looks to me like it was written by warranty people. If you exclude something detectable but generally done you cut down how much work you have to do: "So, you WD40'd the chain/rode out of the showroom on the BMW/tried to use the pump to move liquid Sir? Sorry, if you read clause 11b/12-iv you'll see that invalidates the warranty. Hard chips, buy a new one". 
Andy
|
9 Dec 2012
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Posts: 193
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie
The chain manufacturers exclusion always looks to me like it was written by warranty people. If you exclude something detectable but generally done you cut down how much work you have to do: "So, you WD40'd the chain/rode out of the showroom on the BMW/tried to use the pump to move liquid Sir? Sorry, if you read clause 11b/12-iv you'll see that invalidates the warranty. Hard chips, buy a new one".
Andy |
It's a chain . . . not a motorcycle. The exclusion(s) for those are suitably limited.
__________________
Orange, it's the new black.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Hybrid Mode
