Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => The Knowledge => Topic started by: barryandjanetwil on 31 August, 2020, 03:24:39 pm

Title: Degreasing a new Shimano chain.
Post by: barryandjanetwil on 31 August, 2020, 03:24:39 pm
I've just bought a 10 speed shimano mtb chain and want to try waxing it. Yes I do, I really do. But trying to degrease it is not as easy as I'd thought.  I've soaked it overnight in White Spirit  and over a second night in Screwfix degreaser but the chain is still greasy.  How should I degrease it?

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Title: Re: Decreasing a new Shimano chain.
Post by: Jurek on 31 August, 2020, 03:37:34 pm
White spirit  will leave it greasy.
I don't know what is in Screwfix's degreaser.
I would agitate it thoroughly (rather than leaving it overnight) in petrol.
Following which, agitate it thoroughly in isopropyl alcohol.
Change the isoprop for uncontaminated one, and repeat the process until the chain is free of grease.
Don't smoke whilst carrying out either of the above.
Title: Re: Decreasing a new Shimano chain.
Post by: barryandjanetwil on 31 August, 2020, 03:40:32 pm
In both cases I gave it a good shaking before and after the overnight soak, but i didn't know white Spirit left it greasy.

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Title: Re: Decreasing a new Shimano chain.
Post by: rafletcher on 31 August, 2020, 04:59:01 pm
I’d use something like Gunk and give it several soak / rinse cycles.

 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gunk-Engine-Cleaner-Degreasant-Brush-On-1L-Deep-Clean-Degreaser-Remove-Grime/283438580347?epid=1526509933&hash=item41fe41827b:g:USsAAOSwyQVco2He

It’s a product that’s been around a long time, but just works. Rinse off with water. Dry the chain in the airing cupboard or a low oven.
Title: Re: Degreasing a new Shimano chain.
Post by: barryandjanetwil on 31 August, 2020, 05:21:08 pm
I'll try that rafletcher. I used it years ago but had forgotten all about it.

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Title: Re: Degreasing a new Shimano chain.
Post by: Andy64 on 31 August, 2020, 06:17:54 pm
I've used Gunk for years. Usually leave the chain in an old sandwich box, while cleaning the rest of the bike, giving it an occasional shake. Rinse in a bucket of hot soapy water, swing it around like a windmill, then WD40 to disperse any water left over. Lube when back on the bike.
The Gunk can then be poured carefully back into the can, so all the crap is left in the box
Title: Re: Degreasing a new Shimano chain.
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 13 September, 2020, 11:48:53 am
I have just done this.  I had a slightly old chain but the bottom bracket was being changed so it seemed a good time.  2 goes in the ultrasonic cleaner with double strength cleaner, then left to dry overnight then rinsed in acetone and left to dry overnight and then 2 coats of wax.
Title: Re: Degreasing a new Shimano chain.
Post by: T42 on 13 September, 2020, 04:46:33 pm
Trichlorethylene will do it, but do it out of doors and give it time to evaporate afterwards.  Colleague of mine halfway destroyed his kidneys by using it in his shed.
Title: Re: Degreasing a new Shimano chain.
Post by: freeflow on 13 September, 2020, 06:20:20 pm
The best way to wax a chain is to invest in a £10 slow cooker from Amazon and use molten speedwax or some similar offering. You only need to degrease the chain once.  Afterwards you just wipe the chain to remove loose wax, surface debris, then pop it  into hot wax to cook for another 30 minutes (with occasional swishing) before hanging up to cool.


I recently started using molten speedwax on a single speed transmission using 11/32" chains and the result have been impressive.  I've done 844km on two chains (200km ~1 weeks riding).  When I take the chain off I check elongation with a park tools cc2 chain checker.  I still can't get the pins between the links.  With a 10 speed chain on my triple setup, I'd be seeing at least 0.25% wear on both chains by this stage.
Title: Re: Degreasing a new Shimano chain.
Post by: Nightmare-1 on 29 September, 2020, 10:16:05 pm
Be very careful with Trichlorethylene and don't get it on your skin as it will cause hardening of the arteries amongst other things.

I used to use this all the time as my Dad bought it home from work in the 70's in brown ribbed demijohns.

We always knew it was dangerous stuff as it would melt toothbrushes.  :o

That being said it is a very good degreaser.

@T42. It's been banned for years. How on earth did you get some?
Title: Re: Degreasing a new Shimano chain.
Post by: ElyDave on 29 September, 2020, 10:37:42 pm
Tetrachloroethylene is still used offshore as the government defined method for oil in water samples, one of the few permitted uses

hexane would work perfectly well, but the test would need to be rewritten and validated.
Title: Re: Degreasing a new Shimano chain.
Post by: barryandjanetwil on 01 October, 2020, 03:09:34 pm
I went the isolated prop alcohol route.  Chain now waxed and running smoothly.
Thanks guys.

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