Rust on the chain...

[winxp-master]

I have no garage so the bike sits under a cover out the back, i have noticed that the harsh winter we have had has created a few rust patches on the chain. I have kept the chain as lubed as possible but still they are there.

Will ACF50 help?... Can i use that on the chain or is it time for a new chain? I'm a numpty when it comes to this stuff but would like to learn rather than stick it in a garage and be no better off (knowledge wise i mean)

Iv'e also noticed it creeping on the brake disc but for obvious reasons i don't want to be spraying anything on that apart from break cleaner so will i damage the disc if i use some sort of scowerer to get it off?

Many thanks oh wise ones.

[italy1]

got the same problem and looking forward to seeing advise from the wise....I bought a can of ACF but not used yet, no gargae and bike on the move all week does not help to keeping it clean....

[digitalcaptive]

I think you'd be better off using a heavy coating of chain wax after a good oiling is as good as anything certainly more effective than acf on your chain.

a light scouring of the discs is in no way going to damage them mate

[stuart]

Craig, I don't know about Suzuki but Honda specificaly state not to use anything other than heavy oil on the chains that come as standard on transalp 700's, apparently the fancy sprays can damage the "O" ring protection system in the links, I assume that their chains are pretty similar to most, personaly so long as the chain runs freely without any stiff spots I woulden't be too worried, chains are effectivly "consumables" and with a regularly used bike will wear out before any surface rust becomes relevant,
Just my thoughts,

or buy a bike with a shaft drive

[tramp]

hi all,
I use ACF all the time BUT NOT ON CHAIN as iys rumoured to damage rubber, so those pesky o/x rings will fail faster than they should.

had no proff of this though so if some wants to try TELL US ABOUT IT.

when my bike lived outdoors after 1 day of rain and the disks would have surface rust like cars too, but after applying brakes it went only to reappera the next time it rained. Now its kept in the garage overnight it dont do it so must be something in the pads reacting with the grap in the air

On the chain yes in winter it gets surface rust, only real solution is at the weekend to clean with a little brush and whatevers kind to the links/seals. some us parrafin/diesel/kerosin others WD40 [reports of damaging seals too] I use a bit of engine degeaser then wash off with water ,dry then apply heavy wax oil on sides with a brush.

only do this when rust gets bad , depends how much salt there throwing around .
I have a scott oiler but we all know the flow slows down at cold temps , turn it up okay but then when warmer it pisses out everywhere.

Only real solution - MOVE somewhere its warm and dont rain

[Paul-S]

Craig

When I clean the bike I always do the chain too. I just wipe the crud off with baby wipes and then smear a thin coating of chainlube from the scottoiler bottle on both sides using a rag and back on the inside and outside of the links to coat the rollers

[winxp-master]

Thanks guys...

So, ACF on the chain, no no... keep it well oiled and clean regular... i think i can manage that.

[davsato]

no prob if your chains a bit rusty on the sides, it looks horrible and is a sign of neglect but doesnt affect the chain as long as the o-rings havent let it get inside the moving bit. as long as the chain doesnt have any stiff spots and isnt sloppy (try and bend it side to side, then push the links together longways, there shouldnt be much movement)
give it a scrub with some petrol or light oil, then chain wax or heavy oil it and stop worrying about it. the lighter the stuff you oil it with, the more often you will need to reapply. ive got a snottoiler and my chain looks new and never needs adjusting.

[Austin]

Like evryone else - the rust is hopefully just on the surface and will wipe off. AFter that, normal chain lube, or scotoil, or EP90 should keep the rust at bay, it just needs topping up from time to time - more often in wet and salty weather.

ACF50 - the blurb that comes with ACF50 says ts safe on rubber. All I know is that once I squirted some of my nearly new (5,000miles) TA chain and within a week the O rings failed and there was grease oozing everywhere. Coincidence, probably, but personally I am not taking any chances and keep ACF50 away from my chain.

[Steve T]

Craig,

I mix EP90 gear oil with a bit of water proof grease until I get a semi-liquid consistancy, then paint it onto both the inner & outer side plates of the chain. I use the TA all year round and never see the dreaded brown lurgy on the chain with the above treatment (I do have a scottoiler fitted that runs at many drips a minute at the moment to keep the crud off the chain). I re-do the coating when ever it looks like thinning out - normally after several washes.

Just my simplistic solution

Steve T