I'M BACK!!! It's been a while since I posted here. I should re-introduce myself. Name is Dave Lowry from New Mexico. Ride a 92 Softtail & 82 FLH. At the moment my 82 is sitting in my shop with nothing in the frame except the motor and trans. Had a nasty transmission oil leak to fix and one thing led to another so all the sheet metal is at the paint shop, front and rear wheels off and of course outer and inner primary case. Had to strip this down to get to the trans sprocket and to a $2.00 oil seal.
So, anyway, the rear chain was in need of some serious cleaning because of the leak. I soaked it in gas, probably a mistake, and am looking for a good chain lube to go back with. Anybody have any old school recipies? Got to put the rear tire back on with chain so I can get enough torque on the trans sprocket nut.
Dave

Hey Dave,
I've seen a wax (think of bee's wax or candle wax) that you actually melt in a pot then while it's hot you soak the chain in it then hang the chain up and let the wax drip off. Its supposed to stay on longer and not be as messy as lube gets when the chain is spun - also doesn't collect dirt like a wet lube does. Cant remember where my buddy used to get it... it's been a long while since I've had any dealings with chains...
I've used 90 weight/ differential lube, same way - soak it for a while then let it "drip" but it gets to be like a magnet for dirt and gunk. If I remember anything else I'll post it for you but I think the wax stuff was the secret sauce back in the day... Hope it helps

Nice to see you back on the forum!

Sorry I don't have any recipe for chain oil like rendering chicken fat and one part olive oil but for snake oil, yes. I use PJ1 it comes in a spay can like wd40 with the tube I'm sure that you know what I mean. I use it on all my chain driven bikes which are sport bikes. They have a product called Black Label it gets thick and is like tar but it gave me over 30K miles on my last chain on my 165 hp sport bike. They also have a clear product that I use.

Never ever wash your chain in any solvent, gas, wd40 etc. It dries out the rubber "o - rings" on the chain. Use a mild soap and brush I use hot water and dish detergent.

I lube my chain every 300 to 500 miles or every other time I take it for a days ride.

Would love to see how your project is coming along and some pics would be great .

I figured that was a bad idea with the gas, cleaned it up real good though! I too have heard about a wax that you heat up, surely it couldn't be as simple as parifin?
I'll check with a local ATV shop on some spray-on. My Harley shop moved out of town, no help there.
Thanks for the info, guys, it's good to be back.
Dave